Robert P. Brant

Robert P. ?Bob? Brant, 89, of Indianapolis, passed away May 29, 2006. Born in Indianapolis, he attended PS 60, Park School, Culver Summer Naval Academy, and Purdue University, where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and served one year as a Student Manager for the varsity football team. In 1936 he joined the Culver Naval Academy staff as an ensign, where he was credited with saving the life of a drowning student. Bob went to work at the family business, Indiana Oxygen Company, in 1937 as a truck driver and later a salesman before becoming Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and President, retiring in 1984. At the time of his death, he was serving as Chairman of the Board. Bob served as a Board member of the AAA Hoosier Motor Club for over 20 years. He was a member of St. Luke Catholic Church, the Downtown Optimist Club, National Welding Supply Association and the Independent Oxygen Manufacturer?s Association, the Culver Military Academy Alumni group, and a former member of Meridian Hills Country Club. He was also former President of Hazel Dell Community and owner of Brantwood Farms. He was proclaimed a Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Frank O'Bannon. For te...[more]

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ears he served as a USAC observer at the Indianapolis ?500?, and until recently, he had attended every Indy 500 race since 1926 (except for 1951 when he thought the race would be televised again as in 1950). While at Indiana Oxygen he was part of a design team that engineered a revolutionary system for nitrogen-pressurized refueling to quicken pit stops during the race. An avid flyer, he learned to fly while at Purdue and later owned several aircraft, his last aircraft being a BT-13 US Army Air Corp basic trainer, which he purchased surplus after WWII. Bob retrofitted the dual-control trainer by removing the back seat controls and installing alternate seating to accommodate his family in order to visit relatives in western New York. A skillful aviator, he navigated by ?iron compass? (railroad tracks), and if he became unsure of his position, he would simply swoop down and read the town water tower. His single demerit was handed out for flying under the Madison (IN) Bridge. He was a constant spectator at his children?s and grandchildren?s sporting events. He was a coach, team chauffeur, game film photographer, and fan. Bob is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marcia; two daughters, Sandra and Veronica; son, Walter; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Mass of Christian burial will be Friday, June 2 at 10 a.m. in St. Luke Catholic Church. Friends and family will gather Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. in Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel, 740 E. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN. In lieu of flowers, you may make a memorial contribution in Robert?s name to St Luke Catholic Church, 7575 Holiday Dr. East, Indianapolis, IN 46260 or Marquette Manor Foundation, 8140 Township Line Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46260.