Robert P. Heyne, 88, passed away April 3, 2012. He was the third of five children born to Rev. and Mrs. Robert G. Heyne on July 23, 1923 in Decatur, Illinois. He had a son, Robert P. Heyne, Jr. and two sisters, Eunice Heyne and Lois Otto, who preceded him in death. He married Geraldine M. Burns Walter in July of 1957, who survives. He is also survived by his step son Randall E. Walter, a daughter Laura B. Peeters (Ron), two grandsons, Robert and Joseph, two sisters, Judith Hahn (Arvin) and Beth Ritter, in addition to numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was an Army veteran who served from 1942 to 1945 during World War II and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. He experienced considerable combat in Saipan, Tinian, Okinawa and was part of the occupation force in Japan.
He earned a Bachelors degree in Social Work from Valparaiso University in 1950 and a Master of Science degree in Criminology from Indiana State University in 1973.
In 1950 he began his career working for the Indiana Department of Correction. Prior to his serving as Commissioner of Correction for the State of Indiana, he held positions at several institutions including the Indiana State Prison, Indiana Reformatory and the Indiana Boys' School. In 1980 he joined the Indiana Department of Mental Health and continued service as Superintendent of Westville Correctional Center and Beatty Memorial Hospital. He also served as Assistant Commissioner of Mental Health, Deputy Commissioner for State Facilities as well as Acting Superintendent of Evansville State Hospital and Evansville Psychiatric Children's Center, and Acting Superintendent of Larue Carter Psychiatric Hospital. In January of 1991, he retired from his career with Indiana state government. In June of 1991 he accepted the position of Acting Executive Director of Lutheran Child and Family Services for Indiana and Kentucky serving for several months in that position.
During his extensive career Robert was honored with numerous awards including five Sagamores of the Wabash from Governors Matthew E. Welsh, Edgar D. Whitcomb, Otis R. Bowen, Robert D. Orr and Evan Bayh, the Alumni Achievement Award from Valparaiso University, the Living Saint Award presented by Lutheran Child and Family Services, a Kentucky Colonel presented by Governor Julian M. Carroll, the Charles E. Bosma Award for Outstanding Contributions to Mental Health in Indiana, the Distinguished Hoosier Award presented by Edgar D. Whitcomb and the Distinguished Service Award from the Indiana Correctional Association.
His work related service includes, President of the Indiana Correctional Association, Adjunct Assistant Professor – Forensic Studies – Indiana University, United Nations Observer for 5th UN Congress on Correction, Consultant to Council of State Governments on Correction Issues, Advisor to the National Conference of Commissioners of Uniform State Laws, National President of the Association of State Correction Administrators, Member of Board of Directors of the American Correction Association and Commissioner of the National Commission on Accreditation for Correction.
Robert was an active member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church, serving on various committees including the worship committee and Board of Directors. He served as Lay Delegate to Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod Synodical conventions and Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod Indiana District conventions. In addition, he was a member of the Institutional Ministry Sub-Committee of the Indiana Mission Board and Sunday School Superintendent at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Plainfield. While a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Michigan City, he was a youth counselor.
The funeral service will be at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 10202 N. Meridian Street on Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 1 p.m., with visitation from 11 a.m. until time of service. Interment will be at Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pilgrim Lutheran Church or Lutheran Child and Family Services.
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Sincerely,
-Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan