Glen Eldon Tranbarger, 97, passed away on October 21, 2026, in Sarasota, Florida, after a short illness. Glen was born in Anderson, Indiana, on October 27, 1928, to Orville and Dorothy Tranbarger. He was the youngest of three sons. In 1938, the family moved from town to a farm along the White River, west of Anderson. Despite the hardships of the Great Depression and World War II, in which both his brothers served, he enjoyed a happy childhood and graduated from Anderson High School in 1946. Glen was recruited as an apprentice draftsman for Delco-Remy Division of General Motors in Anderson and later advanced to an engineering position. He was awarded three patents for his work before retiring in 1987.

It was in high school that Glen met the love of his life, Marilyn. They were married August 7, 1949, and celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary before Marilyn’s passing in 2025. Their first home
together was a cozy house in Anderson’s Meadowbrook neighborhood. When Glen was called to Army service in 1952, Marilyn followed him to Fort Riley, Kansas, where he taught basic auto mechanics to troops headed overseas. Following military service, the couple returned to Anderson and, after a few years, built a house on ten acres in the countryside, where they lived happily for the next 57 years, raising their two children, David and Jane.

After retirement from Delco-Remy, Glen and Marilyn enjoyed snowbirding with Glen’s brother Paul and Paul’s wife Phyllis, who had been Marilyn’s best friend since childhood. The four soon chose Sarasota, Florida, as their winter home. Glen and Paul flew kites on Siesta Beach while Marilyn and Phyllis relaxed in the shade. Glen and Marilyn moved to Sarasota permanently in 2014.

Glen enjoyed kite flying and was a longtime member of the Hoosier Kitefliers Society. He built his own stunt kites and flew competitively at kiting events around the Midwest and in Florida. Glen was known for his friendliness and willingness to help. His greatest joy in life was his family, particularly his late grandson Andy. Glen was a lifelong member of Fifth Street United Methodist Church in Anderson and attended Trinity United Methodist Church when in Sarasota.

Glen is survived by his son, David, daughter, Jane and daughter-in-law Karen Reed, all of Sarasota. He is also mourned by his brother-in-law, Thomas Sowash, and sister-in-law, Ginger Sowash, as well as many nephews, nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn, his parents Orville and Dorothy Tranbarger, beloved grandson, Andrew “Andy” Tranbarger, brothers, Wilbur Tranbarger and Paul Tranbarger, sister-in-law, Phyllis Tranbarger, nephew, Donald Jay Tranbarger, and parents-in-law, Harold and Martha Sowash.

Calling hours for Glen will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at Loose Funeral Homes and Crematory, 200 W 53rd St, Anderson, IN 46013. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place at Anderson Memorial Park, 6805 Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Blvd, Anderson, IN 46013.

Memorial contributions may be made to Fifth Street United Methodist Church, 1124 W 5th St, Anderson, IN 46016. Telephone 1-765-644-2721.