Robert Norvelle Wathen Jr.

Robert Norvelle Wathen, Jr., 82, of Louisville, passed away on December 9, 2025. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, he was the son of the late Robert Norvelle Wathen and Ella Patricia Hennessy, and was preceded in death by his sister, Laura Ann Robinson.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years Cindy Wathen; half-sister Kathy Mason; daughters Catherine, Sarah (Thomas), Elizabeth (Jon), Jennifer (J.C.), and Melissa; grandchildren Christine, Molly, Emma, Anna, Gregory, and Connor; and great-grandchild Theodore.

Norvelle attended Holy Spirit, Catholic Country Day, and Kentucky Military Institute, later attending the University of Cincinnati.

Norvelle was raised in a family deeply rooted in Kentucky’s distilling heritage. His father and uncle, J.B. Wathen, were owners of Wathen Brothers Distillery before selling it to National Distillers. He was a devoted collector of Old Grand-Dad memorabilia, reflecting his family’s connection to the brand prior to its sale to Jim Beam. Norvelle took great pride in this heritage and dedicated much of his life to preserving and sharing its history.

A lifelong student of history, Norvelle was widely respected for his expertise, both locally and nationally. He was a member of the Louisville Civil War Round Table, the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, and a founding member of Little Big Horn Associates. He was also a published author of An Aerial Perspective, featuring aerial photography of the Little Big Horn battlefield. Driven by his love of history and desire to learn, Norvelle assembled an extensive library covering the Civil War, General Custer, and Western history.

Norvelle worked as a commercial photographer, documenting events for the Kentucky Derby Festival and local manufacturers. He later owned an audio consulting business, through which he shared his love of music.

Visitation will be held at Arch L. Heady & Son Funeral Home at 7410 Westport Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40222, on Monday January 12, 2026, from 11am – 1 pm.

A service will follow at 1 pm.

Private burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Little Big Horn Associate’s in care of: Linda Belliley 437 Penne View Drive Millersville, PA 17551