Robert Louis "Lou" Posner

Robert Louis “Lou” Posner, born on May 19, 1943, in Trenton, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025, at the Heartford House in Owensboro, Kentucky, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, courage, and commitment to truth.

A graduate of New York University in 1966, Lou served in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1970. He was a journalist and served in Vietnam from August 1969 to August 1970. During his service, he wrote an article against the war, published in an alternative newspaper at Ball State University. His insightful writing reflected his deep convictions. He received the U.S. Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V" for his exemplary service. He was later active in Vietnam Veterans Against the War.

In 1970, Lou met his wife, Mary Munchel Posner. They moved in together in January 1971 and were married on May 21, 1977, in Bloomington, Indiana. Their partnership was a testament to love, support, and a shared passion for the arts. Their theme song was “Side by Side.”

Throughout their lives, Lou and Mary lived in various places, including Wisconsin from 1971 to 1972, and Bloomington from 1972 to 1978, where he was a founding member of the Artists’ Co-op. He later resided in Connecticut from 1978 to 1988, attending Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT, where he earned 18 credits towards a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies.

In 1988, Lou and Mary moved to Perry County, Indiana, where he resided until his death. Despite his urban upbringing, he became an avid farmer and was very proud of his herd of cattle. Lou was the first president of the Perry County Artists Association, now known as the Tell City Regional Arts Association. His artistic contributions were significant; he exhibited his work about Vietnam in the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum in Chicago, Illinois, and two of his paintings are featured in their book, Vietnam: Reflexes and Reflections, published in 1998. He also played the tenor banjo and was an active member of “All Frets.”

As Andy Warhol said, “The idea is not to live forever but to create something that will.” In addition to hundreds of oil paintings, pastels, watercolors and pencil drawings, Lou also wrote two books and numerous short stories, poems, and essays. He also published his own book, Posner’s Pocket Guide to Oil Painting, in 1982, sharing his knowledge and passion for art with others.

Lou was an eager listener and people from all walks of life confided in him because they knew he was interested in their lives and kept any secrets they shared. He was a faithful correspondent with friends, and thousands of letters and emails can probably be found in attics throughout the world.

Lou’s last painting, still on his easel, is based on the song, “Japanese Sandman.” It is about a secondhand dealer who “trades new days for old” and makes a new tomorrow possible. Lou’s greatest regret in his final days was that he would not have a tomorrow to finish all the paintings that existed in his mind. His favorite quote was from Hippocrates—“Ars Longa, Vita Brevis” (Art is long, Life is short.) Although his life has been cut short, he will live on through his art.

Lou was predeceased by his parents, Herman and Irene Posner. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Mary Posner.

Lou chose to have a green burial in Kessler Woods in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he will be surrounded by trees and nature. A celebration of life will be held at the Senior Center in Tell City, Indiana, on Sunday, August 24, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Perry County Veteran Donation Fund or Catholic Charities in Tell City.