Robert Wayne "Bob" Kamp, 78, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away peacefully—though rather unexpectedly—in the emergency department of Elkhart General Hospital on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 11:55 p.m., surrounded in spirit by those who loved him most.

Bob was born on November 6, 1946, in Elkhart to the late Wayne and Helen (Gordy) Kamp. A proud Hoosier through and through, Bob's roots in Elkhart were deep and steady, much like the character of the man himself—dependable, humble, and quietly generous. In 1995, Bob married the love of his life, Gloria Jean (Perkey) Shanholt, beginning a 30-year journey of shared laughter, quiet evenings, lake getaways, and steady devotion. Gloria remained his faithful and loving companion, bringing warmth and joy to his every day.

Bob's life was rich with purpose and pride, and his legacy lives on through the family he cherished. Surviving him are his beloved sons, Stephen W. "Steve" (Jaimee) Kamp and Brian J. (Charlene) Kamp, both of Elkhart; and his devoted stepdaughters, Tammy (Chris) Fardulis of Walkerton and Jennifer Underwood of Elkhart. He was the proud grandfather of Brittany (Jacob) Gongwer, Brooke (Bobby "Bug") Schisler, Jacob and Nicholas Underwood, and Hadley and Chris Bucks; and the doting great-grandfather of Emersyn Schisler, Payton Underwood, and the soon-to-arrive Baby Boy Gongwer, whose birth will carry forward Bob's boundless love for family.

A man who wore many hats—soldier, firefighter, craftsman, coach, husband, father, grandfather—Bob's life was defined by selfless service and quiet courage. After honorably serving his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, he spent much of his working life in the RV industry, contributing to ventures like Kampco Steel Products and other sales endeavors that were instrumental in shaping Elkhart's identity as the RV capital of the world.

Yet perhaps no role meant more to Bob than his 36-year commitment to the Baugo Township Fire Department, where he began serving in 1969. Over the decades, Bob rose through every rank, ultimately serving as Chief of the Department and Chairman of the Board of Directors, as well as holding countless other line and administrative positions. His service was not just a badge he wore—it was a brotherhood he lived. One of his greatest joys was serving alongside his sons, Steve and Brian, at the Baugo Township Fire Department, a rare and profound gift that only deepened his love for the job and his pride in them.

Bob's passions extended far beyond uniforms and titles. An avid fisherman, he made annual pilgrimages to Lake Chetac in Wisconsin, often accompanied by Gloria or a group of close-knit buddies. There, in the stillness of nature and the tug of a fish on the line, Bob found serenity. He also spent cherished time at a lake cottage in Marcellus, Michigan, a sacred space where life slowed down, and memories with family took center stage. Baseball games, campfires, quiet mornings on the dock—these were the true riches of his life.

His sons recall with fondness their childhood years filled with baseball games, coaching sessions with their dad, and adventures at the cottage. Though the setting was modest, the love that filled those spaces made them feel like palaces. Bob's coaching in the Baugo-area Little League left an imprint not only on his children but also on the countless young lives he helped shape over the years.

A man of many talents, Bob was also a master woodworker who ran a small business called Wee Wood Products out of his garage workshop. There, sawdust and the smell of fresh-cut pine were ever-present as he crafted toys, furniture, and custom keepsakes that blended precision with heart. His hands, strong from labor and gentled by purpose, could turn a plank of wood into a family heirloom.

Bob also had a soft spot for classic Westerns, especially those featuring Clint Eastwood, along with timeless shows like Bonanza and Gunsmoke. Gloria was convinced—only half-jokingly—that Bob secretly wanted to be a cowboy. And perhaps he was, in spirit: steadfast, honorable, and always ready to ride toward the next challenge with quiet resolve.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held at Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Jeremy Sarber officiating. Friends may gather for visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, Bob will be laid to rest at Olive Cemetery, where he will receive military honors rendered by the U.S. Army and Elkhart County Funeral Honor Guards. En route to the cemetery, the procession will pause at the Baugo Township Fire Department in a final, fitting tribute to Bob's lifetime of service there.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bob's name may be directed to the Baugo Township Fire Department, honoring the cause closest to his heart.

Though Bob's passing leaves an empty chair, his presence lingers—in the crackle of a campfire, the plop of a bobber slipping under water, the hum of a saw in a workshop, and in every quiet act of service done with heart. His life was a masterwork of dedication, joy, and humility—woven together with just enough mischief to keep things interesting. And for those lucky enough to have known him, Bob Kamp was nothing short of unforgettable.