The world became a little less bright on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, with the passing of Robert "Bob" Leon Cliver, age 80, of Dugger, Indiana.

Bob was born on March 26, 1946, at his parents' home in Cass, Indiana (Sullivan County), to William and Mary (Leigh) Cliver.

He was a man whose life was firmly anchored in his Christian faith, his family, his friends, and a tireless work ethic. He found joy in telling jokes, eating donuts, fishing at the family “fish farm,” watching NFL football games, and, above all, never missing his grandchildren's activities, events, or sporting competitions.

Bob retired from the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility in Carlisle, Indiana, where he served as Head of the Armory and trained countless correctional officers at the firing range. Prior to that, he dedicated 18 years to JI Case in Terre Haute until the plant closed.

Bob was the beloved husband of Barbara “Jeanie” Laxton Cliver, his high school sweetheart and the love of his life for more than 60 years. During their senior year at Union High School in Dugger, IN Bob served as football captain and proudly crowned Jeanie as the Homecoming Football Queen. He graduated from Union High School in 1965, and the couple married on May 14, 1966, at the First Christian Church in Dugger, IN, where they faithfully worshipped together throughout their lives.

In December 1965, Bob was inducted in the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War until December 1967.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Jeanie; his daughter, Kimi Bing (John Bing) of Ellettsville, Indiana, who was incredibly proud to call him her dad; and his cherished grandchildren, Ashlyn Roach (Allec Roach) of Dugger, Indiana, and Aiden Bing and Rylan Bing of Ellettsville, Indiana, whom he loved beyond measure.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary (Leigh) Cliver; his brothers, Tom Cliver (Willie), John Cliver (Judy), and Bill Cliver; his sisters, Patty Manuel (Wayne "Shag"), Rosemary Smith (John), and Phyllis Chapman; and his sister-in-law, Darla Cliver. He is also survived by his brothers, Danny Cliver, Chuck Cliver (Angie), and Jerry Cliver; his sister, Freida Boyd (Benji); his brother-in-law, Mike Laxton; his sister-in-law, Jill Laxton; and many beloved nieces and nephews with whom he treasured spending time with.

Bob was blessed with a remarkable group of lifelong friends. Together they graduated from high school, raised their family’s side by side, shared family vacations, boating at the Sullivan Lake, pool parties, worshipped together, celebrated life's joys, and supported one another through its hardships. Those treasured friends include Randy and Jeanne Delph, Ronnie and Kathy Pigg, and Rick and Phyllis Walters.

Today, we celebrate the life of an extraordinary man whose greatest joy was loving his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a very proud papa, a loyal friend, and a humble man whose kindness touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. He lived with quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and a heart that never hesitated to give. Bob was the kind of father who would drop everything to help someone in need. He gave his time freely, shared his wisdom generously, and offered unconditional support without ever expecting anything in return. His love was never measured by grand gestures but by the countless sacrifices he made every day, always placing the needs of others before his own. He taught us that true character is found in humility, compassion, faith, and hard work. Through his actions, he showed us what it means to love unconditionally and to stand beside those you care about, no matter the circumstances. He never sought recognition or praise; seeing the people he loved happy was all the reward he ever needed. To his family, Bob was our protector, our biggest supporter, and our safe place. His gentle guidance, comforting words, and quiet presence brought peace during life's most difficult moments. He celebrated our victories as though they were his own and carried our burdens as if they belonged to him. Although our hearts are terribly broken by his passing, we find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on through the values he instilled, the love he shared, and the countless lives he changed simply by being himself. We will forever remember his warm smile, laughter, generous spirit, infectious sense of humor, and the unconditional love that defined his life. He leaves behind a family who will miss him every day but who will carry his lessons, his faith, and his love in their hearts forever. Though he no longer walks beside us, his strength, kindness, and selfless spirit will continue to guide us. A father's love is one of life's greatest gifts, and we were truly blessed to call him ours. Rest peacefully, Dad. Thank you for every sacrifice, every lesson, every laugh, and every act of love. You asked for nothing, gave everything, and will be loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Until we meet again, you will forever remain in our hearts. Job well done, Dad!

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Southern Care Hospice, especially Curtni Bedwell, for the compassionate care and kindness shown to Bob and our family. We also extend a special thank you to Bob's niece, Jenna Bailey, for her unwavering help and support, and to our church family for the many meals, prayers, and acts of love during this difficult time.

A Celebration of Bob's Wonderful Life will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the First Christian Church, Dugger, Indiana.