Robert “Bob” W. Barger passed away on July 26. He was 92 years old. Barger started working for The Fairland National Bank in 1954, working his way up to president and trust officer with what was then called Central Indiana Bank NA, including leading the institution through its acquisition of The State Bank of Waldron before retiring on March 31, 1989. (Through a series of mergers and acquisitions after his retirement, the institution is now part of KeyBank NA, Cleveland, Ohio.) He served as treasurer of the Indiana Bankers Association, the Fairland Volunteer Fire Department and Grace United Methodist Church in Franklin, and president of Shelby County United Way and the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce.
Barger was preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia, to whom he was married for 70 years. He is survived by two children, six grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Otterbein Franklin SeniorLife Community or Grace United Methodist Church, both in Franklin.
Ronald Gene Miller passed away on July 19. He was 97 years old. Miller had a 36-year career in banking after graduating from Purdue University in 1951, almost entirely with The American National Bank of Noblesville. He joined the bank in February 1956 as an assistant cashier and farm representative, rising through the ranks to become assistant vice president in 1962. Miller completed the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1964, continuing to rise through the ranks at the bank, becoming vice president, senior loan officer in 1967; executive vice president in 1979; and president on Feb. 1, 1985. He guided the bank through its acquisition by AmeriTrust National Bank of Central Indiana, Indianapolis, in 1989, before retiring May 31, 1990. Miller served on the Hamilton County AmeriTrust Advisory Board until its acquisition by Society National Bank, South Bend, in 1992. (The institution was ultimately acquired by KeyBank NA, Cleveland, Ohio, in 1996.)
Outside the bank, he was passionate about farming, joining his father and brother to tend the family farm, managing livestock and preparing the land. Alongside his son, Leonard, he also revitalized struggling farms, turning them into productive fields. Miller served on the boards of the Indiana Bankers Association, Noblesville Boys & Girls Club and Noblesville Chamber of Commerce. He is survived by his wife of nearly 75 years, Rosemary; two daughters; three grandsons; and eight great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Omega Christian Church in Arcadia.
