February 1, 1952 – July 27, 2025
Robert Harry Ingersoll, Jr., 73, Sheridan, passed away on Sunday evening, July 27, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. Born February 1, 1952, in Crawfordsville, Ind., he was the son of the late Robert Harry Ingersoll, Sr. and Velma (Surface) Ingersoll.
Following graduation from Southeastern High School, Robert entered the workforce and eventually hired on with Noblesville Casting. Throughout his 18 years at the foundry, he gained a valuable appreciation for hard work, high quality, and attention to detail. When it was time for a career change, he enrolled at Ivy Tech where he became HVAC Certified. He worked for various apartment complexes in the Indianapolis area as their heating and air specialist until his retirement in 2018.
Retirement afforded Robert the time to devote his energy toward something he was very passionate about. For many, many, many years, he had been a fan of racing, and an even bigger fan of the traditions of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, so when the opportunity came to become a “Yellow Shirt” it was his dream come true. While many might dip a toe in the water to try a new experience, that’s not how Robert operated: he jumped in headfirst. Every season, he would take his camper down to the IMS campgrounds and pretty much live at the track all racing season. He and Maxwell, his loyal Yorkie, were Yellow Shirt royalty … so much so, that Maxwell even had his own yellow shirt (and credentials). Each year, Robert and Maxwell would move down to the track for another season of racing, nights around the campfire with his fellow Yellow Shirts (and days watching race fan shenanigans), and memories that would hold him over until it was time to make new ones the following year.
Robert liked auto racing, but he was also a huge Pacers fan, especially when it came to Reggie Miller. He also enjoyed camping at other places besides the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Camping gave him the freedom to explore all of the things the great outdoors had to offer, with some of his favorites being fishing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting.
A true family man, he had a deep love for his children, and a strong connection to his grandchildren.
Robert is survived by his son, Robert J. Ingersoll (Courtnee) of Sheridan; two daughters, Heather Shaffer (Corey) of North Salem and Melissa Ingersoll (Andy) of Pittsboro; seven grandchildren, Ally Ingersoll, Kamryn Shaffer, Andrew Gleason, Nick Shaffer, Ava Gleason, Austin Ingersoll, and Elliana Ingersoll; two brothers, David Ingersoll of Pendleton and Bill Ingersoll; sister, Janet Kresser (John) of Carmel; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Harry Ingersoll, Sr. and Velma (Surface) Ingersoll; daughter, Angela Ingersoll, and his “favorite child,” his Yorkie, Maxwell. Robert always told the kids that Maxwell was fighter pilot in the Vietnam War, but that is a story for another time.
A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan, with visitation from 4 p.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to the Humane Society for Hamilton County, 10501 Hague Rd., Fishers, IN 46038.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com