Robert J. Leslie

Robert James Leslie, 90, of New Ross, Indiana lost his battle with Cancer early Wednesday morning at home while surrounded by his loving family. To many of his friends, he was known as “Smiley”.

Robert was born in Crawfordsville, Indiana on May 6, 1928 to Andrew and Alice Sade (Rainy) Leslie who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by a son Dennis, daughter Brenda Gail (Leslie) Bradford, brother Joe Leslie and sister Mary Leslie.

On December 28, 1950 he married his wife of 67 years (Barbara Louise Perkins) who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons, Robert D. Leslie of Crawfordsville, Jeffrey A. Leslie and Brian E. Leslie of New Ross – 2 daughters, Tina M. Landrum of Brazil, and Marsha E. (Bill) Shirely of Milford, Michigan – grandchildren, Joe England of Jamestown, T.J. Hood of Crawfordsville, Luv (Brandon) Lowe of Heritage Lake, Cassi (Ryan) Cummins of Howe, Scott (Tiffany) Lang of Greencastle, Stacy (Mike) Fowler of Thorntown, Austin and Jared Leslie of Rockville, Tabitha and Fawn Landrum of Brazil and 22 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. In life he worked at Hydralic Press Brickyard and Midstates Steel and Wire in Crawfordsville and then took up a career as a truck driver for George Reynolds Trucking, Bell Diamond Express and Direct Transit Lines retiring from truck driving. In retirement he worked at Pace Dairy and then for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources at Shades State Park. He had several hobbies including model railroading, model airplanes, riding Harley Davidson motorcycles and working in the yard. He also loved to tinker with mechanical things especially motors and he loved spending time with his family. Robert got his nickname because he always had a smile and liked to joke around, he will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be Monday, September 3, 2018 from 5:00pm till 8:00pm at Sanders Priebe Funeral Care, 315 S Washington St, in Crawfordsville. The funeral service will be Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at 11:00am at the funeral home with Celebrant Amanda Atkins officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill North Cemetery with military rites by the United States Army and Legion Post 72 Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the American Cancer Society, Montgomery County Animal Welfare League or the National Kidney Foundation. Share memories and condolences online at www.sandersfuneralcare.com