Robert "Bob" Anderson Dorn

Robert “Bob” Anderson Dorn, Passed away peacefully at home April 17, 2025 surrounded by his family. Bob was born August 15, 1935, in Indianapolis, Indiana to Dell and Grace Dorn. He grew up in Beech Grove, attended Lowell Grade School, and graduated from Warren Central High School in 1953. After high school, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served for three years on the aircraft carrier Hornet in the Pacific. In 1960, Bob married Ruth Ann Opel. They had two daughters, Lisa and Barbara Ann, and moved east to raise their family. Bob’s passion for sprint cars and mechanics led him to working at the Speedway for several teams throughout the mid-1950’s until 1973. Bob’s career included notable associations with several teams, such as Swickert in 1956, Freeland in 1957, Keller in 1960, Bignotti/Foyt in 1961-62, Tingelstad from 1963 to 1965, McCluskey in 1966, and Walther in 1973. When asked about his most significant moment in racing, Bob stated, “I guess in 1966, when we won the 500 with A.J. Foyt”. In 2022, Bob received his white 40-year Member Oldtimers hat. He worked for Yellow Freight Trucking Company for 30 years after his racing career and retired in 2000. In retirement, he volunteered at Connor Prairie, worked and served as a hostess in the 500 Oldtimers Suite, participated in Civil War Round Table events, attended his grandsons’ sporting events, and traveled with Ruth Ann. He had many interests which included U.S. History and Cavalry, racing and politics and was an avid reader. What brought him his greatest joy, however, was being around his family and grandsons. He truly treasured those times. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Ann Dorn; daughters, Lisa Katherine Dorn Dominguez (Luis Dominguez) and Barbara Ann Dorn Kaminski (Mike Kaminski); grandsons, Corbin Knight, Evan Kaminski and Alexander Kaminski; brothers-in-law, Dave Opel (Donna) and Donald Opel (Sandy); along with several nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions can be made to the Indianapolis 500 Oldtimers Club in honor of Bob. All those that know and loved Bob will miss his sense of humor and gift of storytelling. He truly knew no stranger.

Tributes

Robert "Bob" Anderson Dorn

August 15, 1935 - April 17, 2025