Robert Leonard Verbarg

Robert Leonard Verbarg, 91, Noblesville IN passed away April 7, 2018.  He was born February 10, 1927 in Beech Grove, IN to Lawrence and Florence (Higgins) Verbarg.  He was raised in Indianapolis and attended Little Flower Parish and grade school.  He attended Arsenal Tech High School and graduated in 1945 from Cathedral Catholic High School.  He immediately enlisted in the Army Air Force to join our troops in fighting WWII.  He served in the Infantry, Military Police, Signal Corp and Air Force.  He was stationed in Iran, Egypt, and North Africa.  He worked as a local labor trainer, Military Police and Transmitter Operator.  He was a patriot and proud WWII Veteran who served his country with honor.

In June, 1949, Robert married Marcella May Rhoden in Indianapolis.  They eventually relocated to Columbus, IN where they would live for 25 years and raise their two daughters.  He was employed by Quality Mill Supply Company in sales from 1956 until his retirement in 1986.  In Columbus, he enjoyed fishing, swimming and waterskiing with his daughters.  He had a passion for restoring classic automobiles which included his 1929 Model A Ford and several 1965 Mustangs.

In 1987 Robert and Marcella retired to Lake Placid, FL.  When not bass fishing, he and Marcella enjoyed traveling and being involved in the neighborhood community.  Robert’s wife Marcella passed away in 1993 and he married Mildred Heck in 1995.  He and Mildred remained in Lake Placid until her death in 2013.  Soon after, Robert moved to Noblesville, IN to live with his daughter and grandson.  Once back in Indiana, he enjoyed weekly visits with his brother and two sisters and reading and discussing politics.

Robert is survived by his daughter, Mary Jo (Verbarg) Eppink, stepdaughter Carolyn Joyce (Heck) Smith, stepson William John Heck Jr., numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sisters Virginia (Verbarg) Neff, Marylyn (Verbarg) Marten and brother Lawrence Verbarg. In addition to his parents and two wives, he was predeceased by his daughter Teresa (Verbarg) O’Neal.

A memorial mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 12  at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, Carmel, IN immediately followed by a celebration of life luncheon in the Parish Life Center Social Hall. Memorial contributions can be made to the Honor Flight Network  www.honorflight.org/donate-now/