Paul "Rob" Gaskill

Paul “Rob” Gaskill, 56, of Columbus, Indiana, was called home to be with the Lord on July 20, 2025 surrounded by family and friends, after courageously battling Glioblastoma. Rob was born on May 20, 1969, in Brazil, Indiana. Rob excelled in sports from an early age, especially baseball, which he played through high school and at Franklin College, where he was a proud member of the Grizzlies baseball team. After college, Rob continued his love of baseball by volunteering as an assistant baseball coach at Columbus North High School. During his time at Franklin College, Rob developed a love for music and audio production. In 1991, this passion inspired him to establish his own business, DJ Master Mix, through which he provided music and sound for countless wedding receptions, high school dances, and community gatherings over the years. Since 2002, DJ Master Mix has proudly served as the Official Sound Engineer for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship. Rob was also dedicated to his church community, faithfully running sound for East Columbus Christian Church. In 2024, Rob proudly completed his thirtieth year of running sound for Franklin College basketball, a testament to his commitment and expertise. Rob graduated from Franklin College in 1992 and later furthered his education by earning an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2002. After graduating from college, Rob dedicated his life to serving the youth and community of Bartholomew County. He began his career at the Bartholomew County Youth Services Center in January 1993 as a youth care worker, a role he held with compassion and commitment until October 1994. Rob’s leadership qualities quickly became apparent, and he was promoted to intake officer, serving in that capacity until August 1999. He then advanced to assistant director, a position he held until 2004. Rob’s dedication to public service led him to become the director of Community Corrections for Bartholomew County in 2008. In this role, he was instrumental in the development and success of the WRAP and REALM programs, innovative initiatives focused on drug treatment and rehabilitation for women and men convicted of drug-related offenses. Rob’s vision and leadership helped countless individuals find hope and a path to recovery. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the safety, security, and resiliency of the community, Rob was recently honored with the Donald W. & Catherine G. Jurgemeyer Community Hero Award. His legacy of compassion, service, and unwavering commitment to others will be remembered by all who knew him. Outside of work, Rob was an avid cyclist who was involved in several local bicycle groups. Rob’s love of cycling allowed him to participate in events throughout the state, including his accomplishment of finishing the R.A.I.N. ride from Richmond to Terre Haute. Rob especially enjoyed mentoring new cyclists and encouraging others to participate regardless of their experience or ability. Among Rob’s many accomplishments, nothing brought him greater pride or joy than being a devoted father to his beloved daughters, Taylor and Riley Gaskill (mother Tina Burgess), both of Columbus, Indiana. Rob’s unwavering love for his girls was evident in every facet of his life. He was a steadfast presence at their soccer games, swim meets, track events, and gymnastics competitions, never missing a chance to cheer them on from the sidelines. His dedication to Taylor and Riley was wholehearted, he made sure they always knew they were his highest priority. Rob celebrated every one of their achievements, both big and small, and took immense pride in the extraordinary young women they have become. Together with Tina, Rob was deeply committed to co-parenting, working in partnership to provide Taylor and Riley with a foundation of steadfast love and support. Rob’s encouragement, guidance, and unconditional love shaped his daughters’ lives in countless ways. His legacy lives on through Taylor and Riley, who were, without question, the light of his life and the inspiration behind everything he did. Rob had a deeply caring heart and was always willing to go above and beyond for others. He never missed an opportunity to reach out with a kind word—whether it was to wish someone a happy birthday or to offer condolences on the anniversary of a loved one’s passing. Rob made it a priority to be present for those he cared about, faithfully attending surgeries, doctor’s appointments, and other important moments in their lives. His thoughtfulness and unwavering support touched everyone who knew him. Rob’s Christian faith carried him through his journey and he inspired so many people with his strength and unwavering belief that God is in control. “Faith Over Fear” was a phrase that Rob was known to wear on his hat or say to others, and it gave him peace throughout his life. In addition to his daughters, Rob is survived by his mother, Paulette Gaskill (Steve), brothers Doug Gaskill and Jeff Gaskill, nephews Jordan Gaskill (Morgan) and Duke Gaskill, nieces Alex Dean (Jacob) and Kameran Gaskill, along with numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. Rob was preceded in death by his grandparents Ralph and Betty Swearingen, James and Norma Gaskill, great grandparents Ralph and Nona Swearingen, Paul and Gladis Riley, and aunt Joni French. Calling hours will be held at East Columbus Christian Church on Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 9:00 am at the church. Additional calling hours will be held at Bee Ridge Church, located at 3010 W County Road 1000 N, Brazil, IN 47834, on July 25, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. A burial ceremony will follow at 3:30 pm at Bee Ridge Cemetery on North Kennedy's Crossing Road, Brazil, IN 47841. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Rob Gaskill to Gray for Glioblastoma. Donations can be sent by mail to Gray for Glioblastoma Attn: Katherine Snedeker 7272 Wisconsin Ave, fl.9, Bethesda, MD 20814 or made online at https://grayforglioblastoma.com/donate. His family asks that you make any donations in Rob’s memory and have Taylor notified via email: 19gaskillt@gmail.com. Flowers can be sent to East Columbus Christian Church. Condolences can be made at Jewel Rittman Family Funeral Home website, www.jewellrittman.com.

Paul "Rob" Gaskill

May 20, 1969 - July 20, 2025