Jan. 19, 2008

Robert McBride, 19th president of Simpson College from 1979 to 1987, died on Saturday, January 19.
 
His obituary, below, was published Jan. 21 in the The Des Moines Register.
 
ROBERT EDWARD MCBRIDE 
Robert Edward McBride, 83, passed away January 19, 2008. He was born in Washington, Indiana to Isaac Edward McBride and Edna Irene McBride.

He earned his undergraduate degree from Indiana Central College, Masters of Theology from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, and his Ph.D. in the Philosophy of Religion at the University of Chicago and completed post-doctoral work at Harvard University. His career highlights include: Professor of Philosophy & Religion and Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Indianapolis (1954-1966); Academic Dean & Vice President for Academic Affairs at Albright College in Reading, PA (1966- 1979); and President of Simpson College, Indianola, IA (1979 through retirement in 1987.)

McBride received many special awards and honors throughout his career. These include: Honorary Doctor of Letters, Alumnus of the Year, Distinguished Alumnus, and Athletic Hall of Fame, University of Indianapolis; Honorary Doctor of Humanities, Simpson College; and one of the Ten Most Effective College Presidents, Council of Independent Colleges of America, 1987.

In addition, he served our country as a member of the 17th Glider/Paratroop Division in WWII. He was a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for his service.

Family came first.  In his own words, "I am most proud of hard-working parents, a loving and supportive wife, our children and grandchildren."

McBride is survived by his wife of 63 years, Luella Hart McBride; his children: Judith Bentley (Allen) of Seattle, WA; Ronald McBride (Michele) of Indianapolis, In.; and Steven McBride (Diane) of Denver, CO. Survivors also include his brother Elwood McBride of Indianapolis, IN, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Visitation will be at the G. H. Herrmann Funeral Home in Greenwood on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 from 4 to 7 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 11a.m., January 25, 2008 in McCleary Chapel, Schweitzer Center, the University of Indianapolis, open to all friends and family.

In honor of his tremendous contributions to our country and the lifelong effort of education, memorial contributions may be made to Simpson College, Indianola, Ia. in the name of the McBride Distinguished Lectureship, or to the University of Indianapolis, in the name of the Robert E. McBride and Luella K. McBride Scholarship Fund.