Robert L. Faris, Sr.

Robert Lewis Faris, Sr., also known to everyone as Bob, finished his work here on Earth on December 27, 2023, at the age of 93 in Avon, Indiana. He was born on July 18, 1930, to Pearl Lewis Faris and Wesley Golden Faris, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was a long-time resident of Speedway, Indiana. Nearing retirement, Bob and Sue moved to Pittsboro, Indiana, where they enjoyed their later years in a beautiful, wooded area, nearby to family and wonderful neighbors.

Bob attended Ben Davis High School where he led the ROTC, and after high school proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. Semper Fi (Always Faithful) was his motto, and very fitting to him. Bob had a strong and sincere love for his country. After his military service concluded, he continued his career at the Indianapolis Star News, then Allied Mailing (which he later purchased), and went on to found Faris Mailing, Incorporated. He expanded his mailing business to Phoenix in 1977, purchasing Mailing's Inc. of Arizona, which allowed he and Sue to experience life out West, and be near to family and new friends. They treasured that season of life. Bob was a founding member of the Indianapolis Postal Customer Council and was instrumental in creating the resident mailing list and implementing the zip code for the state of Indiana. His vision, leadership, and hard work created the foundation for a company that continues today.

Bob was a loving, honest man who had a great sense of humor and an infectious smile. He understood and exemplified integrity and the meaning of hard work. He made work fun and worked hard to provide a great life for his family. He honored and dearly loved his parents his entire life. Just as he learned from them, Bob tried to teach his children to work hard, to excel in life, and how to treat people. His generosity never stopped, and he never met a stranger. Bob was one of the founders of Scholarships for Speedway and the inspiration for Tri-West Dollars for Scholars. He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather, always caring for his family. Bob was a lifetime member of the Speedway Lions Club and an honorary Postmaster in Washington DC. He was awarded and recognized as a Sagamore of the Wabash, a Kentucky Colonel and received a Key to the City of Indianapolis. In addition, Bob was inducted into the Speedway Hall of Fame and was a long-time member and supporter of the Murat Shrine, as well as a Free Mason. He was the longest elected official for the Town of Speedway and served with passion, dedication, and honor from 1984-1997. No matter what great life experiences he had, whether traveling or sitting on the porch with friends after the 500-mile race, Bob valued his family more than anything in the world and cherished each moment he got to spend with them. He would always say, “Nothing means more than when we all get together”. This is what Bob lived for and was his highlight. The moments we had with him are precious and cherished more than words can express.

Bob's handshake was his word, and he was known for his loyalty, kindness, and faithfulness. He was a devoted husband for over 70 years. Bob is survived by his wife Sue, and their children Kathy (John), Jane (Gary), Tom (Theresa), and Bob (Connie). He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren Tyler (Amy), Trevor (Raegan), Tanner, Katie, Cole, Sarah (Cameron), Laura (Brian), Thomas, Mikayla, Kristi (Matt), Kimmi (Matt), Patrick (Kortni), and Kelly as well as 8 great-grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his grandson Logan James Parsons, as well as his brothers Maynard Dale Faris and Golden Leslie Faris, and his sister Violet Winkley.

In his youth, Bob and his family worshipped at Lynhurst Baptist Church where he met his wife Sue, then Speedway Christian Church and most recently attended Connection Pointe Church. Bob was fierce in his belief that he will spend eternity with Jesus. He looked forward to Heaven and was not afraid, but he would optimistically say his goal was to live to be 100 years old. He found joy in various hobbies: watching his kids and grandkids play sports, playing enthusiastic games of hand and foot, boating at Sweetwater Lake, back in the day deep-sea fishing, and occasional visits to a casino (Bob was a very lucky man and almost always walked away with a win), countless games of computer solitaire, watching the birds and squirrels, and rolling coins which we did several nights in Hospice. He gave every task his all and led by example. Bob was a true role model to all who knew him and a friend to all he met. He loved to laugh, enjoy life, and would give the shirt off his back to help a person. Well done, good and faithful servant. You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith.

Bob’s visitation will be 4-8 pm Friday, January 5, 2024, at Flanner Buchanan – Speedway, and Saturday, January 6^th, visitation will continue at 10 am until the funeral service at 11 am. As Bob loved to gather for a meal, please join us to celebrate his life with a luncheon immediately following the service at Flanner Buchanan – Speedway.  Burial with Military Honors will be at Washington Park East following lunch. We invite all to attend to celebrate Bob’s life with his family. 

Please join us in remembering and honoring the life of Robert Lewis "Bob" Faris. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Memorial Donations may be made to Tunnels to Towers, Shriner’s Children’s Hospital or Scholarships for Speedway.