Robert "Rob" Mars

Robert “Rob” Lee Mars, 87, of Jeffersonville, Indiana, passed away peacefully at his home on May 26, 2023.   He was born April 16, 1936, in North Vernon, Indiana, the son of the late Rosemary and Forrest Mars. 

After graduating from North Vernon High School in 1954, Rob entered the United States Army and served his country proudly from 1959 to 1961.    On September 28, 1962, Rob married Jo Karen Claxon, whom he loved until death parted them 60 years later.  They had one daughter, Lori Lacy (Shane) of Jeffersonville, Indiana, and two sons, Todd Mars, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Florida and Kyle Mars, Borden, Indiana.

Rob’s career in telecommunications spanned more than 40 years, beginning at the Indiana Telephone Corporation where he worked for twelve years.  He retired from Indiana Bell/Ameritech as a Network Manager after 27 years of service, and he then went on to provide consulting services in the telecommunications industry and worked with both of his sons at ACSI.  Rob spent many years in civic service with the Jaycees, including a term as President, and he also actively volunteered in local elections.

In 1999, Rob and Karen sold their home in Georgetown, Indiana, bought  a 36’ 5th wheel, and began what turned out to be a 15-year adventure to see America the beautiful. They loved seeing new sights,  exploring new places, experiencing new adventures, visiting with family and old friends, and making many, many new friends along the way.  Rob relaxed by doing wood carvings, and he made many cherished Christmas ornaments for his family.  He enjoyed watching IU basketball and Nascar and was very competitive on the  shuffleboard courts.

In addition to his loving wife and children, he is survived by two sisters, Phyllis Sedam and Darlene Burke, both of North Vernon, Indiana, five grandchildren, Travis Hammond and his wife, April, of Borden, Indiana, Katherine Mars of Hollywood, Florida, Dylan Hammond of Elizabeth, Indiana, Adeina Mars of Evansville, Indiana, and Kohen Mars of Clarksville, Indiana, and two great-grandchildren, Bodie and Cade Hammond of Borden, Indiana.  In addition to his late parents, he was preceded in death by his twin brother, Richard L. Mars.

A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Legacy Funeral Center, 921 Main Street, Jeffersonville, Indiana.  Flowers are welcome; however, if you wish to make a memorial contribution in his name, the family requests contributions be made to Hosparus Health of Southern Indiana.

“Think of him as living, in the hearts of those he touched, for nothing loved is ever lost, and he was loved so much.” (Ellen Brenneman)

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