Robert L. Dalmbert, 88, Columbus

Robert L. Dalmbert, 88, Attorney of Columbus, passed away at 6:28 a.m. Dec.14, 2018, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility.

Robert was born Nov. 16, 1930, in Hope, the son of William A. and Nena Lorts Dalmbert. He married Charlene Holland Lowry October 3, 1986. They developed and operated Charwood Corp Suites from August 1996 unil May 2005. They also owned Sleep Inn & Suites Hotel Columbus from 2002 until 2016.

He graduated from Hope High School in 1948 and Butler University in 1952 with an A.B. degree in history and political science. Robert served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 – 1954 before attending Indiana University Law School in Indianapolis and graduating with a J.D. degree in January of 1958.

He had been employed part-time in the school finance section of the Department of Public Instruction and other various full time capacities including Director of Driver Education and as the legislative liaison.

In 1956 he was an official primary candidate for the office of state senator. He then served as reading clerk in the Indiana State Senate and assisted in drafting state legislation.

Robert worked in the legal division of the Indiana Toll Road Commission and served as lobbyist for the Indiana Township Trustee’s Association. In May 15, 1958, he opened his private law practice in Columbus and continued to practice 47 ½ years until September 1, 2005. In 1969, he was admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. Robert was a life time member of the National Republican Commission and served as a delegate to the National Republican Commission in Philadelphia in 2000. He also served as a delegate to Indiana State conventions.

Robert held membership in many organizations. He was past president of the Bartholomew County Bar Association and was a member of the Indiana State Bar Association, and Bartholomew Area Legal Aid where he was an organizer and the first president. He was also a 50 year member of the Hope Masonic Lodge, Scottish rite, Murat Shrine and Columbus Elks Club.

He had attended Berean Bible Church for 20 years and was a founding member of The Bible Church of Columbus.

He was an avid Cincinnati Reds fan and attended 59 consecutive opening day games. He saw several records broken including Pete Rose breaking Ty Cobb’s hitting record of 4,192 hits. Robert also enjoyed the Indianapolis Colts and was a season ticket holder since they relocated to Indianapolis.

The funeral will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 18, 2018, at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Day Sr. officiating followed by burial at the Moravian Cemetery in Hope. Calling will be 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.

Memorials may be made to Bible Church of Columbus or Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.

Survivors include his wife, Charlene; stepson, Mark (Amy) Lowry and stepdaughters, Sharon (Jeff) Beabout and Teresa (Mike) Lowry; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a sister, Marilyn Lane; a niece, Melanie (Chester) Gorski; and two great-nieces and three great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother-in-law; and an infant great grandchild.

You are invited to view his video tribute, light a virtual candle and send a message to the family at www.jewellrittman.com.