Mirle Rao

Dr. Mirle S.V. Rao, 98, Indianapolis, passed away April 18, 2014. He was born September 15, 1915, in Mysore, India. He married Lakshmi Rao in 1944, who preceded him in passing in 1981. His father passed away unexpectedly when he was 15, and as the first-born he assumed responsibility for his mother and four siblings, taking care of their education, and assisting in getting them married and established. He was thus viewed as a father figure among his siblings, and he was loved and respected much by them. He was educated at Mysore University where he obtained a BSc and an MSc in Physics and then served on the faculty. He was commissioned an officer in the Royal Indian Air Force and served in the front lines in World War II. Later, he served many years with the India Meteorological Service before being appointed project scientist at Thumba, India's first rocket-launching station. The fruits of his research in this position earned him a Ph.D in Atmospheric Sciences from Kerala University. This led to his coming to the US in 1972 to serve a decade with NASA, doing research in satellite based weather analysis. In the late 1970's, Mirle put his trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, receiving forgiveness of sins and being made a new creation. He was a member of East 91st Street Christian Church, in Indianapolis. After retiring in 1983, he lived with his son's family enjoying his grandchildren and investing in their home education. He is survived by his only child Ram (Asha) Rao; four grandchildren, Nirmala, Anjali, Nikhil and Vineeta, as well as a sister Subbamma. Memorial services will be on Thursday, May 8 at 7:00 pm at Second Reformed Presbyterian Church, 4800 Michigan Road, Indianapolis. Memorial contributions my be directed to World Vision. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.flannerbuchanan.com.