Robert D. Inman

1920 - 2014

was born in Mitchell, Indiana, February 6, 1920 and died of heart failure October 24, 2014. His parents were Gideon and Josie Inman. He had three older sisters, Dorothy Tingley, Virginia Travis and Bette Freeman. He is preceded in death by his sisters and his parents. The Inman family moved to LaJunta, Colorado in 1920 when his father took the position of principal of the high school there. Inman received his elementary and high school education in LaJunta and was one of the early members of LaJunta's famed Koshare Indian Boy Scout Troop. Inman entered the University of Colorado in 1937. He voluntered for service in the US Army in January, 1942. He attained the rank of captain during his 4 and 1/2 years of service. After release from the Army in 1946 Inman participated in the Army Reserves and attained the rank of Lt. Colonel. He became inactive in 1970 after completing 23 years of service. He married Virginia Cook of Helena, Montana in November, 1943. They adopted one child, Robert Tyler Inman of Englewood, Colorado. After returning from the service in 1946, Inman returned to Law School in Boulder and completed his degree in 1948. He became Public Trustee of Boulder County in 1950 and opened his law office in Boulder that same year. He was appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado in 1953. Inman served in the US. Attorney's office until June, 1956, when he opened a law office in the Majestic Building in Denver. At that time he and his family moved to Denver. In 1957 he was appointed Assistant Securities Commissioner and in 1959 was appointed Assistant Attorney General, a position he held until 1961. In 1961 he joined with Donald E. Kelley and John F. Flynn to form the firm of Kelley, Inman and Flynn. Kelley was elected to the state supreme court in 1965. Inman and Flynn continued to practice law together in association with Melvin Coffee until 1978 when Coffee left the firm. In 1980 Howard E. Erickson joined the firm and the name became Inman, Erickson and Flynn. His first wife died in 1968. Inman married Betty June Smyth in 1969 and enjoyed the privilege of acquiring five step-children: Michael Buonpane, Vincenne Buonpane, Leesa Comparin, Debra Hansen and Gregory Smyth. During his life Inman participated in many choral activities. His beautiful bass voice was a joy to hear and he sang with the St. Thomas Episcopal Choir, the Classic Chorale, the Denver Symphony Chorus and the Arvada Center Chorale. He joined the Denver Rotary Club in 1977 and participated in many Rotary meetings when he was on national and international trips during his long and storied career. He was a kind, gentle, affable man, one of the last of the "gentlemen" lawyers. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends. Since he donated his body for research there were no services. Anyone wishing to make a donation in his name may send their contribution to The Jeffco Action Center, 8755 W. 14th Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80215, or the charity of your choice.