Robert "Bob" Calvert

Reverend Robert Curtis Calvert, age 69, an ordained minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, passed away peacefully at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana on January 19, 2026, surrounded by family and an amazing group of caregivers.

I have finally won my battle with ALS, now sitting at the feet of Jesus, very much alive, though my physical body be deceased. I have simply relocated to my true home, finding my absolute healing promised me via salvation in Christ Jesus. Being an only child, I have joined my dear parents, Robert Lee and Verna Rose Calvert in this beautiful place called Heaven. Along with them, there is a reunion with my grandparents and other friends and family who have gone home before me.

My family will need your support – my dear wife of almost 43 years, Debbie (Host) Calvert and two most extraordinary young men, my dear sons Clay and Cody and Cody’s wife, my incredible daughter-in-love, Samantha (more like my daughter). I also leave behind my dear father-in-law John Host who has become more of my friend than a FIL. And special love to my only brother-in-law John Host Jr. who is one of the kindest individuals I know.

And to all my friends – thank you for loving and supporting me and my family, especially through these past several years. Continue to pour out kindness into all who come into your path. Learn to lean on each other, and remember this earthly life is temporary. Live in such a way that you are always “seeking things above” and lay up those treasures in Heaven because they are certainly here to be found. If you don’t know Jesus, find Him and know Him so we can see each other again.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Bob graduated high school (1975) from Lutheran East; Cleveland, Ohio, earned a bachelor’s (1979) and master’s degree (1980) from Ohio University; Athen, Ohio. He married in 1983 and shortly afterward felt a call to occupational ministry which began his theological studies leading to becoming an ordained Assemblies of God minister in 1989. Through everything he has accomplished, his intent was always to follow the Lord’s lead, with a heart to be a blessing to others, living a life of purpose and making a difference in people’s lives.

Bob was a ministerial intern in LaGrange, IL, a youth pastor in Des Moines, IA, Assistant Pastor/Administrator in Wakefield, RI, Division Manager National Latex Products in Ashland, OH, Associate Pastor Ashland, Ohio, Senior Pastor Chardon, Ohio, Family Life/Counseling Pastor Indianapolis, IN, Hospice Chaplain Danville, IN, Hospice Chaplain Indianapolis, IN, Bereavement Specialist/Chaplain Columbus, IN. And then looking towards retirement, a Production Worker Columbus, IN, a Durable Medical Equipment Sales Assistant, Columbus IN, and even a very brief tenure as a truck driver, working hard to acquire his CDL-A in 2020, shortly before acquiring ALS (Lou Gerig’s disease).

Bob was an avid deer hunter and scuba diver and enjoyed music (was an excellent drummer and always loved attending Christian concerts). He loved to read, spend moments with his family, sporting events with his sons, and shopping, eating and hiking with his wife in Gatlinburg.

A visitation with family and friends will be held Thursday, January 22nd 4-7pm at Columbus First Assembly; 2100 10th St., Columbus, IN 47201. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11am Friday, January 23rd at the church, with his wife, Debbie Calvert, officiating. Friends will be received beforehand from 10-11am, prior to the service. The burial committal, officiated by Pastor John Palmer (Bob’s college pastor and lifetime friend), will immediately follow at Garland Brook Cemetery; 501 N. Gladstone – Columbus, IN 47201.

In lieu of flowers, Bob’s request is that you give a donation to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, Samaritan’s Purse or Voice of the Martyrs, three non-profits he especially cared about. For convenience, you may give a check to Debbie directly or send funds via Venmo @debcal64 or Zelle debcalvert64@icloud.com. Debbie will evenly distribute all funds in honor of Bob’s life.

Online condolences may be made by visiting indianafuneralcare.com.