Robert Walter Scheller

Robert W. Scheller 95, Indianapolis, passed away April 30, 2014, surrounded by his loving children. He was born in Weston, IL, on March 31, 1919 to Frank J. and Mary D. (Huhn) Scheller. Bob grew up in the Garfield Park neighborhood, attended St. Catherine’s grade school and Cathedral High School, where he graduated in 1937. He worked during the day and at night attended what was then Purdue-Indiana Extension, before enrolling at Butler University. Bob entered the military on November 7, 1941, exactly one month before the attack on Pearl Harbor, and proudly served his country during WWII in the US Army Air Corps as a pilot of B-17 and B-24 bombers and retired from the US Air Force Reserve with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After the war, he resumed his education at Xavier University and graduated from the University of Detroit with a degree in aeronautical engineering. After graduation he worked as an engineer for 35 years with Allison Gas Turbine Division of General Motors, retiring in 1984. Bob married Joan McManus in 1957 and was her loving and caring husband until her passing in 1999. Bob was a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church where he was, for decades, actively involved in parish affairs. Bob served on the parish council for many years, including several years as council president. He also led the education committee and volunteered for a host of campaigns, committees, and fund drives. Bob was active in the community as well. He served on the core committee responsible for the initial funding of Neighborhood Youth Outreach (NYO), a community program for neighborhood children, and served as treasurer of the NYO board. He also served on the Uptown Task Force, College Corridor Coalition, and the 38th Street Task Force. Bob was also a precinct committeeman for many years. He was a member of American Legion Post #34 and Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society. He was also active in the Catholic Theatre Guild for several years. His hobbies included genealogy, stock market research and analysis, reading, and re-engineering of ordinary household items into incredibly useful devices. Bob is survived by his children Commander Suzanne K. Scheller, US Navy Ret (Gordon Lee), of Omaha, NE, Christopher M. Scheller and Karla C. Scheller, both of Indianapolis. He is also survived by his siblings Antoinette L. “Toni” Connor and Vincent J. Scheller (Carol), both of Indianapolis, Rita M. Huettl, of Daytona Beach, FL, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan McManus Scheller, his parents, his sister Dorothy C. Scheller, brothers-in-law Robert A. Connor and Homer Huettl and nephew Michael Scheller. Visitation will be Monday, May 5, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, May 6, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. Entombment: Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the church. Services entrusted to Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary. Online guestbook: www.feeneyhornakkeystone.com