HAYDEN
Robert J. “Bob” Habenicht, 81, passed away peacefully Friday, Jan. 23, 2015, in the home he built with his father in Hayden, in the company of his beloved wife, daughters, son-in-law, granddaughter, nephew and dear church friend.
Born Oct. 22, 1933, in Seymour, he was the son of August “Georg” and Anna Habenicht, both of whom preceded him in death.
He graduated from Hayden High School in 1951 and began working at Cummins Engine Co. in Columbus. Shortly thereafter, he joined the National Guard and was part of the 152nd Infantry until 1960. He was transferred to Charleston, South Carolina, with Cummins in 1976. He was employed as a mechanical engineer for 35 years and retired at the age of 52. In 2003, Bob returned home to Hayden to the original house he built for his bride, Fredonna “Jane” Boner.
Bob and Jane were married June 28, 1953, at Hayden Baptist Church. They had recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in 2014.
Bob’s hobbies included golf and watching his grandkids play, playing cards, bowling, archery, splitting wood, gardening, hunting, fishing, farming, watching ball games, “The Price is Right,” CNN, “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy.” He loved brain teasers, woodworking and finding solutions for repairing equipment.
He was a member of Hayden Masonic Lodge, Hayden Baptist Church, the Hole-In-One Club (times seven) and a past member of Shadowood Golf Course in Seymour and Kings Grant Country Club in Summerville, South Carolina.
Bob loved God, his family, church family, friends and golf buddies.
Survivors include his wife; their two daughters, Sharon Marshall of Hayden, and Wanda (Stephen) McReynolds of Jacksonville, Florida; six grandchildren, Shawn Marshall and Courtney Knittel of Indianapolis, Katrina (Karl) Critides of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Kellie (Todd) Barriger of Hayden, Devin McReynolds of Jacksonsville, Florida, and Blake McReynolds of St. Augustine, Florida; four great-grandchildren, Madeline, Kaitlin and Gavin Critides and Cora Marshall; two stepgrandchildren, Aric and JoAnn Barriger; two siblings, Elsa Knoy of Indianapolis, and George Habenicht of Seymour; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Anita Habenicht, and a brother, Roy Habenicht.
The funeral service will be at 7 p.m. today at Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Services in North Vernon with the Rev. Mark Sorrells officiating. A Masonic service will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday conducted by members of Six Mile Masonic Lodge 412.
Burial will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Hayden Cemetery with military graveside rites.
Family and friends may call from 4 p.m. until time of service today at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made through the funeral home to Schneck Hospice of Seymour, Hayden Baptist Church Scholarship Fund, JCHS Girls Golf Team or Hayden Historical Music Museum.