Robert Ertal Hollowell Jr  

Bob Hollowell, 85, passed away on August 31, 2012. Born on October 10th 1926, he was a lifelong citizen of Indianapolis.

Bob attended Park School and then Purdue University, where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta, an editor of the Exponent, and earned the rank of Lt. JG in the U.S. Navy V-12 Program by the close of WWII. He earned a Bachelors degree at Purdue University in 1948, a Masters degree at the Yale School of Forestry in 1949, and was later awarded an Honorary Doctor of Agriculture degree by Purdue University.

He was president of Pierson-Hollowell Lumber Company, based in Indianapolis and Lawrenceburg Indiana, and was an advocate for environmentally sound forest management, helping to pioneer establishment of many experimental walnut tree farms in Indiana.

Bob served over time as president of many professional organizations including the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen's Association (receiving their 2008 Spirit award), the National Hardwood Lumber Association, the National Forest Products Association, the Fine Hardwoods Association, the National Lumber Exporters Association, the American Walnut Manufacturers Association, and the Walnut Council. He was also active in the Hardwood Research Council, the Indiana Chapter of the Society of American Foresters, the Indianapolis Athletic Club, the Columbia Club, the Rotary Club of Indianapolis, and many others.

He was an avid Class C scow sailor for years, starting in his boyhood summers at Lake Maxinkuckee, and he served as Commodore of the Maxinkuckee Yacht Club. He also enjoyed gardening, music, swimming and golf.

Bob was the son of the late Robert E. Hollowell Sr. and Juanita Baumgartner Hollowell and survived his sisters, Jody Steely and Joyce Speer. He was the loving husband of the late Cici Hollowell, his wife of 58 years. His three children Julie, Tom and Laurie Hollowell, and grandchildren, Greta and Naomi Zimmer and Irena, Andrea, and Ash Hollowell miss him and his determined spirit.

Published in the The Indianapolis Star on September 9, 2012