Robert Charles "Bob" Van Pelt went to be with his Lord and Savior peacefully and surrounded by love on Sunday morning, December 3, 2023, at Reid Hospital where he was born June 26, 1945, to A C and Catherine (Flanagan) Van Pelt. Raised in Richmond with his two older sisters, Ellen and Ann, Bob grew up in a loving home and had many friends and interests. A 1963 graduate of Richmond High School, he participated in concert choir, track & field, and basketball, and was an all-state center for the football team, earning a full scholarship to continue his football career at Indiana University. "Moose" as his college football teammates lovingly nicknamed him, had a great time at IU forging treasured friendships on and off the field. On the field, he was a starting center, and team captain, named All-Big Ten, and selected for the Blue-Gray Football Classic. Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 5th round in 1967, he also spent time with the Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals before returning to Richmond to start a family and career. Bob served as a cook in the National Guard stateside during the Vietnam War. Bob was a gentleman, a storyteller, a music lover and he had the most beautiful baby blue eyes. At home in the clubhouse at Augusta National or playing cards in a smoky bar, he treated everyone he met with genuine interest and respect. He cherished connections. He saw and brought out the best in people. Bob had several jobs and business ventures throughout his life, his longest and most successful being owner/operator of Rax Restaurants, where he grew a single franchise into four locations. He served on the corporation's Board of Directors. The Rax years allowed him to do a lot of what he loved most – giving back to his community, mentoring, teamwork, and helping people achieve their best personally and professionally. Everyone in Richmond, Connersville, and New Castle still wishes they could get a BBC! Always committed to leaving things better than he found them, Bob poured many hours into volunteer coaching at RHS and regional camps, sharing his unique skill set of the center position for 30+ years. In 1995 he was presented the Zora G. Clevenger Award for his generous contributions to Indiana University Athletics. He gladly shared his time and talents with numerous organizations during the prime of his life, a few being Junior Achievement, Boys & Girls Club, Richmond Rose Festival, and the IU Varsity Club. He had vast knowledge and a love of many sports. He was a loyal fan in the stands who provided a free meal after the game for hundreds of Richmond Red Devils. He was a longtime season ticket holder for IUBB, IUFB, and the Indiana Pacers. He was blessed to attend numerous Super Bowls with great friends. He was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame on March 3, 2012. It may have seemed unlikely early in Bob's life but golf ended up being his favorite sport thanks to his only son. From driving to junior golf tournaments to caddying for him when he reached the ultimate goal of the PGA Tour, his commitment to Bo's golf career was unwavering. His leadership background made him a great sports Dad because he loved to say "I never saw Bo miss a shot on purpose." Four years ago, MS took away Bob's ability to do so many of his favorite things. Yet, he continued to impact and assist people as he was able. He corresponded with and encouraged friends and family near and far via phone, email, and Facebook. He continued his work with The First Tee remotely and kept up with the First Tee "kids" as they journeyed on through high school and college, always rooting hard for them. He Zoomed with former IU football players. He loved visitors and phone conversations, unless it was meal time and then you'd have to call him back. His optimism and will to live beyond the confines of four walls and limited mobility were admirable and inspiring. He had an Abraham Lincoln statue in his old office with the quote "Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." He loved that one and he lived it! A gentle giant, Bob never parted from his family or ended a phone conversation without saying "I love you." His kids are forever grateful God chose them to be his children. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and sisters. He is survived by his wife Laura; daughter, Bryn-Ellyn (Josh) and his first wife, Barbara; and their children, Lori (John), Kelly (Matt), and Robert Charles II "Bo" (Carrie) and his grandchildren Jackson, Blake, Olivia, James, Davin, Robert Charles III "Trace", Mason, Crew, Leo, Amos and Elliott. We will celebrate the life of Bob Van Pelt on Monday, December 11th at Richmond Community of Faith, 4200 South A Street, Richmond, IN 47374 with open house-style visitation between 3:00 – 6:00 PM and a service at 6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you support Bob's favorite non-profit, The First Tee Indiana for the Bob Van Pelt Memorial P.O. Box 26159 Indianapolis, Indiana 46226. Stegall-Berheide-Orr Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at stegallberhiedeorr.com.