colburn

 

AT THE TIME OF INDUCTION ON MAY 13, 2006 -- Class of 2006...

SUMMARY

Bob was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and came to Kokomo in 1983 to take over Don Lowry Lanes from his father-in-law, Don Lowry. He is an active bowler and very active in the community. He has also served in various leadership positions in the bowling industry.

CAREER HIGHS

Game - 298 (300 Unsanctioned)

Series - 702

Average - 198


SERVICE

  • Bob has annually donated the Don Lowry Lanes facility to the KWBA and the KBA Associations for their lucrative Monte Carlo fundraiser. The funds raised, averaging approximately $5000 in a one-night event, have paid for the
  • KBA/KWBA Yearbook, joint newsletters, and have funded the bulk of the cost of the Joint Hall of Fame Ceremony since the Monte Carlo’s inception.
  • He also served as the Master of Ceremony for the inaugural 1998 Joint Hall of Fame Ceremony and continued to MC through the 2002 Joint Hall of Fame Ceremony (5 years).
  • Donations were often given to the associations whether it was in the form of a bowling ball, bag, shoes, or free games.
  • Bob was also a joint sponsor of the 4-H Fair Booth for several years.
  • He has served as the Kokomo Bowling Council (KBC) President. Bob was one of the volunteers that led the charge for the successful KBC Learn to Bowl program that was conducted at all Kokomo bowling lanes for all ages.
  • Bob is a member of numerous Local, State and National Committees
  • Served as President of the Indiana State BPA
  • Member of the National USBC Nominating Committee
  • Developed many membership services still in use today (Star of the Week/Month, Merit Award, Attendance Award, etc.)
  • Helped start the Indiana Bowling Council and served as its president
  • Served on the Board of Directors of Bowling Inc.
  • Past Chairman of the Board of Bowling Inc.
  • Serves on Mayor's Council for Substance Abuse (over 10 years running)
  • Serves on Turnaround Council (over 10 years running)
  • Served as President of the YABA
  • Helped develop and organize the Junior Olympic Gold program and its tournament
  • Responsible for many changes in the YABA National Coke Tournament (including international invitees)
  • Served on the BPAA Board of Directors
  • Chaired the BPAA Youth Committee
  • Served as an elected member of the BPAA Executive Committee
  • Headed the BPAA Duckpin Activities Department from 1961 to 1964
  • Created and established the Duckpin Pro Tour (still in operation)
  • Assistant Executive Director of the BPAA in Illinois from 1964 to 1970
  • Served as President of the Oklahoma State BPA
  • Youth director in Baltimore from 1954 to 1961 and increased youth participation from 5,000 to 20,000
  • Vice-president Sales and Marketing for King Louie International from 1970 to 1975
  • Part owner and manager of Highlander Bowling Palace and 3 Flags over Norman in Oklahoma from 1975 to 1982

MAJOR BOWLING ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  • 1992 KBA Championship Tournament Division 2 Singles Actual (624) and Handicap (721) Events