Robert F. Paugh, Jr.

Robert F. Paugh, Jr., of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on August 31, 2020 at the age of 93. He was born in Beech Grove, Indiana on April 23, 1927 to Robert and Mylia Paugh.
Robert, “Bob”, grew up in the Indianapolis area and was a long-standing member of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church. When he was 9 years old a new family moved in down the street from his house. He very excitedly ran down to the new neighbor’s house to see if they had a son he could pal around with in the neighborhood; no boy his age but they had a daughter, Elizabeth “Betty”. It was love at first sight for Elizabeth and she told her mom,
“One day, I’m gonna marry him” over time Bob and Betty quickly became the best of friends! He attended Tech High School in Indianapolis and his and Betty’s long-time friendship began to blossom into love. On September 24, 1947 they got married, and from this union, 5 children were born: Lynda, Stephen, Mark, Robert III, and Ruthelva.

Bob worked hard to support and provide for his family, but he ALWAYS made sure there was plenty of time for a joke or a laugh. He worked on the railroad for several years until he began driving a delivery truck for Colonial Bread Company. Since Bob never met a stranger, he formed friendships with people all along his route. Some of these new friends had homes with creeks and lakes nearby, which made impromptu fishing trips with the kids a regular thing! Eventually Bob was able to start up his own business as candy/novelty distributor throughout central Indiana and surrounding areas, which made his children the
most popular kids on the block!.

Bob’s quick wit and great sense of humor made everyone around him happy. He loved people and loved making them laugh or smile. When he retired from his candy franchise after 40+ years, he began working part time at the Kroger on East Washington Street where he quickly became a customer favorite because of the his humorous and caring personality and always going above and beyond.

On his 90th birthday, Kroger threw him a party, that day he was “BOB THE BUILDER”, the bakery made a huge cake that was shared with Bob, staff and every customer that came through the door that day. Bob retired from Kroger in October of 2019 at the age of 92! To this day, it is rare that a day goes by, that a customer doesn’t ask about Bob.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth M. Paugh and his parents, Mylia (Schoeneman) and Robert Paugh, Sr.
He leaves behind, to cherish his memory: his children; Lynda (Wayne) Reynolds, Stephen (Mary Jo) Paugh, Mark (Elaine Gunter-Paugh) Paugh, Robert (Elaine) Paugh III, and Ruthelva (Bill) Nelson; 8 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and several other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held at Flanner Buchanan – Memorial Park, 9350 E Washington Street, Indianapolis, on Saturday, September 5, 2020 from 10am to 2pm. Services will begin at 2pm. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.