Robert Lee Elson , 90, of Indianapolis passed away on November 23, 2018 at Rosegate Village. Robert was born December 24, 1927 in Dayton, Ohio, the only child of Alvin and Alma Elson. After graduating from Fairview High School in Dayton, he joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served over five years in both reserve and active duty at the rank of sergeant. He married Janet Zickefoose on September 4, 1948.

After his discharge from the Marines in Cherry Point, NC, Robert worked as an abrasive specialist for W. H. Kiefaber Company in Dayton, Ohio. He also farmed their 40-acre property near West Milton, Ohio, where they lived until 1994. Named the Norton Abrasives Specialist of the Year in 1984, he retired in 1989.

While living in West Milton, Ohio, Robert served as president of the Jaycees and as a town councilman for four years. As a Christian, he said his "life didn't really begin until he accepted the Lord in 1978." He was a trustee for Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church in Ohio. After moving to Sweetwater Lake in Indiana, he served as an elder at the Nashville New Life Community Church. An avid fisherman, he enjoyed their early retirement years on Sweetwater before relocating to Indianapolis to be closer to family. In Indianapolis, he was an active member of Indian Creek Christian Church.

Robert is survived by his wife, Janet. They celebrated their 70 ^th wedding anniversary on September 4 ^th of this year. Their three children also survive: Michael (Susan) Elson of Tonto Basin, Arizona; Julie (James) Freeman of Indianapolis; and Ann (Steven) Kotz of Indianapolis. Robert and Janet have six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 29, 2018, in the South Room Chapel at Indian Creek Christian Church ("The Creek") at 6430 S. Franklin Road, Indianapolis. Interment will take place at a private service at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Greenwood. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Generous Ministry at The Creek. The family thanks the staff at Rosegate Village for their devoted care of Robert during the past six months.