Robert Lee Puckett

Robert Lee Puckett was born to parents, James and Gunda Puckett, on August 1, 1951, in East Chicago, Indiana. Robert passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on February 13, 2024. He was a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana and a graduate of Merrillville High School class of 1969. In 1972, Robert married the love of his life, Donna Kay Puckett (nee Haskell), who preceded him in death. They spent 48 years together, traveling, gardening, raising chickens, planning and attending family reunions, and being a presence in the lives of their loved ones. He joined the workforce at Youngstown Mill in 1969, where he worked as a millwright, until he proudly retired with 50 years of service. Robert had a deep Christian faith and was a member of Deep River Church of Christ. He was a past Worshipful Master of Gary Lodge No. 677 F. & A.M. and M.L. McClelland Lodge No. 357 F. & A.M., as well as a member of the Orak Shrine of Michigan City. Robert was also a proud leader of the Steel City Chapter of the Order of DeMolay, where he spent several years mentoring young men who will always remember his unwavering dedication and commitment to the fraternity. Robert’s other pastimes included fishing, relaxing on his front porch, enjoying chocolate shakes from DQ, listening to bluegrass music, and going to the casino to play one of his favorite games, keno - where he was always lucky! He was an avid jokester who was known for the great haircuts he gave his siblings when they were children and the affectionate nicknames he bestowed upon many. He loved his pets, especially his beloved dogs: Ralph, Tracey, Whiskers, Willie, and Cocoa. Robert was an absolutely amazing son, brother, uncle, mentor, and friend; he loved his family and friends dearly. He will be missed by all of those who were lucky enough to have known him. Robert is preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years, Donna (nee Haskell) Puckett; his father, James Puckett; and sister, Linda “Run-around Sue” Hicks. Robert is survived by his mother, Gunda Puckett; brother, Charles “Junebug” (Monita) Puckett; sister, Rose “Roz” (Bud) Osborne; sisters-in-law, Kathy (Rob) Gerlach and Renee (Randy) Wilson; brother-in-law, Jay Haskell; nieces, Rikki “Ikki” (John) Guthrie, Amy “Red” (Mike) Stalbaum, Becky “Lizard” (Dan) Rosenbaum, Josephine “Josabean” (Christopher) Chambers, Kathy (Kurt) Negele, Jaime “Jaime Baby” (Jon) Burchuk, Shelle (Ray) Clark, and Danie (Billy) Stewart; nephews, Joseph “Little Joe” Hicks, Vince (Sonja) Puckett and Phil Gerlack; several grand-nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews; special friends, Jason and Alley Coffman and Ethan Shinabarger; his DeMolay boys; and his furbaby, Cocoa. A visitation will be held at Burns Funeral Home, 701 East 7th Street, Hobart, Indiana on Saturday, February 17, 2024, 1-3pm, with funeral services beginning at 3pm. Rev. Ron Buche officiating. www.BurnsFuneral.com

Robert Lee Puckett

August 1, 1951 - February 13, 2024