Former long-time educator, Bob Baltzell, 79, of Connersville, died early Thursday morning, January 28, 2016, at his residence.
A Connersville native, Bob was born March 12, 1936, to Dr. Fay Boyd and Ava Lois Poore Baltzell. He was a 1954 graduate of Connersville High School and attended several universities including St. Mary’s of Texas in San Antonio, Texas; Nanza University, Nagoya, Japan; and University of Cincinnati. Bob earned his master’s degree from Ball State University and had completed some doctorate classes. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving with the U.S. Air Force special services security force on the Atomic Energy Command. Following his military service, Bob began teaching at Western Wayne and later with the Fayette County School Corporation at Maplewood, Junior High South, Connersville High School and as the director of East Central Special Services. For twenty years, he served on the board of directors of Dunn Mental Health and served two terms as a board member of the Fayette County School Corporation.
Bob was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Warren Lodge #15 F.& A.M., Indianapolis Scottish Rite, Elks, Eagles, Air Force Association and the Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education. He enjoyed being a pilot, flying Cessna Cubs, Pipercubs and 182 planes. He and his son, Rich participated in the Great American Road Rally for over nine years. Bob cared about people and was a good listener. He had a strong focus on family and was a true patriot.
Bob is survived by his wife, the former Marsha J. Nichols, whom he married March 23, 1974 in Milton; his son and his wife; Richard F. Baltzell and Pamela Miller Baltzell of Simpsonville, Kentucky; his grandchildren: Jared Baltzell and Miranda Baltzell; several nieces, nephews and a host of friends. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his sisters, Connie J. Walker and Betty Lee Narvel.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 2, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Doug Barton officiating. Interment will follow in Dale Cemetery with military honors. Friends may visit at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and after 10a.m. Wednesday at the church. Memorial masonic services will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home by Warren Lodge #15, F. & A.M. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors or to the First United Methodist Church. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.
