Robert L. Veach

Robert (Bob) L. Veach, 80, born July 14, 1937, Floyd and Grace (Van Matre) Veach passed away at his home on July 6, 2018, after an extended illness.

Bob was an avid golfer all of his life, playing almost all his rounds at the Westwood Country Club in New Castle, IN. He loved the St. Louis Cardinals. You could count on one hand the number of games per season he did not listen to or watch on TV. He enjoyed fishing, nature, history, coaching sports, watching high school and college basketball, and following New Castle Trojan athletics. Bob was an animal lover and he is survived by his most recent “best friend,” Tilly. After retirement, he spent the winters in Florida and enjoyed traveling with his wife.

Bob graduated from Ball State University in 1959 with a degree in Elementary Education. He completed graduate degrees at Ball State University in 1961 and 1962. He started his education career by teaching 5th grade at Winchester. He spent 40 years with the New Castle Community School System as a teacher at Wilbur Wright and Weir and as a principal at Holland, Parker, and Westwood. He was the Westwood Elementary School Principal from 1978 until his retirement in 2000.

Bob went the extra mile for students to provide a memorable education experience complete with every imaginable extracurricular activity. He led wonderful nature walks and personally made a set of wildflower books for the students to use. He planted a variety of trees on the Westwood property and made a key for the kids to use in identifying them. He supported wonderful summer school programs to provide unique learning opportunities for kids. As a principal, he continued to go in the classroom and work with students. He would teach physical education if the teacher was ill because of his love for students and sports.

In 1970, he was awarded “Top Young Educator” by the Jaycees on the basis of his education philosophy, practices, and community service. He coached the 1969-70 7th grade basketball team to 16 wins, no losses. The previous year he was vice-president of Little League baseball in New Castle. He was also voted “Principal of the Year” by his peers in the Principals Association. In 2000, Bob was awarded the Joseph A Shapiro award for thanks and honor for service given.

Bob was politically active, including a 2000-2008 stint on the Henry County Council.

Bob lived the majority of his life in Westwood, only moving to Yorktown for the last 7 years. He was a long-time member of Sugar Grove United Methodist Church in New Castle, IN. After moving to Yorktown, he enjoyed attending Cammack United Methodist Church.

Robert is survived by his wife, Joyce of 21 years, daughters, Cathi Alkhawaja of Muncie, Laura Shondell (husband, John) of Lafayette and granddaughters, Allie and Lexi Shondell. He is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that call him “Fuzzy.” He is also remembered by teachers, staff and students that still call him “Mr. Veach.”

Robert is preceded in death by his first wife Brenda, who he was married to from June 1963 until her passing in 1989, his brother, Wilbur Veach (wife, Inez), his sister, Virginia Guffey (husband, John), his aunt, Josephine Crawford (husband, Lloyd) and his parents, Floyd and Grace Veach.

Joyce Veach, his wife, and his daughters would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to Taylor Mapes, his caregiver for the last 15 months. She was family to Bob during his last months.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at Hinsey Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Burial will follow immediately after the service at South Mound Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 – 8 p.m. Monday, July 9th at the funeral home. First United Methodist Church will serve lunch as a celebration of his life following the graveside service. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Cammack United Methodist Church, 1901 N. Cammack St., Muncie, IN 47304 or ARF, 1209 W. Riggin Rd., Muncie, IN 47303. You may express condolences or share a memory of Robert at www.hinsey-brown.com .