Manucher Ranjbar

Manucher Ranjbar was born on May 12, 1934, in Tehran, Iran, to Muhammad Ali Ranjbar and Bahíyyih Shayani Ranjbar.

Through involvement in America’s Point Four Program, he came to the United States as a young man and earned scholarships to Pittsburg State University in Kansas. It was there, at a swimming pool, that he met Kay Loughmiller, the love of his life. They were married for 68 years and together had a life defined by perseverance, faith, and global service.

Manucher later continued his studies at the University of Washington, earning a degree in mechanical engineering while working various jobs to support his growing family. A temporary return to Iran became an unexpected turning point, leading to professional opportunities that would define his career. He joined General Tire and became a project manager in its international division, overseeing the construction of tire manufacturing facilities in Iran, India, Pakistan, Bolivia, and Arusha, Tanzania. Known for his effectiveness in complex environments, he had a rare ability to bridge cultures and lead diverse teams, successfully building in developing regions around the world.

Yet engineering was only part of who he was. Above all, Manucher was a devoted member of the Bahá’í Faith. Service to his faith was the central focus of his life. In addition to his professional work, he helped build the Bahá’í centers in Arusha and contributed significantly to the development of the Bahá’í communities in Bangalore, Karachi, and Indianapolis. Additionally, he oversaw the construction of the Bahá’í center in Indianapolis. He believed deeply in unity, justice, and the oneness of humanity. A lover of poetry and philosophy, he memorized passages of the Masnavi and could recite Rumi from memory, reflecting a lifelong engagement with spiritual thought.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Kay (Loughmiller) Ranjbar; his children, Omid, Nader, Cindy, Vahid, and Michael; and his grandchildren, Kelsey; Katherine; Rachel, Sam, and Claire; Bayan and Maryam; Abraham, Serafina, Benjamin, and Rosalie.

He passed away in his sleep on Feb 21, 2026, a devoted servant of Bahaullah.

Visitation will be Monday, February 23, 2026 from 12PM - 2PM with a family led service to being at 2PM all held at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary at 11411 N. Michigan Rd., Zionsville, IN 46077. Burial to follow at 3PM at Washington Park North Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary.