IN– Robert V. Chamness, age 72, of Richmond, Indiana, died Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Ascension St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis.
Born September 27, 1951, in Richmond, Indiana, to Robert Verlin and Esther Mae Farr Chamness, Bob lived all of his life in this community. He was a graduate of Richmond High School. Bob earned an associate degree in criminal justice from IU East in May 1974, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at IUPUI Indianapolis in December 1974, and Indiana Law Enforcement Academy October 1977, with a special award, ranking 2nd academically in a class of 107 students. Bob was a member of IU East Alumni Association, Board of Advisors, 1989 to 1997, IU East Alumni Association President 1993 to 1995, IU Alumni Association President’s Award committee, 1993, Indiana University Alumni Executive Council member 1995 to 1997. He received the Indiana University East Distinguished Alumni Award 2002, The President’s award, Indiana University Alumni Association and Order of Augustus from the Probation Officer’s Advisory Board of the Judicial conference of Indiana, 2012. Bob worked for Wayne County Sheriff’s Department for 12 years as a jail officer, assistant jail commander, patrolman, achieving the rank of lieutenant.
After leaving the sheriff’s department he became the director of the Mary E. Hill Youth Shelter. Bob then served as the Wayne County Chief Probation Officer for 30 years before retiring in 2014 in order to run for and ultimately serve on the Wayne County Council. Bob served in some capacity in Wayne County for almost 50 years. He served as an adjunct professor of Criminal Justice at IU East.
A Memorial Service will take place on MAR 8. 7:00 PM (ET) at
Bethesda Worship Center
2200 Peacock Road
Richmond, IN 47374
and visitation will precede it starting at 4:00.