Robert J. “Bob” Chezem, 80, of Lafayette, and formerly of Crawfordsville, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, at Rosewalk Village of Lafayette.
He retired after nearly 45 years of service as an assistant pressman with RR Donnelley and Sons where he also spent time in the plate room.
He was born Aug. 6, 1946, in Clinton, to the late George Chezem and Hester Mae Cochran Chezem.
Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Jane Ross Chezem, whom he married Aug. 20, 1992; daughter Erica Chezem of Lafayette; son Shane (Beth) Chezem of Veedersburg; six grandchildren, Ethan, Issac, Zachary, Nathan, Lauren and Hannah; and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by sister Rita Mae Chezem and brother James Chezem.
He was an Air-Force veteran serving in the Vietnam War. He was a member of Montgomery Masonic lodge #50, Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis, Murat Shrine, Indianapolis, American Legion Byron Cox post 72, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Brian Bowman Post 1431, Fraternal Order of the Eagles where he served as secretary all in Crawfordsville. He was also past president of the Montgomery County Shrine Club. He enjoyed all sports including Indianapolis Colts, Indiana University, Notre Dame, Cincinnati Reds and NASCAR.
Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 at Memory Garden Cemetery in Rockville, with Minister Chris Winn officiating and military honors by Parke County veterans.
Memorials should friends so desire, may be made to the Veterans Memorial Park at the Byron Cox American Legion Post, 101 Walter Remley Drive, Crawfordsville, IN 47933 in his memory.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Gooch Funeral Home & Crematory, Rockville.
Online condolences may be shared at www.goochfuneralhome.com.
