Robert A. Backs

Robert A. Backs, age 82, of Marion, passed away on Monday, December 16, 2019 in Marion General Hospital. 

Robert was born September 23, 1937 in St. Henry, Ohio the son of the late Aloys and Elizabeth (Guggenbiller) Backs.  He married Norma Jean “Jeanne” Link on May 9, 1959, and she survives.  Robert was a tool engineer at Dana Corporation until his retirement.

He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Marion and the Knights of Columbus in Ft. Recovery, Ohio.  Robert enjoyed playing golf at the Elks Country Club, fast-pitch softball and fishing.  He loved sports and spending time with his twin brother Richard.  Robert and his brothers went on a fishing trip together once a year to Tennessee.  He was also an avid bowler and on February 6, 1995, he had a perfect 300 game in the Rocky Lawson Monday Nite League at Crest Lanes.  He ended the night with his career high 785 Series, 300, 242, and 243 games.

Robert is survived by his wife, Jeanne Backs of Marion; children, Cheryl Backs of Marion, Gary (Jenni) Backs of Noblesville and Lori (Jim) McCarthy of Centerville, Ohio; six grandchildren, Mitchell, Jacob and Madeline Backs of Noblesville, and Joe, Jack and Sam McCarthy of Centerville, Ohio; twin brother, Richard Backs of Marion, and brothers, Paul (Ruth) Backs and Maurice (Sandy) Backs, both of Ft. Recovery, Ohio; sister, Alice Fiely of Marion; sister-in-law, Frieda Backs of St. Mary’s Ohio; and many nieces and nephews.

Robert was also preceded in death by his youngest son, Steve in 1989; sister, Berniece (Adrian) Kaup; brothers, Harold (Gertrude) Backs, Art (Ruth) Backs and Don Backs; sister-in-law, Lois (Post) Backs; and brother-in-law, John Fiely.

Friends and family may call from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2019 at Raven-Choate Funeral Home, 1202 W. Kem Road, Marion, Indiana.  A Rosary Service will be held at 4:00 p.m.

Visitation will also take place from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 20, 2019 at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1009 Kem Road, Marion, Indiana.  Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Father Christopher Roberts officiating.

Burial will take place in Grant Memorial Park Cemetery, Marion, Indiana, immediately following the funeral mass.

Preferred memorial contributions may be made to the Grant County Special Olympics, P.O. Box 93, Marion, Indiana 46952; Multiple Sclerosis Society, 3500 DePauw Boulevard, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268; or Carey Services, 2724 S. Carey Street, Marion, Indiana 46953.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Robert’s nephew, Mike Backs, RN for his guidance and support during Robert’s last days, and also to the Marion General Hospital Critical Care Unit for their care and compassion.

Online condolences may be shared at www.ravenchoate.com

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