Robert Lee Debard

Robert Lee DeBard, 86, of Westfield, passed away Friday, October 16, 2015. Robert was born May 25, 1929 to the late Major General Carl O. and Eunice C. (Baringer) DeBard. He married Elizabeth (McLaughlin) DeBard on April 3, 1982.

Robert earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of Evansville, and his Master's degree in Criminal Justice from Indiana University. He served in the U.S. Air Force and the Air National Guard, earning the rank of Colonel. He served in active military duty during the Berlin Air Crisis in 1961-1962. While serving his country, DeBard earned the Meritorious Service Award. After 25 years he retired from the Indiana State Police, having served as Superintendent from 1973-1977. He also served as Executive Assistant to Governor Otis Bowen. He was a business advisor at Indiana University on assignment at the University of Kabul in Afghanistan and as a consultant with Ball State University. Col. DeBard was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash and numerous other civic and military honors. DeBard was active in Boy Scouts, earning his Eagle Scout while in Crawfordsville, Indiana. He actively supported his children's and grandchildren's activities in scouting, athletics, musical and theatrical performances. Throughout his life he enjoyed hiking and traveling around the world with friends and family.

Robert had a decades-long career with the Air National Guard. After retirement, he enjoyed living in Florida and North Carolina before settling in Westfield, Indiana to spend time with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Elizabeth DeBard; children Daniel DeBard, Sarah (DeBard) Witt, Laura (DeBard) Brown, Joel, Scott , Dan McLaughlin, Katie (McLaughlin) Walsh; grandchildren Emily, Amanda, Evan, Erin, Haley, Matt, Carl, Daniel, Ellen, Matthew, Kristen, Alex, Morgan, and Christopher; great-grandchildren Owen, Eli, Mia, Addison, Tylan and Ashtyn. He is also survived by his loving sister, Harriett Drilling of Ocala, Florida and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, 1402 Main Street, Carmel on Tuesday, October 20th at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will precede that at St. Christopher's on Monday, October 19th , from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday, October 20th from 10:00 a.m. The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) or St. Christopher's Episcopal Church. You may share a condolence or memory at www.flannerbuchanan.com.