Hoosier Banker 31 Indiana banking lost a cherished leader on Nov. 19, 2018, when Robert C. Nelson, retired president of the Indiana Bankers Association, passed away at the age of 95. Nelson had been with the Association for a total of 33 years and served as IBA leader from 1967 to 1988. For decades, Bob Nelson remained a familiar face to Indiana bankers, attending nearly every IBA Annual Convention Chairman’s Banquet through his early 90s. Known for his warm smile and ready handshake, he charmed bankers, who became lifelong friends. As Nelson wrote for the 100th anniversary edition of Hoosier Banker: “The fondest memories of my years with the IBA are the friendships developed during that time.” Nelson’s easygoing demeanor belied his many accomplishments. Honored as a Sagamore of the Wabash and a Kentucky Colonel, he presided over the IBA throughout momentous industry changes. In particular, Nelson was leading the IBA during passage of the Banking Structure Reform Act of 1985, which allowed banks to branch beyond county lines and permitted the formation of bank holding companies, among other provisions. A member of the IBA 40 Year Club, Nelson began his banking career in his hometown with LaPorte Bank and Trust Company, then served in the finance department of the U.S. Army Air Corps in Europe during World War II. After his military service, he worked with Associates Investment Company of South Bend. Nelson joined the IBA in 1954 and was promoted to secretary in 1957. In 1967, he was promoted to executive vice president, then the highest Association staff position. A restructuring of the IBA in 1987 changed Nelson’s title to president. Deeply engaged in business and banking, Nelson was active with the Foundation for Full Service Banks, the American Bankers Association, the Central States Conference of State Associations, the Indiana Society of Association Executives and the Economic Club of Indiana. He served as a 50-year volunteer of Kiwanis International, as a mentor with and board member of SCORE, and as a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Columbus. A graduate of the Indiana University School of Business, Nelson attended Oxford University while stationed abroad during World War II. Before Nelson retired from the IBA, his successor, William H. King, drafted a resolution to honor him. A Tribute to Bob Nelson 1923-2018 IN MEMORY OF Adopted by the ABA Executive Council, the resolution read in part: “Whereas all of us have benefited from having the influence of Bob Nelson in our lives; now therefore let it be resolved that we jointly and severally proclaim our thanks and appreciation for his help and support.” Those words ring as true today as they did 30 years ago. The directors, officers and staff of the Indiana Bankers Association appreciate the dedicated service of Mr. Nelson. His keen industry understanding and sincere affection for the people he served helped build the strength of the Indiana banking community. HB Bob Nelson was named to the top executive position of the Indiana Bankers Association in 1967.
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