Robert E. French

Robert E. French 90, entered into Heaven peacefully on August 19, 2011 in Frankfort, In. He was born August 1, 1921 in Fort Wayne, IN to the late Charles E. and Helene (Franks) French. Bob was a graduate of Albion High School and The University of Iowa School of Engineering. He served as an officer in the Navy (Sea Bees) on Guam during WWII. Bob married his college sweetheart, and the love of his life, Elda Carstensen on December 1, 1943. Together they were truly “soulmates” spending the next 67 years side-by-side. Bob’s first job after college was in the Engineering Dept. of Douglas Aircraft Company in Santa Monica, CA. He was later employed by the Army Corps of Engineers as a mechanical designer for several dams on the Columbia River. He spent the majority of his career as a mechanical engineer for the Naval Avionics facility in Indianapolis, IN., retiring in the early seventies. Bob spent his retirement years bowling, golfing and gardening. He raised beautiful orchids and cactus and spent countless hours in his garden and his greenhouse. He was a “thinker” who always managed to find new or better solutions for just about anything. Bob was a member of Christ Presbyterian Church, Fortville, IN and a former member of Covenant Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis. Bob was preceded in death by his dear wife Elda, their youngest son Dr. Tracy W. French of Freeville, NY, his parents Charles E and Helene and two of his brothers, Daniel H. French and Richard C. French. His is survived by his eldest son, Alan C. (Karen) French of Frankfort, IN; his brother, Philip (Kathy) French of Martinsville, IN; Mica French of Freeville, NY; Rita French of Freeville, NY; grandchildren, Trevor A. and Hannah J. French; James, Wesley, Joshua and William Sanders; numerous nieces and nephews and his beloved kitty Raggedy Anne. A funeral will be held Tuesday at 3:00 PM at Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Centers Memorial Park 9350 E. Washington St. with visitation from 1:30-3:00 PM at the funeral center. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Stroke Association 6100 W. 96th St. Indianapolis, IN 46278 To visit Elda Carstensen French’s obituary please click on the following link http://hosting-24852.tributes.com/show/Elda-Carstensen-French-89784119 You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan