Robert W. Poole

INDIANAPOLIS – Robert W. Poole, age 92, of Indianapolis, passed away Tuesday, December 27, 2016. He was born on June 23, 1924 in Indianapolis to Roy and Florence Poole. He graduated from Arsenal Tech High School. He married his childhood sweetheart, Betty (Slentz) on March 18 1944. Bob was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Army Air Corps as a radio operator and gunner on B25’s in the Pacific Theater. He was on the first plane to photograph and provide reconnaissance of Hiroshima after the atomic bomb was dropped. He was also part of the first groups of Americans to occupy the beaches of Osaka, Japan, followed by being honorably discharged. Bob was a lifelong bookbinder and retired from Perfect Binding. He later joined his grandson working as an assistant for Flanner and Buchanan Mortuary for many years. He was also a driver for Ed Martin Honda with his son-in-law. Bob and Betty enjoyed playing cards, dancing, fishing and sharing potluck dinners with their friends at their snowbird home in the Palm Shores Mobile Home Village in Lake Alfred, Florida. They also enjoyed their church family at Zion UCC in Indianapolis. Bob was a 50 plus year member of the Prospect Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star, the Shriners and a 70 plus year member of the American Legion. Bob was also a volunteer for the Wanamaker/Franklin Township Fire Department for many years. Bob was an avid fisherman, bowler, golfer, trap shooter, and in his early years he enjoyed roller skating and dancing. He loved spending time with family, playing cards and many other activities Bob is survived by his children, Dennis (Elaine) Poole and Becky (Joe) Burgess Osher; grandchildren, Justin (Megan) Burgess, Amanda Burgess, Melissa Burgess, Amy (Eric) Shipp and Aaron Osher; great-grandchildren, Cheyenne (Ben) Fox, Sydney Burgess, Shelby Burgess, Lilly Shipp, Brody West and Eli West; sister, Evelyn Garrett; and many nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Betty (Slentz) Poole; and parents, Roy and Florence Poole. The family wishes to thank the staff of Kindred Hospice, especially Amanda, Tammy, Lisa, Dawn and John for all their compassionate care throughout Bob’s illness. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 30, 2016, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140, with a Masonic service at 1:30 p.m. A funeral service will immediately follow visitation at 2:00 p.m. also at the mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Zion UCC, The American Heart Association or The Indy Honor Flight Program. Envelopes will be available at the mortuary. Friends may share a memory or a condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.

Robert W. Poole

June 23, 1924 - December 27, 2016