Robert L. Kizer, Sr., 64, went to be with the Lord on February 18, 2017, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Melinda for 18 years, devoted father of Robert Jr. (Ann); Kristen Mitchell, Meredith (Jonathan) Seeds and Marissa (Adam Goetz) Wills; and doting grandfather to Cora and Olivia Mitchell, Reece and Heath Kizer, Lola and Ruby Seeds; and loving brother to Kurt and Steve (Cynthia) Davey.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Geraldine Davey.

Born May 14, 1952, in South Bend, Indiana, he was the son of Norman and Geraldine (Caldwell) Kizer. He grew up in South Bend and graduated from James Whitcomb Riley High School and Indiana University at South Bend. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting and began his career as a CPA at Price Waterhouse in South Bend, later transferring to Indianapolis. Bob then switched careers, working for F.C. Tucker Co. leading the property management team. He later worked for 16 years at Walker Information. In 2012, he took on the role of president and CEO of Starfish Initiative, a non-profit organization that offers college access and readiness program serving economically disadvantaged high school students in Marion County.

Bob was committed to his family, church and community; his affiliations include Major League Baseball’s RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) program for Indianapolis, Brooke’s Place for Grieving Young People, volunteering for homeless initiatives, and leading various committees within the United Methodist Church. He was also an avid traveler and liked reading, bicycling, hiking, golf and fantasy baseball.

He received the TechPoint Foundation for Youth 2014 BridgeBuilder Award at the 15th annual Mira Awards.

Services will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, February 25, 2017, at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 16000 Cumberland Road, Noblesville, Indiana. A brief gathering will be held after the services.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to Starfish Initiative, 6958 Hillsdale Ct, Indianapolis, IN 46250 or www.starfishinitiative.org.

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