Robert Dale Artis

Robert D. Artis of Terre Haute died quietly in his home on May 21, 2021.

Born November 12, 1931, Robert is the son of the late Mildred and Arthur Artis. He is a graduate of Wiley High School and Indiana State University. He pursued his Master’s Degree at Purdue University.

He was married for 22 years to Inalie (Cline) Artis, and he has been married to Carla (Chesnut) Artis for 41 years. He is survived by 4 children: David Artis of Columbia, MD; Gail Artis of Terre Haute; Robert Daniel (Norma) of Marshall, IL; and Laura Cox (Brad) of Terre Haute. He is also survived by five granddaughters and four great-grandchildren.

Robert was employed at Smith Alsop/MAB Paints for more than forty years in both Philadelphia, PA and Terre Haute, where he worked as Technical Director.

Robert was a member of The National Chemical Society, The Exchange Club of Terre Haute which he served as President, The Vigo Rock and Gem Club, The National Holly Society which he served on the Board of Directors, The Great Rivers Chapter of the National Holly Society, Friends of the Arboretum, and Wabash Valley Master Gardeners.

Robert had a true love of nature, and his belief was that it is everyone’s responsibility to leave the world a better place. He loved working in his garden, and as a member of FOTA he was involved in the development and maintenance of the Clark-Landsbaum Deming Park Holly Arboretum. He was especially proud of developing a new species of holly which is nationally registered as Ilex Opaca “Indiana State”.

Per his request cremation was chosen and there will be a celebration of life Wednesday, May 26 at 11 a.m. in the Holly Shelter, Deming Park Holly Arboretum. Memorial donations may be made to Friends of the Arboretum, P.O. Box 3843, Terre Haute, IN  47803, or The Terre Haute Humane Society. Arrangements are under the direction of Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 South 25 ^th Street .