Robert Bales

Robert K. Bales, 60, of the Alquina community, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 4, 2017, at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. Bob was born on November 26, 1956 in Connersville to Billy and Sally Bales. He was a 1975 graduate of Connersville High School and the Connersville Area Vocational School. On June 15, 1985, he married the love of his life, the former Karen Hobbs at Alquina United Methodist Church. For 25 years, he was employed as a machinist at Roots Blower until his retirement in 1999. He was also a member of the Eagles. Bob enjoyed drag racing and never missed a U.S. Nationals in 41 years. He loved music, especially Merle Haggard. Bob loved to sing and write music as well. He loved watching sports with his family. His favorite teams were Indiana University basketball, Cincinnati Reds, and the Indianapolis Colts. His most enjoyed being a father, grandfather and a dear friend to everyone. Bob is survived by his wife of 31 years, Karen of Connersville: his daughter Stephanie Shaffer, son-in-law Eric Shaffer; granddaughter: Madeline Shaffer, and expected granddaughter Elaine Shaffer, of Indianapolis. He is also survived by his mother Sally Shires Bales, brother Don Bales and his wife Theresa; sisters: Jill Roberts and Tammy Bales, all of Connersville; special cousins: DK Bales of Connersville, John Clifton and his wife, Cindy, of Escondido, California and Mary Clifton of Andersonville. He is also survived by his mother-in-law and father-in-law: Charles and Bernice Hobbs of Connersville; special sister-in-laws: Nancy Redd of Liberty and Mary Hobbs of Connersville; nephews: Jason Bales of Sausalito, California; Allen and Jay Bales of Moreno Valley, California; Logan Seale, Michael and Brian Redd, Charlie Baker, all of Connersville, along with many cousins, great nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. Bob is preceded in death by his father Billy Bales and his brothers Daniel and Gary Bales, as well as his brother-in-law John Roberts. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, 2017, at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, with special friend, Jay Rowe and family pastor, Robby Judd of Alquina United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will follow in Union Cemetery Garden of Memories near Lyonsville. Visitation will be Friday, April 7, 2017 from 4 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made at the funeral home to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation as well as the Alquina Blue Arrows Park Scholarship Fund. For additional information and features go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.