Robert Walts Poe, 88, a life-long resident of Marengo, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, May 20, 2018 surrounded by family at Silvercrest in New Albany.  Robert Poe was born to Claude and Kathleen Walts Poe in Marengo on April 27, 1930.  Robert married the love of his life, Rose Maxine White of Bacon, Indiana on April 18, 1953, and together the couple raised three children.  He graduated from Marengo High School where he was a proud member of the 1947 Sectional Championship Basketball Team.  He graduated from Shurtleff College in Alton, Illinois, where he played football and basketball.  He also played basketball on the U.S. Army AAU National Team.

Robert was a Korean War Veteran in the U.S. Army, stationed overseas as a Sergeant.

Following his return from the war, Robert took over the family business.  As the Owner of Poe Lumber, he was responsible for expanding the business to Paoli, Ramsey, and New Albany. His company provided building materials to many homes and commercial buildings in the Southern Indiana area. He instilled his love for building and development in his children, with all three pursuing careers in a related field.

Robert co-owed the local Meridan Insurance Agency with his wife and started a bowling alley in Marengo with a group of local friends.

He served as President of the Indiana Lumberman's Association, was a member of the American Legion Post 84, was a Kentucky Colonel, was awarded the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash, was on the Advisory Board of S & T Industries, and a director of the Marengo State Bank and Central Builders Supply.

Those who knew Robert best will miss his quick wit and his ability to diffuse any difficult or trying situation with humor.  His home was often the epicenter of social events in Crawford County.  He held annual Derby Parties and hosted an annual Catfish Party at Patoka Lake.  On Friday nights, the Poe household would be abuzz following the Marengo High School basketball games, with people stopping by to play Euchre or talk about the game's happenings.

Robert was an avid member of the Crawford County Republican party, serving numerous times as a state party delegate and party chairperson.  In 2013, he was presented the Crawford County Republican Party Lincoln Award.

Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, parents, and two brothers Ralph and William Poe.

He is survived by children Stephen Edward Poe (Merry-Kay) of Louisville, KY, David Bryant Poe (Pamela) of Floyds Knobs, IN, and Joanne Poe of New Albany. Grandchildren are Sarah Elizabeth Poe Archibong (Tony) of Los Angeles, CA, Marek, McKenna and Seth Poe, of Louisville), Emily Poe Stumler (Eli) of Lanesville, IN, and Trevor Robert Poe (Tang Qi) of Dallas, TX.  Great-grandchildren are Effie Maxine and Edith Margaret Stumler.  He is also survived by a life-long friend and nephew, Gary Satterfield (Robin) of Metarie, LA, and nephew Ted Poe (Terri) of Clermont, FL, and a niece Bethany Poe of Ft. Worth, TX.

A funeral service will be held at the Marengo United Methodist Church in Marengo at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 26, 2018. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 25, 2018 from 2:00 – 8:00 pm at Marengo United Methodist Church. Robert will be laid to rest beside his wife at the Marengo Cave Cemetery.

Dillman-Green Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contribution may be given to the Marengo American Legion Post 84, P.O Box 202, Marengo, Indiana 47140.