Robert L. "Bob" DeBethune, age 64 of Elwood, died Tuesday July 17, 2012 at his residence after an extended illness. He was born December 16, 1947 in Elwood, the son of Louis and Edna (Horton) DeBethune. Bob was a 1965 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School in Elwood and later attended Purdue University. He retired in 2005 from Delphi (formerly Delco Remy) in Anderson where he had worked as a Millwright for 25 years. Bob married Linda S. Smith on September 26, 2006. He was a member of the United Auto Workers Union #662. Bob formerly enjoyed playing tennis, traveling, cycling, fishing, and working in his yard.

Survivors include his wife, Linda S. DeBethune of Elwood; 2 sons, Daniel DeBethune of Fishers and James DeBethune of Indianapolis; 2 step-children, Joe (Jenn) Duncan of Fishers and Teresa (Jeff) Clark of New Castle; 2 sisters, Nancy (Robert) Gagle of Noblesville and LouAnne Rogers (husband Ralph Polston) of Avon; several step-grandchildren; niece, Debbie (Mike) McDonald; and nephew Rob Gagle. Bob was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held Sunday July 22, 2012 at 2:00 PM at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood will Rev. Chris Dare of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Joe Duncan's "Journey to Healing" Fund through the funeral home. Online condolences to the DeBethune family may be made at www.copherfeslermay.com.