Robert “Robby” Clevenger, 59, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on February 26, 2026.

Robby was born on July 7, 1966, in Indianapolis, to Bob Clevenger and Jayne Nichols (formerly Jayne Clevenger). He was the oldest of five brothers and grew up surrounded by the energy, competitiveness, and humor that come with a close-knit family. From a young age, Robby stood out as a natural athlete, especially in football, where his talent and intensity were impossible to miss.

After graduating from Cathedral High School, Robby served in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Ord in Monterey, California. While in the military, he worked as a bouncer and bartender at Sandrino’s Bar in Gilroy, where he met his future wife, Valerie. Valerie fondly recalled the first time she saw him: Robby was working the door and, in true Robby fashion, ended up fighting someone as they rolled across the hood of a car. The problem was, the car belonged to Valerie—and she quickly learned not to park in that spot again. She was hooked, and so was Robby. In 1991, he received an honorable discharge after an injury sustained during military training.

Robby and Valerie soon moved to Ohio, where Robby began selling insurance alongside his brother, Mark. Not long after, Robby and Valerie were married at New Life Community Church in Nashville, Indiana. Their son, Jake Clevenger, was born in Canton, Ohio, and the family later moved back to Gilroy, California to raise their children.

In the years that followed, Robby built a life defined by resilience, a big personality, and an ability to connect with people wherever he went. He used that gift to become a successful car salesman, and many knew him simply as “RC.” Robby was funny, bold, and unforgettable. Those closest to him also knew that beneath the toughness was a man who could be deeply loyal and surprisingly tender.

Robby and Valerie welcomed their daughter, Catie Clevenger, and later their son, Bobby Clevenger III. Robby cared about his family in his own way, and some of the most “Robby” memories were built around food, fun, and the outdoors. He loved barbecuing steaks, tri-tip, ribs, and just about anything that tasted better over fire. He proudly made what the family called the world’s greatest ceviche, and he made sure the recipe made it to the next generation. Robby was also an avid fisherman who liked to say, “Every day you catch a fish is a good day,” and he passed that love of fishing on to his sons, and grandchildren who still enjoy it to this day.

Over the years, Robby and Valerie lived in Canton, Ohio; Gilroy, California; Los Banos, California; and Atwater, California. Robby also purchased a boat, and the family spent many summer days at Lake McClure in the Sierra Nevada foothills tubing, wakeboarding, fishing, and making the kind of memories that stay with you.

Robby and Valerie were married 23 years before parting ways. Robby later returned to Indiana, where he worked a variety of jobs including car sales, factory work, bartending, and serving as a brewery tour guide.

In September 2019, Robby met his partner, Donnetta, at a wedding. Donnetta quickly noticed what everyone eventually noticed: Robby was hilarious, and life with him was never boring. They enjoyed exploring the outdoors together: hiking, camping, gardening, and cooking. Robby moved in with Donnetta around 2022, and they began raising their dog, Cali, an Australian Shepherd. Donnetta shared that some of Robby’s favorite simple joys included a fresh slice of pizza from Speedway and wandering the aisles at Meijer, checking out fishing gear and stereo equipment, and chatting with the guys at the meat counter. If he wasn’t home, she usually knew exactly where to find him. Above all, Donnetta described Robby as her best friend.

Robby had a true knack for storytelling. He was known to exaggerate, and his stories often evolved over time, somehow becoming funnier and more extreme with every retelling. He loved anything that felt alive: laughter, stories, competition, music, and the kind of moments people talk about afterward. He had a way of turning ordinary time into something memorable, and his family will always remember the larger-than-life energy he brought into a room.

Near the end of Robby’s life, he discovered a passion for making music with his sons Jake and Bobby Clevenger. Some of the songs they made together will be played during the ceremony at his Celebration of Life.

In his last year of life, Robby experienced sobriety from alcohol and was intentional about making amends with people he had conflict with over the years. His family was proud of him and grateful for the noticeable growth and change they witnessed over the past several years. They are especially thankful for the way he worked toward unity and healing in the relationships that mattered most.

Robby was preceded in death by his father, Bob Clevenger. He is survived by his mother, Jayne Nichols, his stepfather Mike Nichols, and his stepmother Mary Clevenger; his children Jake Clevenger (Tracy), Catie Liberatore (Jacob), and Bobby Clevenger III; and his grandchildren Emory, Caleb, Luke, Liam, and Levi. He is also survived by his brothers Mark Clevenger, Joe Clevenger, Richard Clevenger, and Michael Clevenger; his partner Donnetta Spears; and many extended family members and friends who will miss him deeply.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on March 14, 2026, at New Life Community Church (1450 N State Rd 135, Nashville, IN 47448), with pre-service music, appetizers, sandwiches, and a slideshow beginning at 1:00 PM and the service beginning at 2:00 PM.