Robert Armstrong Ferris of Greensburg, passed away September 24, 2020. He was born in August 19, 1927 to Clarence and Oakleigh Armstrong Ferris. He was born and raised on the family farm along Sandcreek in Southern Decatur County. Bob graduated from Letts High School in 1944 and immediately entered the U.S. Armed Forces where he became an Honored World War II Veteran serving as part of a training battalion at Fort Ord, California. When the war ended in 1945, plans were to attend Purdue University. Shortly after enrollment, God had other plans. His father suffered a debilitating stroke, and Bob returned home to run the farm. Soon thereafter he met and married the love of his life Barbara Copeland Ferris on March 1, 1951 at Spring Hill Presbyterian Church. Together they returned to the farm where they raised 4 children. From the beginning, they shared a deep faith. Christ was the center of their home. They strived to pass the rich heritage of grace, hope and love shown them, to all they could.
In earlier years, Bob developed a love for music. Singing regularly at weddings and funerals and around the home. He sang in the choir at Mt. Aerie Baptist Church, his home church, and First Baptist Church in Greensburg, where the family attended in later years. He served on the Board of Deacons for many years at both churches. While the kids were at home, the couple served as 4-H leaders, youth group sponsors, and in other church and philanthropic groups over the years. In addition to a very active family and farm life, Bob worked for Cummins Engine Co in Columbus IN., as an Engine Inspection Planner, for more than 40 years, retiring in 1992. Beyond that he was famous for his epic gardens - mostly potatoes, and being a legendary fast pitch softball pitcher. He loved his Boiler sports, especially basketball, his collection of Bing Crosby vinyl, being a renowned ice cream maker and connoisseur (butter pecan). Most of all, faithfully cheering on his children and grandchildren, from the sideline, stands or in the audience, whatever their pursuits.
Survived by children: Virginia (Bob) Mulroney, Westport, IN, Dwight (Madelyn) Ferris, Cassopolis, MI, Scott (Donna) Ferris, Harrodsburg, KY, Beth Horton, Whitestown, IN.
Grandchildren: Ben (Tamara) Mulroney, David (Julia Von Arrgon) Mulroney, Lane (Mike) DeMeulenaere, Keegan Ferris, Gabriel (Kayla) Ferris, Emily (Gary) Brown, Hannah Horton, Laura Horton and Caleb Horton.
Also 12 great grandchildren with one on the way.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 12:00-2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 26, 2020 at Gilliland-Howe Funeral Home in Greensburg. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 2:00 p.m., also at Gilliland-Howe, with Rev. Cliff Bunch officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Greensburg or Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com
The family wishes to thank the caring staff at the Decatur County Memorial Hospital and Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.
