Robert Irvin Pace (Buster/Bert) passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026 after fighting for 20 hours in the ICU from serious complications due to undiagnosed diabetes. He was 47. He was born on June 9, 1978, in Evansville, to Bradley and Beverly Pace. He was the eldest of six brothers.
Robert was a longtime resident of Chandler, and worked for the town since he was 16. Although his career took him through several department changes, he had ultimately been promoted to create a one-man IT department to help manage the town’s growing and ever-changing technological needs. He was an active member of the UMWA Local 1397. Robert excelled at problem-solving and was a natural tinkerer.
He was a man full of life – silly, smart, and one of the hardest workers you’d ever meet. He always had a way of bringing light into any room, from making people laugh to reminding those around him not to take life too seriously. At the same time, he carried a huge but quiet strength and an immense intelligence. His children were his pride and joy – the center of his world. Everything he did, he did with his family in his heart. He loved deeply, was loyal to a fault, and always put others before himself.
Robert truly loved life. He found joy in simply existing and living life to the fullest, even in everyday moments. You could often find him sitting out back with his family and dogs, smoking a cigar, jamming to music, or just simply having an intellectual conversation with whomever was up for it. He became an ordained minister and loved being able to officiate at his friends’ weddings.
Ever the prankster, if you knew Robert, you were likely continually entertained by his antics. He loved the thrill of scheming an elaborate plan for tricking those closest to him who were unfortunate enough to let their guard down. Robert was also kind and compassionate, and one of the first people to step up and help if someone needed anything. He played co-ed softball and helped coach the softball and kickball teams when those leagues were active in Chandler.
He will be remembered for his loyalty, his laughter, his strength, his intelligence, and the deep love he had for his family. His absence will forever leave a space that cannot be filled, his memory will always live on in the hearts of those who loved him most.
Robert was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Charles “Chuck” Pace; paternal grandmother, Carmen McAtee; maternal grandparents, Jack and Lois Huffman; uncles, “Rip” and Bob Pace; and aunts, Brenda and Mary.
He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Sara Pace of Chandler; his children, son Austin Pace and his wife, Katelyn, of Boonville; and daughter Brianne Pace, of Chandler; his parents, Bradley and Beverly Pace of Chandler; brothers, Joe Pace of Chandler, Max Pace and his wife, Jessy, of Evansville, Brian Pace of Chandler, Ryan Pace of Chandler, Steve Pace of Chandler; nieces and nephews, Zayden and Madison, of Evansville; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and several close friends that were more like family.
A celebration in memory of Robert will be held Saturday, March 28 at 3pm at the Chandler Community Center, 405 Community Center Drive, Chandler, IN 47610.
Memorial contributions may be made to a GoFundMe account set up to help his family with immediate expenses and needs.
Brie says
I love you daddy. I am so proud of you. Always have been. You were a fighter. But you don’t have to be strong anymore. You can rest.
Thank you for being my hero and best friend for 25 years.
Kensall says
Robert, though I didn’t know you very well, I do know you were a family man and did everything for them. Your light will forever shine bright through Austin and Brie . Thank you for taking care of them and my sweet cousin Sara. Rest in Peace.