Obituary of Robert D. Southern

Bedford Robert D. Southern, 89, of Bedford, died at 12:45 am on Monday, July 16, 2012 at Golden Living Center in Bloomington, IN. Born July 1, 1923 in Judah, IN, he was the son of Thomas and Louise (Helton) Southern. He married Mary Leahy on November 21, 1947 and she preceded him in death on September 10, 1999. He was a layout inspector at GM Powertrain and a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and Gillen Post #33 American Legion. He served on the board of directors for Dunn Memorial Hospital, chaired on the U.A.W. bargaining committee and was president of the Hoosier Hills Credit Union. Survivors include three daughters, Susan Rinne of Bloomington, Linda Flanders of Irvine, CA and Teresa Hamilton of Bloomington; five sons, J. Eric Southern of Bedford, M. Anthony Southern of Bloomington, W. Thomas Southern of Oxford, OH, C. Matthew Southern of Carroltown, VA and Timothy Southern of Bedford; grandchildren, Megan Southern, Josh Suhrheinrich, Sarah Angel, Elyse Rinne, Triston Southern, Brooke Southern, Heather Southern, Brittney Southern, Nicklaus Southern, Robert Hamilton, Christopher Hamilton, Jordan Flanders, Allie Flanders, Jade Scalione and Josie Southern; six great grandchildren; four sisters, Norma Blackwell, Oweetah Chastain, Naomi Perry and Bev Chutte. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Mary and two brothers, Wayne and Thomas. Funeral Information Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 19th at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with Father Heim officiating. Burial will follow in Cresthaven Memory Gardens where military rites will be accorded by members of Gillen Post #33. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, July 18th at the Day & Carter Mortuary.