December 25, 1930 – June 29, 2021
Bob has a history of consistency, which he deemed the most important part of one’s character. We often argued that point! That aside, he was consistently kind to people, helpful to those who needed help, forgiving of all his son’s and wife’s peccadilloes. Patient to a fault, he would think long and hard about making decisions and starting projects. Firm in his belief in a moral life, he was very reluctant to condemn anyone who didn’t have the same moral code. He has given money away to anyone who knocks on the door, he has helped friends build porches, fix auto engines, repair anything broken.
As an example, we had a friend, Ted, a well-known Indianapolis photographic artist, who had advanced Multiple Sclerosis. As that man’s father was on his deathbed, he wanted to get one last photo of his dad, but his muscles would not let him operate any of his cameras. Bob surreptitiously observed the movements that Ted could make, then spent hours grubbing around in his mysterious junk drawers in the garage, subsequently inventing a mechanism that he attached to our friend’s wheelchair. Ted was then able to make that cherished photo and was most appreciative.
Bob loved being around kids of all ages, so he helped with Webelos, tutored elementary and junior high students in mathematics, and coached Little League baseball teams for several years, emphasizing sportsmanship and team building, not just winning. He kept complete records so that every player had exactly the same amount of playing time, no matter the skill of that player. (Ignoring parental protests!)
He was a member of the Indiana chapter of the American Society of Lubrication Engineers (two years as president), led the W.S. Blatchley Nature Study Club for a year or two, was one of the seven founders of the Hamilton County Theatre Guild in 1965. He recruited teenage students to help him build sets that actually stood up, and acted in a couple plays (always a non-speaking part!). One of those fellows is still a dear friend today.
He was born on Christmas day in 1930, in the bedroom of their home in Hazel Crest, Ill., just as his mother was cooking Christmas dinner for family and friends. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Gary, where he attended Lew Wallace elementary school in Gary until fifth grade. They moved to Merrillville where he was educated from fifth through twelfth grade. He played basketball, football, and baseball for Merrillville High School, then attended the University of Nebraska on a full basketball scholarship in 1949. After one semester, he decided to return to Indiana, and finished his education at Hanover College, where he played football and occasionally stayed awake in classes. He majored in P.E. and Mathematics, graduating in 1954.
He was in the U.S. Army, mostly in Alaska, from 1954 through 1956, at which time he married Mary Ellen Harkins. He then enrolled in Case-Western Reserve University in Cleveland for advanced engineering courses, while working at the Cleveland Worm and Gear Company and the Farval Corporation. After moving to Noblesville in 1956, the “team” produced three fantastic sons (Ned, Steve, and Tim) who now live in California and Georgia. All three graduated from Noblesville High School. Ned graduated from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Steve attended Purdue University, and Tim went to Indiana University. Bob, as loving father, was gentle … an educator, not a punisher.
Bob had two brothers who predeceased him, Richard (1928) and Carl (1935). Both were engineers and lived most of their lives in Illinois. Bob was very fond of his 11 nieces and nephews.
After moving to Madison in 2006, he supported the Jefferson County History Center, Historic Madison Inc., Madison Music Movement, Madison Arts Alliance, Jefferson County Community Foundation, and many national charities.
Bob’s family will host a celebration of his life from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021 in the Overlook Room at the Forest Park Inn, 701 Cicero Road, Noblesville.
It is expressly requested that in lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to: For the Little Ones Fund, an endowment created by Bob and Mary to benefit the Madison Consolidated Schools Pre-Kindergarten Program.
Online condolences, remembrances and memorials can be left at morgan-nay.com.