Bruce E. Breeden

Bruce Eugene Breeden (73) of Carmel, Indiana died Sunday, January 19, 2025. Born to Harold and Mary Louise Breeden August 21, 1951 in Crawfordsville, Indiana. He was the middle of 3 children: Mary (Richard) Shaffer and Tom (Sue) Breeden. Bruce graduated from Plymouth High School in 1970. He met his wife Arleta (Fletcher) while attending Hanover College and was married August 10, 1974.

Bruce was the epitome of living life for others with a servant's heart. His faith was his foundation and a part of every aspect of his life. Carmel has never had a bigger supporter, and Bruce “bled” blue and gold for the 50 years that he proudly lived here. You couldn’t go anywhere without him being stopped by a former student, athlete, business contact, church member, or just someone he met getting lunch to say hello. He immediately made you feel like family. His hugs were known by all, and his laughter could fill a room.

Bruce held many professional accomplishments over his 50+ year career. He started his career in education at Carmel Junior High School in 1974 after earning his Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Hanover College. While teaching Science and Latin, he earned his Master’s of Science in Education from Indiana University and his Doctorate as an Education Specialist from Butler University. He went into administration at Carmel Junior High, and was a coach for baseball and football in Carmel Schools.

Bruce’s career led him into HR working at Logo Athletic, Cripe and in 2014, he joined Telemon Energy as the Vice President of Sales. Bruce was dedicated to making the world a better place and he actively participated in numerous organizations committed to brightening our world. Bruce was the founder of the Seikyo Gakuen Japan Exchange program; Board member, chair and former president of the Carmel Dads Club; Carmel Clay School Board member for 12 years; Founder of Chaucie’s Place; Board member and former president of the Hamilton County Leadership Academy; Board member of the American Diabetes Association; Leader of the Kiss the Pig Fundraiser; State Board member of the Muscular Dystrophy Association; Parent support group for Drug and Alcohol Education; member of the Carmel Rotary Club; City of Carmel Ethics Board; Appointed to the Education Roundtable by Governor Mitch Daniels; State Convention Delegate; Awarded the Harold Kaiser Lifetime Achievement award; and was an active member of Orchard Park Presbyterian Church for over 50 years where he was an Elder, Trustee, Clerk of the Session and confirmation teacher.

Bruce held many accomplishments throughout his 73 years, but his greatest was his family. You will never have met a better husband, dad, Pops, brother, uncle, son, or friend. Bruce married the love of his life Arleta August 10, 1974, and together they celebrated 50 years of true partnership filled with love, laughter and faith. There was no one better suited to be a “girl dad” than Bruce. He instilled passion, education, support and faith into his three girls, Molly (Cory) Clark, Meghan (David) Ferens, and Mallory (Billy) Lynch. He welcomed all three son-in-laws into the family like his own. Bruce’s favorite role in life was definitely being “Pops” to his 7 grandchildren: Carter, Cayden, Colby, Morgan, Kallie, Kami and Carson. Pops was truly grateful to be in all of his grandbabies’ lives and made sure they knew where to go for extra treats. He was at every football, baseball, basketball, lacrosse and soccer game, as well as marching band, color guard competition or choir concert for his grandchildren. Anyone that ran into Bruce would definitely hear about how all of the kids were doing. He was proud of all of them! Bruce had a close relationship with his brother Tom, sister Mary, and all of his extended family. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Mary Louise Breeden; sister Mary Shaffer; lifelong family friends Kip Einspahr and Barbara McRoberts.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 31st, at Orchard Park Presbyterian Church, 1605 East 106th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46280 from 11:00am-1:00pm with a memorial service immediately following at 1:00pm. To reflect Bruce’s spirit of community, we encourage supporting Carmel Dad's Club, Orchard Park Presbyterian Church, or the American Diabetes Association in his name in lieu of flowers.