Robert F. Anderson

Robert Franklin Anderson of Indianapolis, 95, passed away peacefully with the care, love, and presence of his family on January 14, 2024. Robert, Bob was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 12, 1928, the son of Jesse Ira and Onda Olive (Bivens) Anderson.  At the age of seven (7), Bob lost his mother on December 11, 1935, and then his father on July 21, 1936.  He was taken in, and lovingly raised by his uncle and aunt, James Elmer, and Aleatha May (Eads) Bivens, who raised him as their own.

Bob attended Arsenal Technical High School, Indianapolis, Indiana, and was a member of the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Army of the United States on September 30, 1946, serving the First Corps, 25th Infantry Division in the Quartermaster Corps as part of the occupation army of Japan during World War II.  For his service, he was awarded the WWII Victory, Army Occupation of Japan, and Army Good Conduct medals, and honored on the Arsenal Technical High School Veterans’ Memorial Wall.

He married Anna Pauline Spears on September 14, 1952, and had four sons, Robert Fulton, Philip Martin, David Blair, and Donald Owen Anderson. 

Bob attended Purdue University, and received technical training in electrical, plumbing, and HVAC engineering throughout his career. He worked for Indiana Bell for 41 years, beginning as a maintence laborer and advancing to District Manager of Buildings Services; retiring on January 12, 1990.

Bob was known for his dedicated work ethic, and strong sense of right and wrong, which he instilled in his four beloved boys.  He was a wonderful husband and father, a kind and generous man, who never met a stranger.  Some of his favorite hobbies were spending summers on vacation with his family at Dale Hollow Lake, improving his home, reading up on American history, staying connected with his friends, and making time to go fishing.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse, Onda, Jim, and Aleatha, six siblings, and his beloved wife, Anna Pauline (Spears) Anderson. He is survived by his children and spouses, Robert and Terri, Philip and Nhan, David and Tom Hillenbrand, and Donald and Tracie; his grandchildren Brian and wife Libby, Kelli and husband Scott, Kevin and wife Jenna, Sarah, and Ryan; and his great-grandchildren Halle, Alexa, Carson, Austin, Mira, Emmy, Ella, and Dean.

Visitation will be held at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East (10722 East Washington Street, Indianapolis Indiana, 46229) on Friday, January 19, 2024, from 1 pm – 3 pm. Services will follow, Reverend Robert Anderson presiding. Burial will take place after the service at Washington Park East Cemetery.