Robert T. Powers
October 6, 1930 ~ April 10, 2017
Robert T. Powers, 86, Indianapolis, passed away April 10, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Powers was born October 6, 1930, in Indianapolis, to the late Raymond and Grace (Harlow) Powers.
Bob graduated from George Washington High School in 1948 and proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. In 1951 he married Mary Frances Porten. The couple lived in London, England for the balance of his military tenure. After attending college, he enjoyed a 30-year career with Eli Lilly & Co. and retired as a Senior Systems Analyst in 1987. He was a member of St. Mark Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus 3660, and the Greenwood American Legion Post. Bob was an avid golfer, enjoyed playing cards, but above all, was a devoted family man. He coached his daughters in CYO kickball when they attended St. Mark Catholic School. Although his personal passion was golf, it came to a halt when his girls began competitive swimming. While the girls swam at Lakeshore Country Club, Baxter YMCA, and Meridian Woods Park, Bob was his girls’ biggest fan. He held many leadership positions in the swimming community over a span of 25 years.
A great storyteller, with a sense of humor to match, Bob will be greatly missed by his loving family and many friends.
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Mary Frances (Porten) Powers; daughters, Debbie (Mark) Schmidt, Diana (Al) Madden, Denise Bell, and Julie (Jerry) Fowler; grandchildren, Brittany Boswell, Chris (Tonia) Madden, Ashley (Martin) Ausbrooks, Brad (Catie) Madden, Chelsea (Mitch) Willsey, Chanda Bell, Chaunsey Bell, Grant Fowler, Drew Madden, Ross Fowler, Eve Fowler, Luke Fowler, Anne Fowler, and Max Fowler; great grandchildren, Piper, Dylan, Arie, and Saige.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 16, 2017, 5 to 8 p.m. in the Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East St. (US Hwy 31 South), where morning prayers will be said at 10 a.m., Monday, April 17, 2017. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m., Monday, in St. Mark Catholic Church, 535 E. Edgewood Ave. Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the church or the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to share a favorite memory, view Bob’s Life Story video, or to sign the online guest registry.
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Bob was such a sweet man with a wonderful smile. He was loved by all that met him and adored by his 4 daughters as well as their families. He touched so many lives and will be truly missed. RIP Bob.
The time that I knew Bob was definetly not long enough. I so enjoyed our conversations when he and his loving wife lived next-door to me with his daughter Denise. It was a pleasure to have know him.
I worked closely with Bob in Lilly IT. We were supervisors together. I appreciated his stories, his sense of humor, and his guidance in how to balance work and home life. While I haven’t seen him for many years, I will take fond memories forward. I pray for Gods comfort to all in his family.
He will be missed at 11:45 Mass. We loved to watch him interact with the grandkids!
If I’m not mistaken, our last conversation was reminiscing of the good ol days of St Mark kickball. He was a well respected coach! Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord & leg perpetual light shine upon him! He is ever present among the Communion of Saints!
Hi Mrs. Powers, Debbie, Diana, Denise and Julie,
You are in my thoughts and prayers as you face the profound loss of Mr. Powers. I stopped by for the morning prayers this morning. I decided not to speak with you because I did not want to intrude on your family time together. I remember how kind he was to me and all the other kids who swam with us. I know that he will be greatly missed by you all. I hope that over time all your wonderful memories will eclipse the sadness you now feel. God be near.
Clay Robbins
Mary, Debbie, Diana, Denise and Julie — please know how it saddened me to hear of your loss. Our families grew up together as part of competitive swimming at Lake Shore Country Club and Baxter YMCA. Literally hundreds of kids benefited from the commitment and dedication of our parents who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of those programs, not the least of whom was your husband / father. I, for one, am grateful for everything he did to provide an opportunity for us to learn the life lessons that competitive swimming taught us. I am sending each of you a hug and hoping you find solace in understanding the positive impact he had on so many people.
Vince Pollard
Mr Powers – our Kickball Coach at St. Mark Catholic Grade School. Great guy. He loved his daughters.
I will hold you all in prayers.
Mary O’Connell