Richard Hall

Richard “Dick” Omar Hall, devoted partner to Mary Jo Carr, loving father, grandfather, and friend left us on May 20, 2022, following a brief illness. The steadfast faith that guided him throughout his life sustained him in his final days.

Dick was born on January 20, 1935, in Indianapolis to Millard Hall and Mabel Binford Hall. He graduated in 1953 from Shortridge High School, where he was president of his class, named First String All-City Quarterback, and developed lifelong friendships. Dick received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University in 1957. He was also president of Sigma Chi Fraternity, where he remained involved for the next 30 years. As an NROTC graduate, he served as a lieutenant in the US Navy, which took him to faraway ports from San Diego to Japan. He obtained his private pilot’s license and developed a lifelong passion for flying during this time.

Following his military service, Dick returned to Indianapolis and joined the family business, Hall Management Corporation, with real estate, insurance, and mortgage banking operations. Especially gratifying for him was the development of Lake Kesslerwood and Lake Maxinhall Estates. He married Ibby Metsker in 1963, and they raised four children together. His small Cessna plane was the mode of transport for many family adventures. Flying was the perfect vehicle for Dick’s love of all things mechanical and his calm-under-pressure disposition. Through his final days, his standard sign-off for each text or conversation was the aviation term “Roger” – “message received and understood.”

Dick spent the winter of his life between Indianapolis and Venice, Florida, with his treasured love Mary Jo Carr.

Dick was an optimist, deeply spiritual, compassionate, and curious with a great dry sense of humor. He excelled at the art of friendly banter, forging connections with people in his everyday interactions. He embodied a mindful “live life in the moment” philosophy. He found joy in simple pleasures such as sharing a meal, sage advice, a story, a kind word, or prayer with friends and family. He was a wise and empathetic mentor to many who struggled with recovery. His thoughtful words and actions made him a person we can strive to emulate.

Simply put, he was a good man.

He is survived by his partner, Mary Jo Carr; his former spouse, Ibby Hall and their four children, Richard Hall Jr., Jennifer Bedsole (Tom), Tom Hall, and Christie Hall (Joe DeMichele); grandchildren, Emma Hall, Asher Hall, Olivia Hall, Owen Hall, Ibby Tiplick, Anna Tiplick, Grayson Hall, Griffin Hall, Ethan Hall, Alex Hall, Leo DeMichele, and Zoe DeMichele.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Millard and Mabel, and his siblings, Phyllis Anne, Bill, and Jack.

Family and friends may call at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, 418 E. 34^th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205, on June 22^nd, from noon to 1:30 pm. The memorial service will follow at 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to an organization important to him, The Carvel Club (In memory of Richard Hall), 4627 Carvel Avenue #2022, Indianapolis, IN 46205.