"Our hearts our heavy for you and your family. We send love,thoughts,and prayers ! Will miss your beautiful smile Bob ! Great neighbors ! Great family at the Aquarius in Ormond Beach Florida . "
In loving memory of
Robert D. "Bob" Carson
December 18, 1933 - October 21, 2021
Robert D. "Bob" Carson passed on to his heavenly reward on October 21, 2021, at the age of 87, after several months of declining health. Bob died peacefully at his Marion home with family by his side. He was a loving husband, great father, and wonderful grandfather. All who knew Bob knew him as a very positive, kind, and generous man. He was devoted to his faith, church, family, work family, and friends.
Bob was born in Marion, Indiana December 18, 1933, to Robert H. and Claudia L. Carson. He graduated Marion High School in 1951. After high-school Bob attended The Chicago Art Institute and Ball State University. While at Ball State Bob met the love of his life, Barbara A. Showalter, and they were wed in Marion in 1954 and celebrated 67 years of marriage. Bob then entered the family business, Peerless Machine & Tool, Corp. where he held several positions including President from 1954-1995. Under Bob's tenure, Peerless achieved the worldwide leadership position for the production of paper plate and tray forming machinery. Today Peerless is an employee-owned firm that has machinery in over 40 countries and will shortly enter its 100th year of operation. Bob always felt that Peerless' greatest strength was the devotion and talent of its workforce. Peerless employees were family to Bob. Bob also founded and operated Peerless Automotive, a successful race car builder and professional race team. Peerless raced and built cars for General Motors from the late 1970's until the early 1990's. During this time Peerless built and raced cars for Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, and drivers such as Craig Carter, Jack Baldwin, Paul Newman, Walter Payton, Scott Goodyear, Jacques Villeneuve, David Hobbs, and Scott Sharp.
In addition to Peerless racing activities, Bob served on the USAC technical committee and at the Indy 500 for over 30 years. In earlier years, Bob served on the Marion Jaycees and Oak Hill High School Board. Bob's Christian faith was very important to him. As an active and enthusiastic member of Mount Olive United Methodist Church, Bob served on and chaired many committees.
Bob is survived by his adoring wife, Barbara A. Carson, Marion, IN, daughter, Victoria (Barry) Conrad, Marion, IN, son, Jeffrey (Nancy) Carson, Marion, IN, brother, William (Linda) Carson, Venice, FL, brother-in-law, Irv (Nancy) Showalter, Indianapolis, IN, four granddaughters, Kelly (Craig) Burtzlaff, Fishers, Beth (Brendon) Polivick, Noblesville, Natalie (Aaron) Grizzle, Ft. Wayne, Kayla Jo (fiancé Chris Beaudoin) Correll, Lynnfield, MA. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren, Madeline Grizzle, Lucas Grizzle, Benjamin Burtzlaff, Samuel Burtzlaff, Jensen Polivick, and Sage Polivick, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to give a special heartfelt thank you to Heart to Heart Hospice, along with Christine Ailes and her care team, Brandi Lanter, Tammy Miller, Melissa Smith, and Paula Pollock.
Arrangements for Bob have been entrusted to the College Park Chapel of Armes-Hunt Funeral Home and Cremation Services. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, from 4-7 PM and the funeral will be Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at 11:00 AM with Pastor Rob Barton officiating, all located at Mount Olive United Methodist Church (2015 N 300 W Marion, IN 46952). Entombment will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery. The family has requested that masks are to be required to attend any of the services
Memorial contributions can be made in honor of Bob to Mount Olive United Methodist Church, Grant County Rescue Mission, or to The Community Foundation - Gardens of Matter Park Fund.
Online memories and condolences may be left at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com
Tributes
"I had a feeling last night and searched as I have many times over the years. Little did we know that when we wrote a letter to a guy who owned a Machine company in Indiana where it would take us. He could have just said no... In hindsight, Bob and Barb were incredibly supportive of me and I remember those years and friendships fondly..."
"Our condolences to the family and friends."
"Many happy memories at the Carson home. 500 races & slumber parties in the basement! Bob was always gracious & kind. My condolences to your family."
"Barb, Vicki & Barry, Jeff & Nancy & Family, So sorry to learn of the news. Bob was so good to Robin and me through the past 45 years. He was very special to us and we have such wonderful memories. I don't believe we have ever known a more generous, caring person. He not only taught me personally so much about the paper industry and business, but also about life in general. We pray that God will provide comfort to all of you in the coming days. Much Love, Gary & Robin Alexander"
"My serious condolences to Vicki and your entire family?. May God bless you all during this time."
"Condolences to the family. I knew Bob via our racing connection. Bob set the standard for "how to be a gentleman in racing". I tried to model myself to his standards. It served me well.. thanks Bob."
"My dearest friend Barbara. My heart is filled with love and memories of the times we spent together through out years of great friendship. You have lost your loving Bob and Vickie and Jeff your adoring dad. I know you are in the arms of our dear Lord as you grieve. We who knew Bob are holding you in our love and prayers. I love you all, Carole White. "
"Barb, Vicki,Barry and family. We were so sorry to learn about Bob?s passing. We know he is rejoicing with our Lord . He was truly a real gentleman and an example for all of us. I know he?ll be missed but thankfully we?ll all see him again. Our best to you all! Rob and Donna Oatis Valdosta Georgia "