Robert Joseph "Bob" Back

Robert Joseph “Bob” Back, 81, of North Vernon, passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at his residence.

Born September 23, 1937, in North Vernon, he was the son of Frank and Ruth (Sparks) Back. He married Bonnie Rooks on May 12, 1972 in North Vernon; she survives.

Bob was a 1955 graduate of North Vernon High School and served in the U.S. Army from 1955 until 1958. He worked for Cummins Engine Company in Columbus from 1965-1995, Master Electric from 1962-1965, CP Electronics for 3 years and drove a firetruck for the North Vernon Fire Department for one year. Bob also upholstered furniture from 1960 until 2017. He was a member of Matt Hester Post #2021 V.F.W. where he was a former Quarter Master and Commander, Moose Lodge, Eagles, and Am Vets, all in North Vernon.  Bob enjoyed fishing, hunting, watching NASCAR, Cincinnati Reds Baseball and College football.

Survivors include his loving wife, Bonnie Back; sons, Roger Back, Randy Back and Gary Back, all of North Vernon; daughter Sandra (Mark Smith) Moore of North Vernon; brothers, Leo Back of Jacksonville, Florida and William “Bill” (Sara) Back of Fayetteville, North Carolina; sister, Ruth L. Back of Florida; grandchildren, Brittany (Ryan) Black of Bloomington, Kendra Moore and Kelsey Back, both of North Vernon, and Rachael Back of Houston, Texas; and four great-grandchildren.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Duke, John, and Dale Back; and sisters, Alma Osborn and Ester Gillman.

A funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Friday, August 2, 2019 at the Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North Vernon with Rev. Jerry Byrd officiating. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery with military graveside rites.

Memorials may be made in honor of Bob through the funeral home to Disabled American Veterans or Sandra Back Moore for Animal Care. 

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