Philip Spangler "Skip" Kappes

Philip Spangler “Skip” Kappes was born on December 24th, 1925 in Detroit, Michigan, to Philip Alexander Kappes of Boston, Massachusetts and Wilma Fern Spangler of Danville, Illinois. Skip was the oldest of 3 boys and the family relocated to Indianapolis in 1933. He grew up near 44th and Rookwood on the north side of Indianapolis, two blocks from the campus of Butler University. Skip was a Boy Scout and earned the rank of Eagle. He attended Shortridge High School and then matriculated to Butler for his undergraduate degree. While at Butler, he joined Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, becoming President of the chapter. He graduated from Butler with a Bachelor of Arts degree at the age of 19 and then attended the University of Michigan Law School. He met the love of his life, Glendora “Dodie” Miles, while at Butler and they were married in 1948 after his graduation from law school. Skip and Dodie resided on Park Avenue in Broad Ripple until 1954 when they moved to 75th and Park Avenue. In that time, they had three children, Susan L. Kappes, P. Miles Kappes and Mark W. Kappes. Skip practiced law in Indianapolis and Mooresville before joining with another attorney and founding the firm of Dutton and Kappes. Then, in 1985, Skip and his good friend and fellow attorney Ted Lewis, founded Lewis & Kappes with nothing but a handshake. Now called Lewis Kappes, the firm continues to serve the Indianapolis community.

Skip was honored to receive numerous award in his lifetime, but was most proud of his Eagle Scout award, along with all of his time spent in service to Phi Delta Theta, Butler University, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, as well as Mystic Tie Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite.

Skip was preceded in death by Dodie, his wife of 67 years. He is survived by his three children, as well as seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Skip went to join Dodie on April 13th surrounded by a large part of his family, his caregivers, and his pastor. He passed as those present around him sang Amazing Grace.

A memorial service will be held for Skip at First Meridian Heights Presbyterian Church on Monday, April 21st at 2:00 p.m. One of the many organizations that benefitted from Skip generosity was the church’s food pantry. As such, those attending his memorial service are requested to bring a gift of canned goods for donation to Crooked Creek Food Pantry. In lieu of flowers, gifts to either the Children’s Museum or Butler University in Skip’s name would be appreciated.