Robert Bruce McClellan, 91, a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana, passed away on August 12, 2017. Bob was born in the Tolleston neighborhood of Gary on January 29, 1926. During World War II, he served in the United States Army, 44th Tank Battalion, in the Philippines. He was later stationed near Tokyo, Japan, where he delivered mail for the Army. After he returned home, Bob met Alice Willy on a blind date. The two were married on September 2, 1947 at Holy Angels Church in Gary. The couple then moved to Muncie, where Bob attended Ball State University on the G.I. Bill and earned a bachelor's degree in education.

An autoworker, Bob was a longtime employee of the Ford Motor Company and retired from its Chicago Stamping Plant in Chicago Heights, IL. He was a member of St. Bridget Catholic Church in Hobart, where he served in the Society of Saint Vincent DePaul and enjoyed singing in the choir. After he retired, Bob volunteered with the Hobart Food Pantry and the Diocese of Gary Pastoral Center.

Bob loved classic jazz, classic cars, and home improvement projects, especially painting. A lifelong Cubs fan, his devotion finally paid off in 2016 when he cheered the team on to its World Series win. He liked eating in diners, playing pinochle, growing tomatoes, fishing, watching old movies, and joking around with cashiers and waitresses. He was proud of his Scots heritage and known for his sense of humor.

Bob is survived by six children: Robert C. McClellan, Michael McClellan and wife Kelly, David McClellan and wife Andrea, Diane Watson, James McClellan and wife Gail, and Laurie McClellan and husband Patrick; eight grandchildren: Brian Watson and wife Erin, Jennifer Hampton, Sarah Nelson, Heather Siroky and husband Jason, Chris Cannon and wife Abby, Matt Cannon, Kathleen McClellan, and Jessie McClellan; seven great-grandchildren; brother James McClellan, and sister Margaret McClellan.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Alice McClellan; his parents, Dewey and Gladys (née Snyder) McClellan; his sister, Ruth McClellan, and son-in-law Garry Watson.

In lieu of flowers donations to St. Bridget's or to Hobart Food Pantry would be appreciated.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Robert will be Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Bridget Church, 107 Main St., Hobart with Rev. Benjamin Ross officiating. Burial will be held at Calumet Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at Rees Funeral Home, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd., Hobart from 8:30-9:30 am with 9:30 prayers then processing to St. Bridget's for Mass. (219) 942-2109 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.comto extend condolences.