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BORN
1926
DIED
2020
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Richard Passwater Obituary
Jul 24, 1926 - Jul 10, 2020
Richard Passwater, 93, originally from Indianapolis, passed away on July 10th, 2020 in Sarasota, Florida.
He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to Lloyd B. Passwater and Nettie R. Carr on July 24th, 1926. He attended Danville High School and was a member of Orchard Park Presbyterian Church. Richard served in the Hedron Fleet Air Wing 7 with the United States Naval Forces in Europe from August 18th, 1942 to February 13th, 1945. During the 1950's and 1960's, he ran NASCAR and USAC, and even won the NASCAR Grand National Race at Charlotte in 1953. He founded Auto Specialist, Inc. in Broad Ripple in the 1960's, and was a member of multiple organizations including The American Business Club, American Legion, Masonic Lodge, Murat Shrine Police Club, Murat Indianapolis 500 Shrine Club, Murat Yacht Club, VFW, Indianapolis 500 Oldtimer's Club, and the Living Legends of Auto Racing. He resided in Indianapolis, Indiana until retiring in 1996 to Sarasota, Florida. In 2011 he was honored at the Living Legends of Auto Racing Awards Banquet.
Richard is preceded in death by his spouse of 62 years, Willowdean Kean Passwater; and brothers, Lloyd B. Passwater, Jr., and Roland M. Passwater.
Surviving to cherish his memory are his daughters, Terry L. Browning in Nashville, IN., and Sue M. Passwater (Michael Bowen) in Bradenton, Florida; brother-in-law, Jack W. Kean (Mary) in Indianapolis, IN.; brothers, Keith Passwater in Sarasota, FL., Wayne Passwater in North Port, FL.; and sisters, Joann Compton in Indianapolis, IN., Linda Woods in Indianapolis, IN.; as well as five grandchildren, nine great-children, and one great-great-granddaughter.
Visitation will be held in the Remembrance Hall of Crown Hill Funeral Home from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 19th, 2020. Another hour of visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 20th, 2020 in the same location. The Funeral Service will begin Monday at 11a.m., concluding with Richard being laid to rest in Crown Hill Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to K9s for Warriors at 114 Camp K9 Road Ponte Vedra, Florida 32081. Phone number: 904-686-1956 ext. 109. Website URL: www.k9sforwarriors.org. CFC #82286.
A special thanks to Dr. Austin Hill of Bradenton, FL. Who is now considered a friend for his compassionate guidance and care through Richard's long term illness.
The family would also like to thank Tidewell Hospice for their guidance, compassion, and willingness to go an extra step to comfort the family.
For more information, please www.crownhill.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Passwater
Sponsored by Crown Hill Funeral Home.
Teri Malone
July 10, 2024
We think of Dick often. Such a great friend he was. Miss his great company and humor
Teri Malone
July 20, 2020
Dick was the kindest and considerate man that Jerry and I have had the pleasure to be very close friends with. He would give the shirt off his back if we needed it. He treated my dad with the most respect and gifted him with a friendship of a lifetime not to mention how many times he saved my dad from eating my cooking. We loved him dearly, we will miss him deeply and never forget him.
Eddie Spurling
July 17, 2020
Im so sorry to hear about the loss of Dick, prayers are with the family.
Julia Wilder
July 17, 2020
Passwaters Auto Specialist was an iconic business on Broad Ripple Avenue. I will miss seeing it. Mr. Passwater was an excellent businessman. I had my car repaired there twice (both times hit while parked) and they did an excellent job. You will be missed.
B Willette Cooper
July 17, 2020
Sue and family,
Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May you feel God's loving arms wrapped around you providing peace and comfort.
Dennis and Willette Cooper
Phil Horn
July 17, 2020
I was sorry to read about Dick I was a Friend of his & neighbor on Lake Tippy. I always enjoyed him Great Guy. RIP Dick God Bless you lived a Wonderful Life. Phil Horn
Lois Zakowicz
July 17, 2020
Sue, your father must have been a delight. What a full life he lived! He will surely be missed. God Bless You and your family at this sad time.
With kind regards, Lois Taggart Zakowicz
GARY L RANARD
July 17, 2020
Best fender mender in town. Great person to know and learn from.
Mary Beth Diersing Males
July 16, 2020
Sue, Terry and family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time and always.
All our love
The Diersing Family
Mary Beth Diersing Males
July 16, 2020
Sue, Terry and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time and always.
All our love,
The Diersing Family
Alvin Mastain
July 16, 2020
One of my oldest friends. Dick you will be missed more than you know. when you get there show them what Passwater Proud means.
toly arutunoff
July 16, 2020
rooted for him at i.r.p. with his studebaker hawk! I think he finished 10th against all those 427s and never made a pit stop. as a fellow hawk racer (scca and Fia) he was my hero. God bless you Richard...I simply wish I'd gone to the pits and talked to him afterward
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