Robert William Elsey Sr.

Robert William Elsey, Sr., 83, of Terre Haute passed away early Saturday morning, December 31, 2022 at the Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care.  He retired from Indiana State University in 2002 as the Interim Vice President for Student Affairs.  Bob was born November 11, 1939 in Detroit, MI to Martha and Bill Elsey.  His wife of 56 years, Judy Elsey, preceded him in death in 2017.

Survivors include his children, Holly Hudson (Steve), Bob Elsey, Jr., and Heather Donahue (Steven);  grandchildren, Jenna Hudson, Parker Elsey, Elyssa Elsey, Ian Donahue and Gabe Donahue;  and step-grandchild, Allison Bergamasco.  Also surviving is his sister, Diane Hosfeld (Terry);  brother-in-law, Wally Bosse;  and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by a sister, Pat Bosse;  and a step-grandchild, Aaron Donahue.

Bob earned his undergraduate, Masters and Ph.D. degrees all from Purdue University, where he sang in the Purdue Glee Club.  During his career in education, he served in a variety of positions at Purdue, Illinois State University and Indiana State University related to student life.  He spent his life helping young adults navigate the challenges of life both on and off campus.

Bob sang in the choir at Seelyville United Methodist Church for most of his adult life.  He was a member of Kiwanis during his retirement years.  Most of all, Bob enjoyed time spent with family and friends.

A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be planned later this spring.  Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 South 25 ^th Street.

The Edgerton & Elsey Undergraduate Scholarship in Student Affairs was developed to honor the contributions of Mr. Paul Edgerton and Dr. Robert Elsey, two long-standing Indiana State University administrators in the Division of Student Affairs. If friends should so desire, memorial contributions may be made to this scholarship at: givetoindianastate.org .  Please specify the Edgerton & Elsey scholarship. Checks may be mailed to ISU Foundation, 30 N. 5th St., Terre Haute, IN 47809. Please indicate the Edgerton & Elsey scholarship in the memo.

Funeral information and tributes may be found at www.callahanandhughes.com .