Robert Anderson Gwin

Robert Gwin passed away on December 31, 2023, at 11 am at the home of his daughter, Mary, with whom he resided. Mary and her husband, Randy, were with Robert when he passed away. Born in Waverly, Tennessee on September 3, 1932, to James Lankford and Sarah Jane Lewis Gwin, Robert was one of nine children. He came to Columbus, Indiana, where he met his future wife, Joyce Damron. Nine years later, their daughter Mary was born, followed 22 months later by a son, James. Following Joy’s death in 2017, Robert found love with Connie Devers. Connie and Robert took a number of trips with Randy and Mary and made some wonderful memories. Robert’s education was cut short as he had to work to help put food on the table. In his youth, Robert ran moonshine in Tennessee and was able to outrun the sheriff. In his later life, during a conversation with that sheriff, Robert was asked how he got away and Robert just laughed, and never revealed his secrets. His daughter, Mary, remembers going to visit Robert’s parents and being able to go to the holler with her dad, bringing back some moonshine. The family often compared Robert to Barney Fife. Robert was known to carry one bullet in his pocket. In the 1950s and 1960s, Robert was active in civil defense in Columbus, having the rank of major, and was also an auxiliary officer for the Columbus Police Department. Robert worked at the Golden Foundry for 40 years. Robert attended Lowell General Baptist Church and in his last few years attended Columbus First Assembly of God and The Father’s House. Robert loved riding the ColumBus, drinking coffee with his friends, attending the Golden Foundry retirement breakfasts with Don Curry, going to the races in Brownstown, and going anywhere, enjoying meeting and talking to people. Robert is survived by his daughter Mary and son-in-law Randy; his daughter-in-law, Connie Gwin; his companion, Connie Devers; his grandsons, Levi Bowers, Caleb Bowers, Elijah Anderson; his granddaughters, Carrie Gwin and Sarah Gwin; 11 great-grandchildren; his brother, Preston (Susan) Gwin Sr.; and a sister, Edith Marie Gwin Bullock. Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; son, James (deceased 2017); siblings, Francis Crystal Gwin Bramlett, Roy Lankford Gwin, Delphia Lucille Gwin Cooley, Alvin Gwin, Kenneth Boyd Gwin, Joyce Louise Gwin. The family wishes to thank his many doctors and Hospice caregiver; nurse Shannon; his niece, Patty Gwin and all the family and friends he loved so dearly. And now we will “Nip this in the bud.” In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association through the funeral home. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will take place on Friday, January 5, 2024, at the funeral home, beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Ed Boston officiating. Burial will follow at Daughtery Cemetery. You are invited to view his video tribute, light a virtual candle of remembrance, and leave a condolence message to the family at www.jewellrittman.com. Arrangements entrusted to Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home.