Robert L. Glass
INDIANAPOLIS - The Reverend Robert L. (Bob) Glass was born on September 14, 1925 and passed away February 18, 2024. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and partner. Bob will be remembered for his faith, his compassion for others, and his daily gratitude for life.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and attended Notre Dame University. After the war, he graduated from Indiana University in 1949 and Drew Theological Seminary in 1952. He obtained a Master’s degree in Christian education from Union Theological Seminary and Columbia University in 1955.
In 1950 he married Marjory Brown, and they enjoyed 55 years of married life and raised five children.
In his career, Bob served Methodist and United Methodist churches in Maybrook and Montgomery, New York and in West Lafayette, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Marion, and Whiting, Indiana. He also served as executive secretary of the Board of Education for the North Indiana Conference of the Methodist church in the 1960s.
In retirement, one of Bob’s top priorities was his family. He took a deep interest in his children and grandchildren, who have valued his loving support and engagement in their lives.
After Margie’s passing in 2005, Bob moved in 2009 to Robin Run Village in Indianapolis, where he helped found a Kiwanis chapter and served as the first president and program chair. He also helped organize a Green Team, to expand recycling and composting, which he chaired for 10 years. In 2012 he married Margaret Pengilly, and they shared seven years of companionship. In 2019 he met Jean Smith, who has been a devoted partner ever since.
To the end, Bob remained always curious about people and how he could contribute to making the world a better place for all people.
Bob is survived by Jean Smith and four children—Jim, Kathy Ehret (Sam), Jeff (Sue), and Bonnie MacDonald. One child, Jon, predeceased him. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, George; sister, Irma Robey; and by many nephews and nieces.
A celebration of life service will be held at North United Methodist Church on March 2 at 11:30 A.M. Visitation will begin at 10:30. A lunch for guests will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to North Church or United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary assisting with arrangements For more information, visit www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/indianapolis-in/ robert-glass-11674987.