Evangelist Robert Jene "Bob" Hamblen, 75, of Sellersburg, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, January 8, 2019. He graduated from Indiana Baptist College and then began a career in pastoring and evangelizing, which spanned 50 years. The heartbeat and passion of Bob's ministering was on the east coast. He last served on October 18, 2018, and due to his declining health reluctantly canceled other previously scheduled engagements. His eyes were set to be back on the road in February, but the Lord chose to call him home. He was faithful up to and all the way to the end.
He was born on April 13, 1943, in Terre Haute, Indiana, to the late Earl and Francis (Adams) Hamblen. Bob was also preceded in death by his children, Marcia and Thomas Hamblen; and siblings, Tommy, Bill, Earlene, and Dale.
Bob was a loving and faithful husband to his wife of over 54 years, Rose (Fox) Hamblen. He also was a wonderful and gracious father to his children, Vicki Lutz (Brent), Aleta Harris (Jerry), and Joy Hamblen Witwer; brother, Rick Hamblen (Emily); grandchildren, Ryan, Ashlea, Christopher "Duke", Tyler, Sam, Cody, Caleb, McKayla, Zach, and Ethan; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 18, 2019, at Bible Baptist Church (2500 East Margaret Drive, Terre Haute, IN 47802) with his funeral service taking place at 1:00 p.m. For those unable to attend the service, it will be streamed live online. For additional information, please contact one of Bob's family members. Burial will follow at Joppa Cemetery in Otter Creek Junction, Indiana.
An additional memorial service will be held in Elkton, Maryland. The date and time will be announced.
Due to severe asthma and allergies, the family requests that expressions of sympathy be made in the form of plants, artificial flowers, or Bob's children request memorial contributions be made to Rose Hamblen in care of Lighthouse Baptist Church (170 Becnel Lane, Shepherdsville, KY 40165).
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