Robert D. Parr helped to save Ezra Green from suffocation, Indianapolis, Indiana, February 27, 1973. At a paint plant, Green entered a cylindrical tank five feet deep and within seconds was overcome by toxic fumes resulting from fluid recently used in cleaning the chamber. Among those alerted was Parr, 32, enamel maker, who entered the tank through a small opening in the top. Holding his breath, he moved Green to a seated position against the tank wall below the opening. After lifting his head through the hole and taking another deep breath, Parr squatted and with difficulty boosted Green, who greatly outweighed him, toward the opening. Men atop the tank reached into it and took hold of Green and Parr, who was being affected by the fumes. When pulled from the tank, Parr was unconscious. Green also was removed. Green died, but Parr recovered.
53961-6131Obituary
Robert Dale Parr, Sr. 83 of Knightsville, passed away at his home with his family by his side. He was born January 7, 1941, in Brazil, the son of Orris and Ruth Stewart Parr. He attended VanBuren High School.
On March 15, 1959, Bob was united in marriage to Beverly Gayle Parr. Together they raised their children in the Knightsville area and are members of the Calvary Baptist Church.
As a young man, Bob worked as a painter and in other jobs when they were newly married. Later, they moved back to Clay County. He worked at Lilly Industrial Coatings in Indianapolis for 8 years. He attempted to save a co-worker’s life, and nearly lost his own, while working there and received the Carnegie Hero Award and the Annual Red Cross Life Saving Award. Bob has always been a person that just does the right thing. He has lived the life of a devoted Christian in many ways. Several years ago, he was the man that rescued the abandoned newborn in the Knightsville park. The baby was named Clay Moses at the hospital and Bob had once again saved a life.
In his work career, Bob worked for the Knightsville Water Department, served as Town Marshall in both Knightsville and Harmony, served as a Reserve Deputy with the Clay County Sheriff’s Department and has been instrumental in maintaining the Knightsville and Harmony Community Centers.
Bob founded Bob Parr Plumbing and Heating business and supported his family by his hard work and dedication. He enjoyed taking care of friends and family’s needs until recently when he became ill.
He was a past member of the Brazil Elks Lodge, the Rotary and Phi Delta Kappa, local Chapter. He played music and had a beautiful singing voice. He was a generous man who supported many good organizations, and he will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his loving wife, Beverly and their children, Robert Parr, Jr. and wife Elissa, Daniel Parr and wife Corky, Joseph Parr and wife Tammy; daughter in law, Annie Parr; grandchildren, Nicholas Girton (Nikki), Kristi Batchelor (John), Jeremy Parr, Shandi Parr (Matt Barnes), Shayli Keith (Cogan), Shasti Payton (Seth), Josey Parr (Paul Jenkins), Noah Parr (Rachel Brandley), Maddie Parr (Hunter Edwards); great-grandchildren, Chloee, John Allen, Zach, Cheyanne, Brooks, Sophia, Benjamin, Miley, Kason, Kyler and Kohen; brother Charles Parr (Harriett), sister Joyce Ann McAninch, sister-in-law Elsie Parr and a large extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Donald Parr, and James Parr and his wife Widdy, beloved son, David Parr in 2007, and daughter-in-law Sandy Parr.