He was born May 19, 1932, in Hopkinsville, Ky., to Samuel D. and Nellie E. (Boyd) Monroe. He married Dorothy N. Steadham on Nov. 15, 1958, in Fayetteville, Tenn.

She survives along with two sons, Charles S. (Sherri) Monroe of Sturgis, Mich., and Sam Sentney; two daughters, Gwen D. (Zeb) Chester of Coldwater, Mich., and Kathy L. Monroe of Elkhart; two foster daughters, Debra Hinton of Union, Mich., and Kathy Hilger of Elkhart; one brother, Roy H. Monroe of Evansville; one half-brother, Keith A. Nelson of Evansville; two sisters, Mildred (James) Willett of Bossier City, La., and Goldie (Adam) Daum of Evansville; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, John and William Monroe, and his stepfather, Jack Nelson.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, and one hour prior to Wednesday's 11 a.m. funeral service. Pastor Olden Couch of the Freedom Gospel House of Prayer will officiate. Burial will follow in Little Pine Cemetery, Goshen.

Mr. Monroe worked as a certified welder and mechanic for various RV companies in the Elkhart areas for many years. He was also the owner of Bob's Canopies of Elkhart and was the innovator of the canopy style currently popular in Shipshewana style flea markets. He was a member of the Indiana Sheriff's Association and the National Sheriff's Association. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, and enjoyed drawing and writing poetry as well. He was also talented in automobile paint and body work and rebuilt his first engine at the age of 12. He also raced as the number 8 at Mottville and New Paris. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War.

Memorials may be given to the United Cancer Service of Elkhart County or Riley's Children's Hospital in Indianapolis. Online condolences may be made at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.