Robert Partridge Doolittle, Jr.

Robert Partridge Doolittle, Jr. (Bob, King Bob, Daddoo), beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died peacefully in his sleep in his Debordieu, South Carolina home on Monday, May 15, 2023. His kindness, wit, advice, and love will be missed by all who knew and cherished him. Dad was an effortlessly eloquent and hilarious writer so the pressure to do him justice in a few paragraphs is real.

Bob had a long and interesting life. Born in August 1940 to Robert and Helen May Doolittle, he grew up with his sister Ann and brother Rick (Cathy) in Mishawaka, Indiana. Summers spent at their Birch Lake, Michigan cottage gave him a lifelong love of boating, skiing and fishing that he passed on to his girls and grandchildren. After graduating from Mishawaka High School, he went on to graduate from Indiana University School of Business and School of Law.  He often said that the spirited “discussions” at his childhood dining table were a compelling reason to become a lawyer.

During his years in Bloomington, he was a loyal member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. His Fiji brothers became lifelong friends and sometimes partners in crime. Since the statute of limitations is long past, I feel comfortable mentioning the “Pilfered Bulldozer” incident of 1961 that landed more than one of the Marching Marching Fijimen in the Monroe County slammer. Probably another reason he turned to law…

He met the love of his life, Peggy Stollenmeyer, at a Fiji dance. They married in 1964, loaded their puppy Rommel into his green convertible Karmann Ghia, and moved to Vincennes, Indiana to start his career at the Emison Law Firm. Daughters Jenny, Gretchen, and Becky joined the family along the way.

He was a partner with Emison, Doolittle, Kolb, and Rollegen from 1965 – 2006. He served on the United States Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit and made a difference to hundreds of clients over the years. Even more fulfilling to him than his career was giving back to the community he loved. Serving on the Board of Directors for the Knox County Association of Retarded Citizens (KCARC) from 1978 – 2006 brought him much joy. He was proud to be awarded a Distinguished Hoosier Award by the governor for his contributions to KCARC.

Bob loved his girls and grandchildren with all of his heart. He pushed us to excel, to stand up for ourselves and those around us, to give back, and to have fun doing it. He took us on lots of adventures, ate dinner with us every night, taught us to putt, shoot free throws, and bait a hook. He was endlessly proud of his grandchildren Sam, Max, Amelia, Chaney, Tilly, and Alec and loved having them visit Debordieu for beach time, sunset golf cart rides and lots of laughs. He inherited three son-in-laws, Scott, Tyler and Sean, who he loved, respected and enjoyed.

Over the past 11 years, Dad and Mom were cared for by a team of loving, dedicated and patient caregivers led by the wonderful Karen Knox. There aren’t words to thank them for the respect, companionship and peace they have provided to our family.

We’ve been reading through the many letters Dad wrote to his parents during his years at IU. A constant theme was that didn’t feel like he was “good enough” at anything to do important things with his life. We hope he knew that he DID do important things for his family and friends, his clients, the families served by KCARC, the communities he was part of and our cat Puff. He will be missed by all who loved him.

He didn’t want a fancy service. Instead we will be having a celebration of all things Bob in Vincennes, Indiana later this year. Until then, raise a toast and make someone laugh in his honor. We appreciate all of the kind words, food and flowers we’ve received from friends and family and look forward to celebrating Dad together soon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bob’s memory to KCARC, 2525 N. 6th Street, Vincennes, IN 47591.

For more information or to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.burroughsfh.com.

Burroughs Funeral Home (843-651-1440) of Murrells Inlet, SC is assisting the family.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.