Here is the obituary. I am sharing the letter sent to me this morning by Bruce C because it is not only beautiful but also informative. More information is in this letter, including a link to the memorial page itself and Bruce's eulogy.
Also attached here is what is already described in this text as well.
Here is the letter, below.
Thom R.
AAHL Moderator
18 March 2024
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Thom
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Here is Bob's Obituary. I will be at the services on Friday.
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Bob guided me in AA History and researching our history and local Central Indiana history along with Glenn Chestnut (and correcting some history too). I will always remember his great works in his writings, short stories or articles for various newsletters (I have kept them in a folder on my hard drive along with his books). He was a good painter too. (see attachment). Rest in Peace Bob!??
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Robert "Bob" William Stonebreaker
JUNE 30, 1932 - MARCH 13, 2024
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Robert William Stonebraker of Richmond, Indiana born in 1932 passed away after a short illness on March 13, 2024. Bob was his own person and experienced life to the fullest. During youthful years he sought new adventures. After leaving Richmond and serving in the Army, he lived in New Orleans where he was a waiter understudy at Antoine¡¯s Restaurant. At one point he spent three months working on a shrimp boat ¨C avoiding shellfish for decades. Bob relocated to Los Angeles in the mid-1960s where he would live for thirty years. His sister Charlene and family drove to California to visit. Bob suggested they meet at Trader Vics where they might see a star - he was right. Bob arrived at the restaurant on a motorcycle and long hair to his shoulders ¨C perfect for the period. He drove a cab for a living and gave the family a grand tour of Beverly Hills pointing out famous movie star homes. Bob was a self-taught artist honing his craft to a high level of accomplishment. He studied and copied old master works but excelled painting Christ for churches. Bob¡¯s favorite museum was the Louvre in Paris. He had a particular interest in renaissance poetry. While in California Bob met Deana Koorsen and they were married seven years. The couple returned to Richmond where Bob began a career at the Richmond State Hospital working with recovering addiction patients. He was a 40-year devoted-proud member of Alcoholics Anomouys and became a regionally recognized leader in the organization. Bob authored the Wayne County history of the ¡°Club¡± and archived hundreds of writings about AA.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Edith Stonebraker, sister Charlene Austin (Robert), and nephew Bradley Austin. He is survived by Cousin Cheryl Beatty of Hagerstown and nephew Steve Austin of Muncie and Deana Koorsen. Special appreciation to friends Mark Kitchin, Jim Knight as well as, other Parish Members of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00am on Friday March 22, 2024 at St. Andrew Catholic Church. Father Sengole Gnanaraj will officiate. Interment will follow in Earlham Cemetery.?
Bless You Thom on carrying the message with the AAHistoryLovers and its Anniversary.
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Yours in History
Bruce C
Thom R.