Robert Nabors

Jan. 13, 1935 – Nov. 9, 2021

Robert Wayne Nabors, aka Bob, Coach and Hey Dad, began his journey peacefully to see Jesus on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, after he wore himself out from so many years of being awesome.

He was born on Jan. 13 (must have been cold) in the year 1935 in Danville Ill. to his mother, Lois; and father, William Nabors.

Mr. Nabors remained in Danville where he carried newspapers, shoveled snow, walked two miles barefoot in the snow uphill both ways to school, dominated on the football field, basketball court and baseball diamond and eventually graduating from DHS in his 18th year. Afterwards he hung out in the Navy for a spell, went to Ivy Tech for a spell, eventually heading to Eastern Illinois University in bucolic Charleston Ill. where he wrestled to stay lean and get girls. Sometime during his 22nd year, Mr. Nabors fished for and landed Judy Emery deeming her a keeper which he actually did keep for nearly 65 years.

Once Mr. Nabors graduated from EIU, he began the vocational journey of his life and found his passion. For much of his adult life, coach poured into the lives of young men and women through mathematics (the universal language that everyone speaks) and athletics. If there was a sport, he could coach it. There was of course the main sport of wrestling, then the secondary sports of football, baseball, basketball (they needed the money), golf and eventually, his all-time fave, girls tennis which he coached into his 80’s. In his spare time Mr. Nabors built anything he could with wood, rode his bike, went camping, worked on cars, ate peanut butter and drank iced tea. Basically, he loved his life and all of the people in his life. End of story. And a great story it was.

Survivors include his wife, Judy; son, David; daughters, Barbara (Greg) and Brenda (Brion); dog, Jasmine; grandchildren, Erik, Nick, Sarah, Rebekka, Matt and Marcus; and a slew of great grandkids.

He is preceded in death by his only beloved brother, Dale.

A celebration of life is planned at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church on Tuesday, Nov. 16 with visiting from Noon to 2 p.m. and Funeral Mass at 2 p.m.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Donations can be made to Alice Lloyd College, Attn: Development, 100 Purpose Road, Pippa Passes, KY 41844 or Pave the Way, c/o St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 1306 E. Main Street, Crawfordsville, IN 47933. 

Online condolences may be made at www.BurkhartFH.com.