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Bob was born on July 4, 1931 in Chicago, IL, to Erna R. Slade and Colonel George E. Slade. Bob attended Yokohama High School in Yokohama, Japan. He also attended San Jose State University, in San Jose, CA, where he pursued a degree in Political Science.

Bob was nicknamed Red Dog in high school as his hair was a deep red color. He told many stories about travel to different countries as an Army brat, but his memories of having climbed Mount Fuji twice, in Yokohama, Japan, during his high school years, were his most fond! He also had a sense of pride as he shared stories about spending time during college years with his Delta Sig fraternity brothers from San Jose State University. After living in CA and attending San Jose State, he moved to Indianapolis with his parents and started working at Fort Benjamin Harrison where he was in the Army Reserve. Bob married the girl of his dreams and love of his life, Joan Tossell Slade, on March 3, 1956, and they started their life together in Irvington, on Indianapolis’ east side. Bob and Joanie enjoyed traveling throughout the world and visited three different continents. Bob was a dedicated father to Debbie, Bill, Barb and Marta and instilled in them his own values of love of family. He was a very competitive board game player and took it very seriously. He taught all of the kids to play chess and was not afraid to beat them! His children remember him teaching them to fly kites, play scrabble, Battleship, LIFE, Monopoly, and King Oil. He was an excellent driver’s education coach and was extremely patient in helping them become comfortable behind the wheel of the car.

Bob and Joanie also enjoyed spending time with friends, playing golf in Brendonwood, playing bridge with multiple bridge groups, and inside and outside of Brendonwood, attending all four children’s activities. Bob was a voracious reader, an avid dog lover, and also had incredible affection for horses and large and domestic cats.

He accepted a job working for Joanie’s father’s company as a manufacturer’s representative, selling to all kinds of businesses, manufacturers and government entities.

He was the organizer for his 25th high school class reunion, the first for his class , here in Indianapolis, and then was able to travel to San Jose for his 50th high school reunion as well, not too many years ago.

Bob loved taking the family all over the continental states, however, his favorite family destination was Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL.

Bob served multiple years as President of Brendonwood Country Club . He also arranged first Yokohama High School Reunion, American high school in Yokohama, Japan, for his class at 25 years.

Bob was a member of The Scottish Rite Cathedral, as well as a Freemason and Shriner of Indianapolis, and he was a strong contributor to the historic Indianapolis neighborhood he and his wife, Joanie, loved so much, Brendonwood, acting as President of the Brendonwood Country Club for several years. Bob and Joanie attended church at Fifth Church of Christ, Scientist, Broad Ripple.

Bob never met a stranger, he could talk and make friends with anyone.

He is survived by his wife of almost 67 years, Joan Tossell Slade, Carmel, IN; his children, Deborah Slade Carter (Greg), Santa Rosa Beach, FL; William H. Slade (Laurel), Carmel, IN; Barbara Slade Kincannon (Tom), Carmel, IN; Marta Slade Stanbrough (Jim), Carmel, IN; grandchildren, Jenna and Blake Carter, Chris, Cory and Collin Slade, Carly, Jack and Scott Kincannon, Jake, John and Megan Stanbrough; and 8 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends are encouraged to consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association, the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research: Alzheimer's Association | Donate to Fight Alzheimer's Disease; Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation, helping America’s heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families: Donate Now - Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org); or Shriners Hospitals, providing medical treatment to all children, regardless of ability to pay: Shriners Hospitals for Children® | Donate and Send Love to the rescue

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Funeral Services Provided By

Indiana Funeral Care - Indianapolis

8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250