Robert L. “Bob” Beesley, 80, of Westport, passed away at 10:43 a.m. on Tuesday,
February 10, 2026, at his residence. He was born on August 14, 1945, in Seymour,
Indiana, the son of Herb L. and Evelyn Fae (Stohler) Beesley. He was raised in
Jennings County and a 1963 graduate of Vernon High School. He has resided in
Decatur County since 1971. Bob was a farmer and had been an insurance agent for
Farmer’s Mutual for 39 years. He drove a school bus for 34 ½ years. He was a
member of Sardinia Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. Bob enjoyed
farming, trucking and bus driving. He was most comfortable behind the wheel of a
South Decatur school bus. He loved driving students to their athletic events and
field trips. He was a volleyball official and ran the scoreboard at all South
Decatur High School events. Bob married Karen Kay Swords on March 28, 1965, in
Lovett, Indiana and she survives. Other survivors include his daughter, Susan
(Terry) Payne of Westport and his son, Todd (Charity) Beesley of Danville,
Illinois; two brothers, William “Bill” (Judy) Beesley and Richard “Bud” (Jeanne)
Beesley both of North Vernon; his grandchildren, Jacob Beesley, Jeremy (Jill)
Beesley, Aimee (Bryan) Quinn and Shelby Payne; his great grandchildren, Braiden,
Charlie, Willow, Indie and Scout. He was preceded in death by his parents; his
father-in-law, Frank and his beloved mother-in-law, Irene Swords. Funeral
services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Bass &
Gasper Funeral Home in Westport with Rev. Tom Rust officiating. Burial will
follow at Vernon Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held on Saturday,
February 14, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial
contributions may be made to Letts Fire Department Ambulance Service through the
funeral home. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.bassgasper.com