FRANKLIN, IN.
Robert “Bob” Duane Conger of Franklin, IN passed away on July 14, 2024, at the age of 99 at the Indiana Masonic Home at Compass Park. Bob was born on July 9, 1925, in Leoni, Michigan to Mary Alice (Pittenger) and Joseph William Conger. His family spent much of his childhood in northern Indiana and then, during his teen years, moved to Indianapolis. During World War II (1942), as a senior at Washington High School he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and soon departed for boot camp followed by torpedo school. In 1943 as an Aviation Torpedoman 2nd Class, he served aboard the USS Steamer Bay (CVE #87) where he spent the rest of the war in the South Pacific. In 1949 Bob enlisted in the Indiana Air National Guard. In 1952, during the Korean War, his unit was placed on active duty orders until 1954.
Bob met his wife Virginia Mae (Bastin) Conger in 1947 when he moved in next door to her family. They were married the next year by Virginia’s father, Reverend Amos Bastin, and spent 66 years together until her passing in February 2014. Bob and Virginia were the parents of three sons: Richard, Randy and Kent.
Bob retired from the U.S. Naval Avionics Facility after 40 years. He then volunteered at St. Francis Hospital (Beech Grove) for 20 years in the Oncology Department. He was an active member of Good Shepherd Methodist Church, member, and Past Master of Beech Grove Masonic Lodge #694 and a 33rd degree member of the Indianapolis Valley of Scottish Rite. He was a member of Englewood Order of The Eastern Chapter 483 in Indianapolis (Beech Grove O.E.S. Chapter 465) and served as a past Patron.
Bob also enjoyed spending afternoons fishing with friends, serving as a Grizzly Grandparent supporting the Franklin College girls’ basketball team and participating in many activities at the Indiana Masonic Home/Compass Park in Franklin, Indiana. Bob’s face lit up each time friends and family visited. Bob often commented that he was grateful for all his blessings.
Bob is survived by his son, Kent (Rebecca) Conger of Indianapolis, IN; his daughter-in-law, Martha Conger of Midland, Texas; his grandchildren Jennifer and Jason Conger, Emma (Jacob) Masters, Seth Conger, C.J. (fiancee, Nikki Lewis) Conger; his great-grandchildren Landon and Grayson Masters.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Alice (Pittenger) Conger; his brothers, Charles and Keith Conger; his sisters Jeanne Kelly, Norma Griffin and Mary Holly; his sons Richard and Randy Conger and his second wife Lura Mae (Bayless) Schottmer Conger.
Chaplain Elaine Clark will conduct a service on Friday July 26, 2024, at 12 Noon at the Community Center at the Indiana Masonic Home at Compass Park 690 South State Street Franklin, IN with visitation from 10AM until service time. Burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, IN with military honors being conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard and Greenwood & New Whiteland Honor Guard.
Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN is handling the arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.
