Robert Earl Napier

American patriot, Robert Earl Napier, 92, died Monday, April 10, 2023 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born on October 24, 1930 to Norman and Francis Eleanor Welsh Napier in Union County. He grew up in Liberty, attending Short High School. Bob married the former Joyce Liming on October 21, 1950 in Kitchel, Indiana; together they shared seventy loving years. In 1951, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force earning the rank of Tech Sergeant. He served during the Korean conflict where he received multiple awards including: the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. After returning home, Bob was employed with the family business as a contractor; he never retired and proudly worked until his death. He was a man of faith who formerly attended Salem Friends Church where he served as superintendent. Bob was a proud Union County native and veteran. He was honored to deliver Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day speeches and conducted countless military funerals for over half a century. He was a faithful member of the Scottish Rite, Tarum Shrine Club, Liberty Masonic Lodge #58 – Worship Master, Lifetime member of the American Legion – Post Commander, as well as, Veterans of Foreign Wars. Bob received many awards and accolades including: 2022 Sagamore of the Wabash, 2021 Golden Hoosier Award, Indiana’s Torchbearer recipient- 2016, West College Corner Parade Marshall- 2015, Kentucky Colonel recipient – 1991, Hoosier Half Century Business Award – 2009, Union County Sesquicentennial President – 1971, Union County Bicentennial Honoree – 2021. When Bob wasn’t serving his community he enjoyed vacationing to Disney, traveling to Lake Erie to fish and spending time with his friends. Above all, Bob was a family man who loved God, his family, and his country. Bob is survived by his daughters and their spouse: Threasa Schwegman and Steve, Tara McCreary, Tonya Dare and Abe, Tammy Drudy and David; brother: Harold Melvin and Emily; thirteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and friends too numerous to mention. In addition to his wife, and parents, Bob is preceded in death by his son Robert David Napier. A Masonic Funeral Service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Showalter Blackwell Long, Fosdick Chapel, Liberty with Jeff Mathews officiating. Burial will follow at College Corner Cemetery with Military Honors. Friends may visit the funeral home on Friday, April 14, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Legion or the VFW in Liberty. For more information or to leave condolences and memories for the family please visit www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.