Ravi Narayana Panikkar

Ravi Panikkar, master mechanic, passed away peacefully in a Ft. Smith hospital Feb. 10, 2015. He was born 12/10/1935 in Trivandrum, India and invited to come to the U.S. in 1966 by Fox Mfg. after winning the National Indian Model Airplane Championship for four consecutive years. He was a U.S. citizen. His extraordinary trouble shooting skill, mechanical touch and unusually aggressive follow through were qualities that made Ravi a "heavyweight" in the mechanical world. His ability to get along with people and his generosity in helping others made him a familiar face in a variety of circles including those of local musicians, clubs for enthusiasts of antique cars, street rods, motorcycles, model airplanes, clocks and more. Ravi enjoyed sports, traveling to car and motorcycle shows and races and visiting friends and longtime clients. He is survived by beloved children, Matthew Panikkar & wife, Namita and Jonathan Panikkar & wife, Heather of New York City, Amy Panikkar of Easton, Pa.; ex-wife, Marti Panikkar and best friend, Jim Helbling of Ft. Smith, Ark. In place of cards and condolences, please remember him by sending a photo or note for a family memorial book to Box 3131, Ft. Smith, AR 72917 or online at https://www.facebook.com/rpanikkar1 about something he built or repaired for you. Memorial service to be announced. Book may be signed at Lewis-Roberts Funeral Home.