Robert T. Powers

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.