Robert "Bob" E. Eckelbarger

Robert Eugene “Bob” Eckelbarger July 25, 1935 – July 12, 2025 Robert Eugene “Bob” Eckelbarger, 89, of Peru, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at The Waters Skilled Nursing Center—just thirteen days shy of his 90th birthday. Born on July 25, 1935, to Archie and Ethel (Parrett) Eckelbarger, Bob spent his entire life in the Peru area, devoted to his family, his community, and his country. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Bob served with honor in the Naval Construction Force—better known as the Seabees—for four years, followed by three more years in the Naval Reserves. A skilled journeyman plumber, Bob trained aboard the USS Uvalde out of California and traveled throughout the South Pacific, the northern U.S. coast, and Alaska. His dedication earned him a decoration from the United States Marine Corps for services performed in joint military operations. Upon returning home, Bob joined the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local #172, where he worked his entire career. It was in Peru that he met the love of his life, Kay Frances Robertson. They married, raised four children, and built a life together on a family farm, where they raised hogs and planted a massive garden. In 1974, Bob moved his family into a new ranch-style home near the Mississinewa Reservoir, where he discovered a passion for landscaping and later, building habitats for the Purple Martins that he and Kay welcomed back every spring. Bob was a lifelong outdoorsman. He loved hunting and fishing, often taking trips out West or into Canada with his buddies to hunt big game or fish the lakes of Tennessee. As he grew older and could no longer participate, he became an enthusiastic spectator—cheering loudly from his La-Z-Boy during football, basketball, and auto races. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kay, and three of their children: Kimberla (Ray) Hoover, Richard (Edie) Eckelbarger, and Teresa (Karl) Robison. He was a devoted Papaw to grandchildren Melynda (Danny) Gower, Amber Childers, Kayla Robison, Ethan (Kristin) Eckelbarger, Cody (Olivia) Minns, Dylan (Haley) Eckelbarger, Abbey (Brandon) Walters, Wyatt Minns, and Samantha Minns. He was also a cherished Poppi to great-grandchildren Zakary (Franki) Steele, Nicholas (Aleaya) Childers, Samual (Madicyn) Childers, Riley Eckelbarger, Tristen Minns, Isabelle Minns, Peyton Hartleroad, Luke Robison, Soren Ault, and Oliver Walters, along with nine great-great-grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Eckelbarger-Minns, son-in-law Raymond Hoover, his parents, and seven of his nine siblings. A celebration of life will be held within the coming weeks. Per Bob’s wishes, he will be cremated, and his ashes will be buried with Kay at the time of her passing. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Peoria Church in Miami County, Indiana. These words from an old Jimmy Buffett song ring true, “Our lives change like the weather, but a legend never dies.” Bob Eckelbarger will be remembered for his quiet strength, incredibly generous spirit, and unwavering devotion to his family and country. His sense of humor and litany of memorable one-liners will echo forever, as his legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

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