ROBERT E. PRICE 

June 8, 1921 - Dec. 13, 2011
SOUTH BEND - Robert E. Price passed away peacefully in Hospice House of South Bend, with his family by his side. Robert was the oldest son born to Paul and Grace (Parker) Price in Kokomo, Indiana, at his grandmother's home (Alice Parker) on Markland Ave. He was a lifelong resident of South Bend and Mishawaka, having moved here with his parents in 1922. Both his parents preceded him in death as well as a younger brother, John Richard Price, of Michigan City, Indiana. Also preceding him in death were his loving and endearing wife, Enid Mary (Tromans) Price, a World War II bride from Bedford, England and his sister-in-law, Betty (Smyth) Price, also a World War II bride from London, England. His father, Paul Price, was employed at the Studebaker Corporation for 38 years.

Robert graduated from John F. Nuner School in 1936 and from Central High School of South Bend in 1939.

He delivered newspapers for both the South Bend News-Times and the South Bend Tribune. One of his customers was Lee Bonnell, the movie actor who lived in River Park and later married Gale Storm, recording artist and movie actress. After graduation from high school, he delivered telegrams for Western Union Telegraph, including one to Elmer Layden, football coach at Notre Dame, and to Congressman Robert Grant (later Judge Grant). He also delivered singing birthday telegrams - most memorable to Harold Vance, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Studebaker Corporation. Robert was employed at Bendix Home Appliances, Inc., prior to being drafted into service in World War II.

He served in the United Kingdom for three years with the Eighth Air Force, attaining rank of Sergeant. On May 18, 1944, he married Enid Mary Tromans in Bedford, England. She served in the Royal Observer Corps during World War II and their wedding was attended by an Honor Guard from the Royal Observer Corps. Enid passed away on February 12, 1995. During World War II, Robert was fortunate to be able to salute General Eisenhower in London, England, and meet and talk with the Queen Mother of England, in Bedford.

After his discharge in December 1945, at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, he attended IUSB, majoring in accounting. He worked in accounting for a number of firms, including Associates Investment, Oliver Corp., and the Wheelabrator Corp. He was also employed part time for 30 years at Gilbert's clothing store. During the past 12 years, Robert worked part time in the data management department of the South Bend Community School Corporation, as a computer tech, with his last "Tour of Duty" in October of this year. Robert was an avid bowler, having bowled in various leagues around the area for 64 years, finishing up in the Senior League at Chippewa Lanes. His first league was with Bendix Home Appliances at the Waters Recreation Lanes on South Main St., in South Bend in 1941. One of the highlights of his bowling career was having the chance for three 300 games in April of 1973 at Beacon Lanes in South Bend. He started the first game with six strikes in a row, five strikes in a row to start the second, and five strikes in a row to start the third game, but wound up with only a 678 series. The other highlight was rolling a 300 game in the (No Tap) Summer League in 2005 at the age of 86. Robert (or Bob as he was called at the lanes), also played softball, tennis, table tennis, golf, ice-skated and roller skated in his younger years.

Robert was raised as a Master Mason in October 1950 and a 32nd Degree Mason in the Scottish Rite of St. Joseph Valley in 1966. Robert is a past Patron of the St. Joseph Chapter 569, and the former Rose Croix Chapter 575; past Royal Patron of the South Bend Court 11, Order of Amaranth; Past Grand Royal Patron of the Indiana Grand Court, Order of the Amaranth; and a Past Watchman of Shepherds of the Order of the White Shrine; and a past President of the Alexis Coquillard Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. Lastly he was a former member of the Boy Scout Troop #2 in River Park and a member of the First Christian Church since 1950.

Robert, or Bob, leaves behind his son, Kenneth (Lucy) Price, and two grandsons: Jeffrey and Michael Price.

Robert was most proud of his service in World War II and his service to his Masonic Orders. Robert also raised his grandson, Jeffrey Price from the age of 10. Robert was very proud to see him graduate from the University of Evansville, and enter into a wonderful career serving his community as a Mishawaka Police Officer.

Friends may visit with the family on Friday, December 16th from 2 until 5 and 6 until 8 pm, in the Bubb Funeral Chapel, 3910 N. Main St., Mishawaka. Masonic Rites will take place at 7:30 pm Friday. A service celebrating Robert's life will be held at 11 am Saturday, December 17th in the funeral chapel with Chaplain Raymond Tolosa officiating. Burial is to follow in the St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park in Granger; a luncheon is to follow. Memorial contributions may be made in Robert's name to either the American Cancer Society, 130 Red Coach Dr., Mishawaka, Indiana 46545, or to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Dec. 16, 2011.

02/21/2023 EJS