Robert “Bob” Wayne Demoret peacefully entered the kingdom of Heaven on Dec. 15, 2023, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s.
Born on June 3, 1939, at Crawfordsville, to Charles Edwin Demoret and Alta May Wheat Demoret, he was one of five children. Bob graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 1957, where he excelled in football, baseball and basketball. He shared 66 wonderful years of marriage with his high school sweetheart, Sharon Lee Sheets. He attended classes at Purdue University while working for RR Donnelly where he remained until his retirement in 2001. A lifelong member and trustee of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, he cherished his community deeply. An outdoorsman at heart, Bob found joy in both gardening and water sports. His prowess as a national-level canoeist earned him multiple titles, notably the 1975 National Singles Canoeing Championship. His passion for canoe racing extended to craftsmanship; his canoe designs, created alongside his friend Dave Meadows, were sought after by Olympic competitors. Bob’s talents were multifaceted — he was an adept carpenter who built his own home, barn, and woodshop. In retirement, he discovered a love for restoring antique cars, proudly showcasing two model As at parades and car shows, where he received several accolades.
Known for his unwavering patience, devotion, and ever-present smile, Bob was a steadfast and kind presence in the lives of those around him. His neighbors and friends valued his reliability and willingness to lend a helping hand. Bob was a father figure to several young men in the community and extended his guidance and support to those who needed it. To his family, he was a cherished teacher and mentor to his son, a guiding light to his daughter, and an endlessly playful spirit to his granddaughters.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Gordan and Rondal; and sister Eleanor Joan Rowan.
He is survived by his loving wife Sharon; sister Sandra Gilley; daughter Rebecca Demoret; son Robert Bradley (Dana) Demoret; three granddaughters, Bryana (Ben) Williams, Julianne Demoret and Savannah (Tanner) Thomas; great-grandsons, Tate and Tripp Thomas; and surrogate son by heart Tony Reumler.
A memorial service honoring Bob’s life will be held Friday, Dec. 22 at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Crawfordsville, and officiated by Pastor Warren Stewart. The viewing will be from noon to 2 p.m., followed by the funeral service from 2-3 p.m., and a graveside service immediately thereafter.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 2131 Black Creek Valley Road, Crawfordsville, IN 47933 or to the Dementia Society of America (https://dementiasociety.org/donate), P.O. Box 600 Doylestown, PA 18901.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.huntandson.com.
