John R. Walsh
Was a life-long resident of Indianapolis. He was a graduate of Shortridge High School and Butler University (B.S.) in business with majors in journalism and advertising. Following his graduation from Butler in 1953, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force where he served with the Strategic Air Command as a supply officer.
In 1955, Mr. Walsh joined Indiana University as an assistant professor of advertising, conducting advertising seminars around the state for retail merchants. The program was jointly sponsored by Associated Retailers of Indiana and in 1957 he was named assistant executive vice president of Associated Retailers.
In 1958, he joined the staff of the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce as manager of the membership department. Later, he was named manager of civic affairs and corporation secretary. While at the Chamber he founded "Indianapolis Magazine," a predecessor of today's "Indianapolis Monthly Magazine."
In January, 1965 he was elected a vice president of Indiana National Bank, and director of public relations and civic affairs. During his 28-year career with INB he headed the bank's public relations, advertising and marketing divisions; was elected a senior vice president of the bank and of the parent Indiana National Corporation and was president of Indiana Properties, Inc., the bank's property management subsidiary. While at the Bank he conceived the idea for and executed the first July 4th fireworks display (1970) from the roof of the 37-story INB Tower, which has become an Indianapolis Tradition.
Immediately following his retirement he joined the staff of Eaton & Lauth Real Estate Services (now Lauth Property Group) as senior vice president in charge of business development.
In 1995, he became associated with the Columbia Club, of which he was a member, as executive director of membership and marketing (on a part time basis). He also served as the clubs' interim general manager until October 1996, at which time the club named him "Columbian of the Year."
Active in civic affairs for more than 40 years, he served as chairman of the boards of several prominent not-for-profit organizations in Indianapolis, including the "500" Festival, Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, Indiana Repertory Theater and the Metropolitan Arts Council of Indianapolis. He also served as chairman of the advisory committee for Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University, and as treasurer and trustee of Park Tudor School. He is a former president of Indianapolis Service Men's Centers, former president of Indianapolis Building Owners and Managers Association, and past president of the Indianapolis Public Relations Society. After serving on the board of directors of Indianapolis Public Broadcasting for more than 25 years, and as the organization's chairman (WFYI Teleplex), he was named a life director. He was a long-time trustee of the Indianapolis Museum of Art and served as a member of the Park Tudor Foundation. He had served on the boards of more than 25 other not-for-profit associations and societies.
From 1975 to 1999, he served as a member of the board of trustees of Butler University and as board chair from 1988 to 1991while championing the directive to return the Butler men's basketball program to the best collegiate program in the state and one of significant national respect, earning him the Butler trustees "Medal of Distinction" for outstanding service to the university, and the "Butler Medal," the highest award of the Butler Alumni Association. He was also a recipient of Butler's "Distinguished Journalism Graduate" award. In 1999, the Butler board of trustees named him trustee emeritus.
He was a member of Meridian Hills Country Club, the Columbia Club and Meridian Street United Methodist Church. He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity and is a 32-degree Mason.
Mr. Walsh was married to the late Roberta Cody Walsh for 42 years before her death in 2006. He is survived by a son, John Robert Walsh, Jr. (J.R.), wife Sarah; grandson, John Robert Walsh, III aka Tripp.
Private services will be held at Meridian Street United Methodist Church. A celebration of life will be held at Meridian Hills Country Club on Tuesday from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to Butler University Athletic Department 4600 Sunset Ave., Indpls., IN 46208.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Roberta Mullenix-Ely
January 25, 2013
Sorry to hear of your family loss. You are in my prayers...Robbie (W.R.Y.C.)
January 24, 2013
Sympathies, JR. Such good times hanging out at your parents', at Trishie's, and at her lake house. John and Bobbie are back together and it's cocktail time, <3
January 24, 2013
JR,
So sorry for your loss.
Susan Perry
Jeff & Diann Luebker and Family
January 23, 2013
The City of Indianapolis said good-bye to a true gentleman and community leader. John Walsh lived life large and was devoted to his family, faith, and community. It was a privilege and honor to be his friend. Condolences to JR, Sarah and Tripp. John and his wife Bobbie left the world a better place!
Bob and Sally Kohrs
January 22, 2013
JR, we are sad to learn today of your father's passing. We will always remember his good humor and treasure our friendship.
Billie Kingston
January 22, 2013
Jr
My heartfelt sorrow to you and your family for your loss.
Christina Wiktorski Weber
January 22, 2013
JR,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers with the recent passing of your father.
I have fond memories of working next door to John in his part-time career at the Club. I enjoyed our many laughs and conversations; and to this day he is still the fastest two fingered typer I have ever met:) Thanks for the memories! ~Christina
Lloyd Wright
January 21, 2013
The WFYI family mourns the loss of a great community leader and outstanding ambassador for public broadcasting. I had the distinct pleasure of working closely with John during his years as chair of the WFYI board of directors. I know the entire community is better thanks to John's leadership and dedication. That's certainly true of WFYI and Public Broadcasting in Indiana. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with the Walsh family and all those who knew and loved John Walsh.
Greg Hood
January 21, 2013
JR and Sarah
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Greg, T and Cass
Rev. Jim Merrell and Barbara
January 21, 2013
I will miss the "brother I never had" and cherish the fun iimes from School 45, Shortridge and Third Chrisrian Church. Get things in heaven well organized, old Buddy, as only you can do--I will hope to see you one of these days.
(former Columbia Club co- worker)
January 21, 2013
John was an outstanding, classy gentleman always, in every way. Indianapolis will miss its "man about town"! Pat Jones
David Fronek
January 21, 2013
I had an opportunty to be part of the INB team with John for his entire career with the organization. I appreciate his many contributions to the bank and to our community. Jean and I consider ourselves fortunate to have been part of John and Bobby's extended family.
Dave and Jean Fronek
Mack & Jane McKinzie
January 21, 2013
Always a good friend and a great person that I worked very close with at the Indiana National Bank
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