June 7, 1940 – January 31, 2021
Bob was born in Kokomo on June 7, 1940. He and his wife Sandra were long-time residents of Zionsville. He departed for heaven on January 31, 2021.
Bob grew up in Westfield with parents Joseph and Aleatha Parker and brother Richard. He was a proud member of the Westfield High School Class of 1958. He went on to attend Butler University where he earned a B.A. and an M.S. in Mathematics, and then attended Northwestern University, receiving an M.S. in Teaching Mathematics. His love of young people and numbers led him to become a teacher at Pike High School. After several years, he moved into the insurance industry, working first for American United Life, and then for over 25 years for Lafayette Life, retiring as Vice President of Group Underwriting.
Bob was a devoted and loyal husband of 61 years to Sandra. He was a loving father to sons Ted and Tim and daughter Terri, and an amazing grandfather to Alexis, Abby, Michael, Woods, Jackson and Meredith. Bob had a kind heart, humble spirit, and endless patience. He was quick to smile and encourage and had a way of leaving anyone he encountered feeling better. His gentle spirit, sense of humor, and endless grace are gifts that will endure and give his family aspirations of following in his footsteps.
Bob loved sports and played Westfield High School baseball, basketball and football. He remained an avid sports fan, always cheering for his Butler Bulldogs, the Indiana Hoosiers, Indiana Pacers, and Indianapolis Colts. He was a nature lover who enjoyed outdoor activities and traveling. From skiing in Wyoming and Utah, horseback riding at Colorado dude ranches, river rafting in Alaska and The Grand Canyon, diving in Bonaire, to hiking in multiple national forests, Bob was always up for an adventure. He also enjoyed countless rounds of golf with family and friends. He cherished family, and was an involved grandpa who took joy in all his grandkids activities, whether watching their sports and theatre, listening to their music, or just hanging out.
He was loved by many and will be dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Bob with an act of kindness of your choosing. Online condolences may be viewed at flannerbuchanan.com.