Robert J. “Bob” Rose, 79, of Leesburg, Ind., passed away Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, at Mason’s Health & Rehabilitation Center, Warsaw, Ind.

He was born on May 2, 1933, in Cornwall, N.Y., to Charles and Agnes (Parker) Rose. On Dec. 14, 1974, he married Donna Jean Emmons who survives.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran, retiring in 1972 after 22 years of service. He had at one time been stationed on the USS Missouri. He later became a contractor for the government and retired from civilian duty in 1987.

Bob belonged to both the North Webster American Legion as well as the Syracuse VFW.

He is survived by his wife: Donna Jean Rose, Warsaw, Ind.; two daughters: Sherry Ann McCarthy and Ellen Mary Beck; two step-sons: Michael Emmons Highley and Jeffrey Lynn Highley; and a brother: James Howard Rose.

He was preceded in death by four brothers and four sisters.

A memorial service to honor Bob’s life will be held at Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse, Ind., at a later date to be announced.