Paul "Rob" Gaskill
May 20, 1969 ~ July 20, 2025
Paul “Rob” Gaskill, 56, of Columbus, Indiana, was called home to be with the Lord on July 20, 2025 surrounded by family and friends, after courageously battling Glioblastoma.
Rob was born on May 20, 1969, in Brazil, Indiana. Rob excelled in sports from an early age, especially baseball, which he played through high school and at Franklin College, where he was a proud member of the Grizzlies baseball team. After college, Rob continued his love of baseball by volunteering as an assistant baseball coach at Columbus North High School.
During his time at Franklin College, Rob developed a love for music and audio production. In 1991, this passion inspired him to establish his own business, DJ Master Mix, through which he provided music and sound for countless wedding receptions, high school dances, and community gatherings over the years. Since 2002, DJ Master Mix has proudly served as the Official Sound Engineer for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship. Rob was also dedicated to his church community, faithfully running sound for East Columbus Christian Church. In 2024, Rob proudly completed his thirtieth year of running sound for Franklin College basketball, a testament to his commitment and expertise.
Rob graduated from Franklin College in 1992 and later furthered his education by earning an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2002.
After graduating from college, Rob dedicated his life to serving the youth and community of Bartholomew County. He began his career at the Bartholomew County Youth Services Center in January 1993 as a youth care worker, a role he held with compassion and commitment until October 1994. Rob’s leadership qualities quickly became apparent, and he was promoted to intake officer, serving in that capacity until August 1999. He then advanced to assistant director, a position he held until 2004.
Rob’s dedication to public service led him to become the director of Community Corrections for Bartholomew County in 2008. In this role, he was instrumental in the development and success of the WRAP and REALM programs, innovative initiatives focused on drug treatment and rehabilitation for women and men convicted of drug-related offenses. Rob’s vision and leadership helped countless individuals find hope and a path to recovery.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the safety, security, and resiliency of the community, Rob was recently honored with the Donald W. & Catherine G. Jurgemeyer Community Hero Award. His legacy of compassion, service, and unwavering commitment to others will be remembered by all who knew him.
Outside of work, Rob was an avid cyclist who was involved in several local bicycle groups. Rob’s love of cycling allowed him to participate in events throughout the state, including his accomplishment of finishing the R.A.I.N. ride from Richmond to Terre Haute. Rob especially enjoyed mentoring new cyclists and encouraging others to participate regardless of their experience or ability.
Among Rob’s many accomplishments, nothing brought him greater pride or joy than being a devoted father to his beloved daughters, Taylor and Riley Gaskill (mother Tina Burgess), both of Columbus, Indiana. Rob’s unwavering love for his girls was evident in every facet of his life. He was a steadfast presence at their soccer games, swim meets, track events, and gymnastics competitions, never missing a chance to cheer them on from the sidelines. His dedication to Taylor and Riley was wholehearted, he made sure they always knew they were his highest priority.
Rob celebrated every one of their achievements, both big and small, and took immense pride in the extraordinary young women they have become. Together with Tina, Rob was deeply committed to co-parenting, working in partnership to provide Taylor and Riley with a foundation of steadfast love and support.
Rob’s encouragement, guidance, and unconditional love shaped his daughters’ lives in countless ways. His legacy lives on through Taylor and Riley, who were, without question, the light of his life and the inspiration behind everything he did.
Rob had a deeply caring heart and was always willing to go above and beyond for others. He never missed an opportunity to reach out with a kind word—whether it was to wish someone a happy birthday or to offer condolences on the anniversary of a loved one’s passing. Rob made it a priority to be present for those he cared about, faithfully attending surgeries, doctor’s appointments, and other important moments in their lives. His thoughtfulness and unwavering support touched everyone who knew him.
Rob’s Christian faith carried him through his journey and he inspired so many people with his strength and unwavering belief that God is in control. “Faith Over Fear” was a phrase that Rob was known to wear on his hat or say to others, and it gave him peace throughout his life.
In addition to his daughters, Rob is survived by his mother, Paulette Gaskill (Steve), brothers Doug Gaskill and Jeff Gaskill, nephews Jordan Gaskill (Morgan) and Duke Gaskill, nieces Alex Dean (Jacob) and Kameran Gaskill, along with numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. Rob was preceded in death by his grandparents Ralph and Betty Swearingen, James and Norma Gaskill, great grandparents Ralph and Nona Swearingen, Paul and Gladis Riley, and aunt Joni French.
Calling hours will be held at East Columbus Christian Church on Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 9:00 am at the church.
Additional calling hours will be held at Bee Ridge Church, located at 3010 W County Road 1000 N, Brazil, IN 47834, on July 25, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. A burial ceremony will follow at 3:30 pm at Bee Ridge Cemetery on North Kennedy's Crossing Road, Brazil, IN 47841.
Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Rob Gaskill to Gray for Glioblastoma. Donations can be sent by mail to Gray for Glioblastoma Attn: Katherine Snedeker 7272 Wisconsin Ave, fl.9, Bethesda, MD 20814 or made online at https://grayforglioblastoma.com/donate. His family asks that you make any donations in Rob’s memory and have Taylor notified via email: 19gaskillt@gmail.com.
Flowers can be sent to East Columbus Christian Church.
Condolences can be made at Jewel Rittman Family Funeral Home website, www.jewellrittman.com.
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Rob was the DJ at our wedding and he made our special day so much fun! I always loved catching up with him at Hog Mollys! He will be missed !!
Rob came to Jackson Tn with Mike Gillespie to work our sound at the NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championship for several years. He became one of us & we grew to love him! Our thoughts & prayers for his friends & family.
Mary Beth Hopper
I am so saddened to hear this. Robbie was such a pleasure to be around.
