Robert Gene "Bob" Leffler

Robert Gene Leffler passed away December 12, 2020. He was born in Beech Grove, Indiana to parents Gene Leffler and Martha Leffler on September 15, 1941. He was a lifelong Beech Grove resident. He is survived by his wife, Linda Harshman (Glesing) Leffler, son Nick Petrone (Amy) of Indianapolis, IN, brothers Don Leffler of Monticello, Indiana, Tim Leffler (Carolyn) of Indianapolis, IN and Ted (Carol) of Florida. He has three grandchildren Audrey, Dominic, and Sophia Petrone. Preceding him in death are his brother Joseph Leffler, wife Sally Morgan Leffler, son Jeff Morgan Leffler and wife Pamela Trueblood Leffler.

He graduated from Beech High School in 1959 and served with the 4th Battalion, 35th Armor Division as a Specialist Five from 1961-1964. After his Army service he worked at several different jobs mostly in construction, with OSHA, Edwards Electrical and Deem Electric. At Deem, he served as the Safety Director and was known admiringly as Safety Bob. He retired from Deem in 2010.

Bob was a dedicated father who took a keen interest in his kids’ activities. As a lover of sports, he coached basketball and baseball, instilling the importance of fundamentals, hard work and good sportsmanship. When he was not coaching, you could be assured that he was in the stands for all the events. In addition, Bob enthusiastically shared his love for the local favorites, including the beloved Indiana Pacers and the joy and excitement of the Indy 500. When not talking about sports, you could expect to learn a history lesson on the roots of Rock-n-Roll and well-reasoned insights on politics.

In addition to his own grandchildren he considered Linda’s children and grandchildren as his own. They are Terri White (Tony) Karen Waters, Steven Glesing (Julie), Brian Glesing (Barbara). Their grandchildren are Andy White, Joe White (Jessie), Sarah White, Freddie Waters (Keeley), Benjamin Waters (Catherine), Donnie Waters, Katie Glesing, Sam Glesing, and Abby Glesing and two great grandchildren, Isaak White and Journey White.

In 2012, he married his former 59er classmate Linda Harshman. They enjoyed several years of travel and entertainment together. Bob was an expert on 1950’s and 60’s music being able to tell you the name of the song, the singer, and usually the year it was recorded. Bob and Linda were able to enjoy two 1950’s Rock-n-Roll Carnival Cruises and saw many of the singers and bands of the era. They traveled to Mt. Rushmore, Frankenmuth, Gatlinburg, Branson, and Washington DC. Bob and Linda also were frequent attendees at the athletic events and other memorable activities of their children and grandchildren.

In an effort to keep family and friends safe, the funeral service will be held privately at Little & Sons Funeral Home, 1301 Main Street, Beech Grove. IN on Thursday, December 17 at 1:00 followed immediately with burial at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. The funeral service will be live streamed and can be joined by visiting the following website (https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/beech-grove-in/robert-leffler-9944282) and clicking the link titled “Join Livestream.) Additionally, you are invited to share a memory or message of condolence. In lieu of flowers. Bob asked that you donate to Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or the Beech Grove High School Scholarship Fund, Beech Grove High School Alumni Association, Inc., PO Box 731, Beech Grove, Indiana 46107.