Robert Eugene Erny

Robert Eugene Erny passed away on September 1, 2026. Bob was 93 years old. Born in Peking China to Eugene and Esther Erny, he grew up as a missionary kid in China and India along with his brother Ed and sister Vangie. His background and early life experiences and adventures led to a lifelong love for travel and other cultures.

After his college and Seminary training at Asbury College and Asbury Theological Seminary, Bob married Phyllis Irene Mclaughlin in 1955. They were married 48 years before she passed away in 2003. Bob and Phylis served as missionaries for their entire career. Bob was a leader in One Mission Society, both in Hong Kong, Indonesia and at the OMS World Headquarters in Greenwood Indiana. During his studies, Bob learned to communicate in Cantonese Chinese and Bahasa Indonesia languages which he used in his teaching.

In 2004, Bob remarried. Norma Jean Shultz became his wife. They served for one year in Hong Kong as field leaders for the work of OMS. In their retirement, they continued serving for several years, visiting and encouraging other retired missionaries, writing devotional booklets and serving at their home church, Wilmore Free Methodist Church in Wilmore Kentucky.

Bob's children are Paul Erny and his wife Jenny; Joy Dupree and her husband Paul; Daniel Erny, who preceded his father in death; and his wife Kelly; and Kenneth Erny. His children through marriage include Malita Kim and her husband Henry, Julie Hopkins and her husband Joe.

He was blessed with 11 grandchildren and spouses, and 26 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Wilmore Free Methodist Church on Saturday, September 12. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. and the service will be at 11:00. All are welcome.

If you would like to help continue the legacy of Bob's life, please check out this opportunity to give.

Memorial Gifts can be made to:

One Mission Society

The Juan Project, Philippines

Project #133720

P.O Box A Greenwood, Indiana

onemissionsociety.org/Projects/detail/juan-project

This obituary has been lovingly submitted by the Erny family.  Betts & West Funeral Home would like to thank the Erny family for entrusting us with their loved one at this trying time.