Worked with Rob at the Columbus Youth Center. Fun to work with and loved playing basketball with him as well.
My dear friend Rob, I’m deeply saddened by your passing, but also inspired by the incredible resilience and unwavering positivity you showed throughout your long battle with cancer. I don’t know if I can be that strong but if I ever need to, you have inspired me to follow in your fighting footsteps.
You were my dear friend in one of the happiest times of my life. I’ll never forget those three years we spent together as co-workers and friends at the BCYSC. Wife and children aside, the two happiest times in my life were college and the few years we worked together in Columbus. We worked hard and played even harder.
For those who knew us back then, it won’t come as a surprise that my last conversation with Rob took place at Applebee’s, sharing a beer where we had spent countless nights with friends—laughing, unwinding, and simply enjoying life. We made less than $20,000/year and, for the most part, we had little care in the world. We were all good friends who were enjoying life and nothing made us happier than being together. I’ll never forget those times and how much we all laughed. I know that as the years pass, little reminders of those happy times will pop up – and when they do, they’ll make me smile, if not laugh out loud.
Tonight, I’ll raise a beer in your honor—and I’ll even toss in some salt and olives, just as we used to. I love you, my friend. Rest in peace.
My dear friend Rob, I’m deeply saddened by your passing, but also inspired by the incredible resilience and unwavering positivity you showed throughout your long battle with cancer. I don’t know if I can be that strong but if I ever need to, you have inspired me to follow in your fighting footsteps.
You were my dear friend in one of the happiest times of my life. I’ll never forget those three years we spent together as co-workers and friends at the BCYSC. Wife and children aside, the two happiest times in my life were college and the few years we worked together in Columbus. We worked hard and played even harder.
For those who knew us back then, it won’t come as a surprise that my last conversation with Rob took place at Applebee’s, sharing a beer where we had spent countless nights with friends—laughing, unwinding, and simply enjoying life. We made less than $20,000/year and, for the most part, we had little care in the world. We were all good friends who were enjoying life and nothing made us happier than being together. I’ll never forget those times and how much we all laughed. I know that as the years pass, little reminders of those happy times will pop up – and when they do, they’ll make me smile, if not laugh out loud.
Tonight, I’ll raise a beer in your honor—and I’ll even toss in some salt and olives, just as we used to. I love you, my friend. Rest in peace.
Full Of Love Bouquet was purchased for the family of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
Rob was one of my favorite coaches of all time. He inspired effort in all of us, brought all kinds of energy, and I really enjoyed playing for him. Rest in peace my friend; your memory will always stay with us as we reflect on great memories at Columbus North HS.
-Nathan Moses
Florist Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
A Memorial Tree was planted in honor of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
Rob was the epitome of “salt of the earth”. He was emotionally intelligent, kind, helpful, appreciative, understanding and meek. I had the pleasure of working alongside him the past 15+ years intermittently as a peer in Community Corrections as well as for PREA. In that time, he quickly became one of the people I sought to acknowledge during conferences and meetings. He always greeted me with a smile and words of encouragement, even in his sickness. Rob will be sorely missed and I am blessed to have known him. Please accept condolences from Hendricks County Community Corrections.
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
A Memorial Tree was planted in honor of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
So sorry to hear about Rob’s illness and early passing. I have fond memories of working w/ him @ Youth Services where I taught for awhile.Felt good knowing I had a bro in Christ in this environment
Love, Courtney, Alex & the SMYLE family purchased the Basket of Memories for the family of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
One of the few ppl who Truly Cared about the troubled Youth in Columbus. You will Never be Forgotten 😞🪽
The Hershberger Family purchased the Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for the family of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
The Hershberger Family planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
Pam C. planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
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Kathy Christie & Julie Beck purchased the Enchanted Cottage for the family of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
Kathy Christie & Julie Beck planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
Emerald Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
A Memorial Tree was planted in honor of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
IDOC- Community Corrections Division purchased the Beautiful in Blue for the family of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
-Taylor’s College Pals purchased the Beautiful in Blue for the family of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
-Taylor’s College Pals planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
Centerstone purchased the Emerald Garden Basket for the family of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
Centerstone planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
Paige and Saige purchased the Country Basket Blooms for the family of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
Kurt and Brandi Terrell purchased the Full Of Love Bouquet for the family of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
Kurt and Brandi Terrell planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
My heart felt thoughts go out to Rob and his family. It was a pleasure to have played with him at Franklin College. He was a great person and teammate and I will always remember our spring baseball trips. A true man of dedication to family and community. “The Grill” will be missed, but not forgotten. Rest In Peace My Friend. Doug Blair (Franklin College 91).
Jan and Daniel Robinson purchased the Sweetest Sunrise Bouquet for the family of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
Fiery Lily and Rose was purchased for the family of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
Beautiful Dreams was purchased for the family of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
Michael Perkins purchased the Divine Peace Bouquet for the family of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
Michael Perkins planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Paul “Rob” Gaskill.
Rob was a truly memorable character in my son’s lives. He and one of my sons, Richie Riddle, were very close. He always tried to keep the kids playing baseball for him close as a coach and as a buddy. I remember going to Gatlinburg TN to play baseball one summer with the CN Baseball team. I had just bought a convertible and he drove the kids around in it while we were there. I think he had as much fun as the kids did. Rob will be missed.
I was sad to hear about Rob’s passing. Rob and I were classmates at Franklin College and I served as his dorm RA. He was a wonderful man. A funny story about Rob, he and his roommate lived next door to me. They were messing around in their room, and Rob accidentally ended up coming through the wall into my room! He was mortified. Fortunately, he and his roommate were able to repair the drywall on their own and we simply kept the incident to ourselves. May God give peace to his children and may we all one day be reunited with Christ in eternity. Go with God old friend.