Robert E. Jessie of New Ross passed away Tuesday at his home.  He was 73.

Born July 3, 1946 at Smith Grove, Kentucky, he was the son of Philip and Gertrude (Houchens) Jessie.  He attended school at Red Cross in Kentucky.  On March 19, 1972 he married Shirley Bond at Mace.  She survives.

He was an auto and commercial mechanic and worked 43 years at Sommer Metalcraft.  He enjoyed gardening, going to flea markets, his tools and tractor, but especially loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and nephew.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters Penny Sue (Adam Waltz) Stephens and Amanda Barrett (Jacob Arthur); grandchildren Alysha Bridge, Daniel Barrett, Brittany (Dillin) Newton; great-grandchildren Penelope and Lydia Bridge, Benjamin Barrett and Bradley Newton; brother Jimmie Jessie; uncle Hugh (Jimmie) Houchens and cousin Rickey (Pat) Houchens.

Preceding him in death are his parents, brother Donald Jessie and sister Carolyn Jones.

Visitation will be Saturday, December 21st from 11:00am until 1:00pm at Burkhart Funeral Home, 201 W. Wabash Ave. in Crawfordsville.  A funeral service will begin at 1:00pm with family member Jerrad VanCleave officiating.  Burial will follow at the New Ross Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to the Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County, 1104 Big Four Arch Road, Crawfordsville, IN 47933.

Online condolences can be made at www.BurkhartFH.com .