Robert Dale Hockersmith, 84, of North Vernon, passed away at 7:40 p.m. on
Thursday, February 9, 2023 at Willow Crossing Health & Rehab Center in Columbus.
He was born on May 6, 1938 in Greensburg, the son of Robert John & Elnora Jane
(Welch) Hockersmith. He had been a resident of Jennings and Decatur Counties all
of his life and was a graduate of Jackson Township High School. He retired from
Cummins Engine Co. in Columbus. He was a member of the Westport Masonic Lodge 52 F. & A.M. and a 60-year member of the I.O.O.F. Lodoge #681 in Westport. He was a

member of the New Bethel Methodist Church. Robert had a coin shop for many
years. He enjoyed playing Euchre and Gin Rummy. He served in the Indiana
National Guard. He was married to Edith Irene Tempest on September 6, 1959 at
New Bethel Methodist Church and she survives. Other survivors include his
daughters, Julie (Joe) Diekhoff of North Vernon and Janice (Judson) Burton of
Valparaiso; son, Scott (Tina) Hockersmith of North Vernon; brother, William
Joseph Hockersmith of Greensburg and 6 grandchildren. He was preceded in death
by his parents; infant daughter, Dianna Lynn Hockersmith and granddaughter,
Claudia Anne Hockersmith. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on
Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at the Bass & Gasper Funeral Home in Westport with
Rev. Connie Barr officiating. Burial will follow at the Mt. Aerie Cemetery in
Letts. A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 from 4:00
p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home with an Odd Fellows Ceremony starting
at 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the New Bethel Methodist
Church or the American Cancer Society through the funeral home. Online
condolences can be made to the family at www.bassgasper.com .