COLUMBUS, INDIANA
Robert W. Haddad Sr. (Bob) joined his lord and savior Aug. 3, 2025, at Traditions in Columbus, Indiana.
Bob’s father immigrated to the US in 1909 at the age of nine, passing through Ellis Island, settling in Beggs, OK, where he was born on Nov. 9,1932 to George N. Haddad and Mimi Agnes Haddad. He grew up in Sand Springs, OK. During summers in high school and college he worked at the local corrugated manufacturing company. After graduating from Oklahoma University in 1954, he married his high school sweetheart, Helen, in a garden ceremony. He served in the Air Force taking he and Helen to Okinawa, Japan. Upon returning to the US in 1957, he began working for Shell Oil. However, corrugated was calling his name, thus he went to work for Horner Waldorf. He began working his magic on operations, creating a niche for himself; transforming facilities operating in the red into facilities that were profitable. Horner Waldorf then began moving him to various parts of the south and mid-west, turning profits wherever he went. Columbus was the final move. By 1972, Bob and Helen had four school-age children. Helen, being the boss, requested they not move anymore, recognizing Columbus as a wonderful place to raise a family. Columbus is where they lived the remainder of their lives.
This was a pivotal decision for the family. Bob started Columbus Container, Inc., which operated in Columbus for 44 years, from 1972 – 2016, when he sold the company. In those 44 years, Bob had a dramatic impact on the community and its economic development, not only in Columbus but around the state. Columbus Container Inc. grew to 7 facilities located in Columbus, Seymour, Edinburgh, Indianapolis, Jasper and Flora Ill. He was the awarded Small Businessman of the Year in Manufacturing and Social Responsibility in 1985, 1985 Governor Appointed Board Member for the Indiana Institute for New Business Ventures, Governor Appointed to the 1986 White House Conference on Small Business, 1997 Entrepreneur of the Year. He served on the BOD for the following: United Way, Distinguished Visitors Series, Indiana University Business Alliance, Columbus Enterprise Development Center, Irwin Financial Corp. Indiana Economic Development Council, Columbus Area Arts Council, Columbus Rotary Club, Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, Society of Package Engineers. He and Helen both were honored with their own Sagamore of the Wabash awards in 2022. Bob was an active member at North Christian Church serving as Deacon, Trustee, Elder, Chairperson and an active participant in Bible Study. He was the Boy Scouts Chairman for 3 Indiana counties.
In 2005 Bob informed Helen he purchased a club. Helen of course thought perhaps he meant a nine iron. However, he had in fact purchased, as Bob tells the story, “All eighteen holes”; Harrison Lake Country Club. His continued support created a place for families and friends as well as community gatherings.
As a result of both Bob and Helen’s passion for music, they donated Columbus Indiana Philharmonic’s office space providing the lead gift renovating and expanding the building to include a modestly sized performance space that is now the Helen Haddad Hall. They have chaired and supported fundraisers for the Arts, Social Services and Educational focused organizations, provided significant contributors in Indiana creating the Haddad Foundation in 2002 , which has in turn has provided funding to the Orchard School, University High School, Indianapolis &Columbus Children’s Choirs, IU Health, Riley Children’s Hospital, Franciscan Hospital, Children’s TherAplay, Columbus Indiana Philharmonic’s Educational Music Program, Indianapolis Public Library, Boy Scouts of America, School on Wheels, Starfish Initiative, Providence Cristo Rey High School, Harrison Center for the Arts. These are only among the few philanthropic organizations Bob and Helen have supported not only with funding but with passion, together. They made a wonderful team, celebrating 68 years of marriage in 2022.
Bob’s self-made ambition and drive was evident to all. Those who knew him were privileged to witness his passion for helping others; First, as an entrepreneur he enjoyed providing employment opportunities for others to provide for their families. Secondly, as an investor in other entrepreneurs or businesses, helping them grow and provide employment opportunities. He made great friends in his early days as a salesman and countless others along the way in business and in life; Many remain friends. Throughout his life he was fortunate to have met many iconic individuals and had exceptional stories to tell about the experiences of those personal interactions. He never met a stranger, introducing himself saying “Hi, I am Bob from Oklahoma.” He genuinely loved meeting people! He was never at a loss for words or stories to tell.
Bob and Helen both loved family and treasured time spent with the grandchildren and great grandchildren. According to Bob Sr. he had 150! He attended numerous sporting events, games and recitals for grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed tennis, golf, puzzles, boating, classical music, Broadway shows, historical movies, talking, and travel and shuffleboard.
Bob is preceded in death, by his wife Helen, father; Geroge N Haddad Sr., Mother: Mimi Agnes Haddad, brother; George N. Haddad Jr., surviving family includes Children: Tammy Burton, Bob Haddad Jr, (Pam), Tracy Haddad, Hayden Haddad Bishop; Grandchildren: Chris Burton (Dominee) Brandon Burton (Tonya), Courtney Payton (Tyler), Radley Haddad (Ariele), Griffin Haddad (Kristen), Chandler Troy (Nicole), Tyler Troy (Jenny), Ethan Troy (Amanda), McClain Bishop (Jackie), Kendall Fullenkamp; Great Grandchildren: Guss Burton, Nash Burton, Knox Burton, Lincoln Burton, Royce Burton, Haylee Acton, Kenzie Acton, Hudson Hembree, Holden Hembree, Chandler Payton, Cora Haddad, Elsie Haddad, William Troy, Eleanor Troy, Alex Troy, Kinley Jennings, Lillian Fullenkamp; Cousins: Susan Haddad, Bill Haddad, Nieces; Tara Haddad, Briana Lavelle, Nephews; Trey Haddad and TJ Haddad.
We are forever thankful for the three wonderful Griswald caregivers whose loving hands watched over and cared for our father and for Our Hospice of South-Central Indiana for the loving care they provided.
The service will be held at The North Christian Church, 850 Tipton Lane, Columbus, In 47201 October 4, 2025 at 10:00 am with a Gathering of family and friends at Harrison Lake Country Club, at 588 S. Country Club Road, Columbus, In. 47201 from 12:00 to 3:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, we ask you please make contributions to the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or Riley Children’s Hospital.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at barkesweaverglick.com
