Robert E. Eichman

September 16, 2011

Mr. Robert E. 'Bob' Eichman, 82, of McPherson, passed away at 1:15 p.m., Friday, September 16th, 2011 while in the company of family members at Alterra Sterling House, McPherson, Kansas. Mr. Robert E. 'Bob' Eichman, 82, of McPherson, passed away at 1:15 p.m., Friday, September 16th, 2011 while in the company of family members at Alterra Sterling House McPherson, Ks. Mr. Eichman was born in Russell, Kansas on August 7, 1929, the son of the late Ruben and Ella Nora (Reinhardt) Eichman. Bob was one of nine children.He attended and graduated from Russell High School. Bob loved track and in his senior year he held the record for pole vault of 11' 11 ½'. Bob was a member of the Elks and the Russell Country Club. He was an avid golfer that enjoyed many a tournament and years of golfing. He delivered Meals on Wheels in Russell and helped build some Habitat for Humanity houses there. He was a member of the First Methodist Church, Russell, Kansas.At the age of 18 Bob began his career in the oil fields rough necking in 1947 at Russell. He moved to Liberal and continued with Baker Oil Tools and formed a company called Keyman Tools. From there his career moved him to Oklahoma City where he lived in Surrey Hills. There he worked for Pengo until forming a business, Repco, in 1983. Bob retired in 1992 returning to Russell, Kansas.Bob was united in marriage from 1950 to 1958 to Phyllis Shup in Russell and had two children, Jeff and Monica. He married Grace Louise (Pittman) Dellinger in 1963, she passed away in 1980. Together they had one daughter, Robin and two step children, Michelle and Kathy. In 1984 he married the late, Sue Smith in Oklahoma City. In retirement, Bob returned to Russell where he enjoyed time with his mom, brothers, sisters and his companion Mary Parkhurst. His mom loved to fish, as did Bob and a lot of time was spent with brothers taking her out on the pontoon. Many a fish fry was had by all. Bob was known for manning the fish fryer. He could help cook the best batch of perch, walleye and bass. The famed 'Cabin' at Wilson was a fun and enjoyable retreat for Bob and brothers, Gary and Ruben, and many friends. Bob and Mary enjoyed wintering in Apache Junction, Arizona. He truly loved his retirement. His last years were spent in McPherson, Ks. where he lived at his daughter, Monica's. He loved to watch all the kids, grandkids activities and always knew what was going on in their lives. He enjoyed and spent some great times with all his family at holidays and celebrations. He had a quick sense of humor and would make everyone laugh at some of the jokes he would come up with. He loved to go out and eat waffles at Perkins, and pasta at Montana Mikes. In 2010, Bob moved to Alterra Sterling House. He received wonderful care and comfort there. We knew him by Robert, Bob, Grandpa, Grandpa Bob, and Dad. We have wonderful memories of great times, fun moments and love. He is up in heaven with the biggest bass on his line and Grandma is telling him not to let it get away. Have fun fishing and then go hit a round of golf. We miss you already!!Surviving family members include his children, Monica Koehn and husband Ernest, McPherson, Ks, Jeff Eichman and wife Shari, McPherson, Ks, Robin Martin and husband Clay, Edmond, Oklahoma; his step-children Michelle Meek and husband Bill, Liberal, Ks, Kathy Ready, Coldwater, Ks.; his siblings, Gary Eichman and wife Ida, Russell, Ks, Ruben Eichman, Liberal, Ks, Violette Balloun, Liberal, Ks, Naida Palmer and husband Richard, Longton, Ks , his Aunt, Vera Dawson, Russell, Ks; his grandchildren, Jon Vance and wife Gayla, Wichita, Ks, Danica Fitzmorris and husband Doug, McPherson, Ks, Bobby Vance, McPherson, Ks, Aaron Koehn, Coweta, Ok, Sara Gard and husband Shawn, McPherson, Ks, Abby Hagemann and husband Jared, McPherson, Ks, Callie and Casey Martin, Edmond, Ok; his step-grandchildren, Farrah Robinson, and husband Rich, Turpin, Ok, Wes Ready, Barry Ready, Liberal; his great-grandchildren Tate Vance, Addie, Jase, Josie Fitzmorris, Riley Gard, Kyla and Haely Hagemann; his step-great Grandchildren, Tucker, Ashtyn and Cooper Bell, Bethani and Cade McIntire, Rayven, and Crystal Ready; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Ronnie Eichman, Jerry Lee Eichman, 2 sisters, Norma Dumler, and Karlene LaSage.A private family memorial service will take place at a later time. Memorial contributions may be given to Wilson State Park and they can be sent in care of the Glidden - Ediger Funeral Home; 222 West Euclid Street; McPherson, Kansas 67460