Robert Oliver
January 06, 1946 - November 29, 2020
Obituary
Obituary – Robert (Bob) James Oliver Robert James (“Bob”) Oliver of Indianapolis passed away on Sunday, November 29, 2020. Bob was born on January 6, 1946 in Indianapolis to John C. and Dorothy (Donlan) Oliver. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara (Anderson), his two sons, Christopher (Elena) and Brian (Susie), grandchildren Anna and Nikolas, his siblings Thomas (Cathy), Barbara Marquis (John), Patty Enders (Pete, deceased), Susan Oslos (Gary), and Joseph (Christine), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his eldest brother John (“Jack”) who passed in July. Bob will be remembered as kind, amiable, chatty, sincere, practical, loyal, and dependable husband, father, brother and friend. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1964 where he met his wife and best friend, Barbara. He received his B.S. degree from Indiana State University in 1969 and worked his entire career at Detroit Diesel Allison as a production engineer, retiring in 2005. As a devoted father he instilled the value of hard work, persistence, faith and a strong sense of morality. Bob always enjoyed spirited conversations in topics ranging from current events, to who is the best athlete or the time it took mail to get to its destination. He was exact and precise and had a natural curiosity about all things. Bob had a great sense of humor and always had a good joke at the ready. He liked a good book, a challenging puzzle, a lively game of cards, vintage cars, Westerns, and sweets. Bob was an avid tennis player and one of his favorite things to do was play tennis with his brothers Jack and Tom. He enjoyed a good long walk and golfing even if his game wasn't cooperating that day. Bob was generous with his time and always willing to lend a hand. He will be remembered by many for his mentorship and coaching little league, CYO basketball and football. In addition to coaching, he volunteered at United Way and Junior Achievement. Bob was a man of faith and active at Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Michael's Church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael's Church at 3354 W. 30th St., Indianapolis, IN 46222.
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Memories
JH
Jo Hensley
Other •
I had the pleasure of working with Bob. Bob never had a question he was afraid to ask (not ever!) and he always took the time to make sure the job was done right. I will never forget the time he did a cartwheel in the aisle (and this was not early in his career). His kindness in making sure that others appeared as knowledgeable as he was. Giving me a huge box of legos for my kids. His driving me kind of nuts with his attention to detail. He used to have a sign hanging outside his cubicle- when all is said and done more is said than done. Whoever first came up with that quote surely did not know Bob. We were all blessed to know him.
JH
Jean Hurt
Other •
Lit a candle in memory of Robert James "Bob" Oliver
TS
Terry Shrout
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I had the pleasure of working closely with Bob at Allison Transmission. He was funny, knowledgeable, persistent, inquisitive, and dedicated. He never met a question he wouldn’t ask and was a master at playing the devils advocate if a point needed to be made. He was a special co-worker, mentor, gentle soul, and friend, not to mention a tireless warrior against his health issues these last few years. Truly one of a kind. He’ll be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.........Prayers for peace and comfort for his family and friends........Yours was a life well lived and a job well done.......R.I.P. Bob Oliver
MK
mary keller(oliver)
Other •
love and peace to your family
DD
Dennis DeClercq
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I first met Bob at “Allison” about 1982. Not long after meeting, we began walking to the Old Village Deli for lunch. Back then we only had 48 minutes for lunch and it was about 0.75 miles to the deli. We calculated that if we called ahead (so we could sit down and eat as soon as we got there) and walked at a brisk pace, we could make it back to work in time. We did this most every day thru the 1980’s, even when the sidewalks were covered in snow and slush. Bob was a great conversationalist and the time always went by too fast.
Bob was the first to suggest that we start competing in 5k walks. We did several including Eagle Creek, Butler University and of course the Indy 500 5k held in early May. Bob and I were good at pacing each other and by encouraging each other we consistently averaged above 4 mph. Did I mention that Bob is 9 years older than me? I am thankful that I had “youth” on my side…
This is just one of the fond memories I have of Bob. He was respected, looked up to, and loved. I am honored to be able to call him a dear friend.
LB
Lynda Brooks
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He was a kind and gentle soul with a spark of inquisitiveness that made a conversation a treat. Rest In Peace, Bobby Oliver, and condolences to your immediate and extended family.