Robert T. Simonson

Dr. Robert (Bob) T. Simonson Sr., 89, passed away on April 25, 2018.  He was born September 10, 1928 in Wilkes-Barre, PA to Ambrose Charles Simonson and Virginia Catherine (Gilligan) Simonson and was one of nine children – Charles (Jennie), Catherine (Leo), Margaret (James), Eugene (Regina), Elizabeth, Mary, Barbara (Edward) and Virginia (Joseph).  He was preceded in death by Charles, Catherine, Eugene, Elizabeth and Mary and his son Robert.

He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1946.  He enlisted in the Marines in August 1946 and was honorably discharged after his second enlistment in June 1951.  He then attended several colleges and universities, graduating from Lincoln Chiropractic College on September 18, 1953.  After graduation he returned to the school as a member of the faculty, teaching classes for many years.

He married Claire Terese Kilgallon on November 22, 1952 who survives.  Together they had five children – Kathleen (Missy Kovac), Robert Jr.(Barbara), Terence (Tricia), James Andrew (Stephanie) and Michael (Shani).  They were blessed with eight grandchildren – Elizabeth (David), Connor, Danielle, Lauren, Kieran, Keely, Kevin, Mary and one great grandchild – Parker.

He was one of the first chiropractors in Indiana, with a successful practice in Speedway for nearly 40 years.  He was very active in the state chiropractic association.  He was appointed to the Board of Chiropractic Examiners on July 1, 1982 where he served several terms.  In addition, he was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Orr on December 29, 1988.

He was proud to have worked many years at the Indianapolis 500 as a USAC official as a product certification inspector.  He was an avid golfer and was a member of Ulen Country Club in Lebanon and then the Country Club of Indianapolis (CCI).  While a member of CCI he was on the organizing committee in charge of the program for the Women’s US Open held at CCI in 1978.

In his 50’s he took up running and competed in numerous races around Indiana and Florida including the Indianapolis 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.  The Mini was his favorite race every year and he enjoyed running it with family and friends for many years.  He was very proud of the fact that he and his running partner (Jerry Linville) mapped and measured running courses of various distances in Eagle Creek Park.  They later got the courses certified so that they could be used in sanctioned races.  These courses are still in use today.

In later years, they enjoyed many summers at their house on Sweetwater Lake in Brown County, hosting many family and friends over the years, including two family reunions.  There was nothing he enjoyed more than sitting at the water’s edge sipping a Manhattan at the end of the day.

Upon retirement Bob and Claire split time between Indiana and Venice, FL where they owned a condo and enjoyed many happy years as snowbirds.  He was active in his retirement community as a board member including being elected President several times.

The family would like to thank the staff at Wellbrooke of Carmel for their compassionate care of Bob during his stay.

A memorial service will be held on May 5, 2018 at Flanner and Buchanan, 105 West Pine Street, Zionsville, IN with visitation from 1-3 pm followed by a memorial service.  His life will be celebrated with an Irish wake at his son Andy’s house.  All are welcome to come by and offer a toast to Bob.  In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to your favorite charity/organization in Bob’s name.  Slainte!