Member of E.D.G.E. & T.A. National Organization Branch 84
During Bob's life he worked at the Boeing plant in Wichita, until 1960, owned and ran a Phillips and Conoco gas station at different times and worked for Allied Tower Company where he retired in 1995. He was also
known for being a top notch alloy welder, fabricator and machinist.
Before, as well as after his retirement, he was the "expert" on call at
many of the local businesses to do millwright work. (I personally think this was his real love) His shop is full of special tools and fixtures used to build various projects through the years. I think he kept them to remind him of the challenge of the job.
I met Bob through engines. Most of us who are involved in the
engine/tractor hobby can't put a date on when we started our interest in the hobby, as it is sort of something you grow up with. Bob and
Charlotte started attending the Pawnee show in around 1976 or '77. This is where their "show career" started. Since then we see him at shows all around the area. We are all pretty sure that he built his first model in 1978. He's even recruited his daughter Debbie and granddaughter, Emily into the engine fun.
We all will remember Bob for his wit and humor. One thing I have always said about Bob when it came to his good natured teasing is, "He has always been able to take it as well as dish it out."
I believe he enjoyed Ford's Model T as much as any human I've ever met.
He looked for excuses to take people for rides and would always have a
story to tell about the little cars. Sometimes he and Charlotte would
set up a TV and VCR at shows to view tapes of their Model T adventures.
Bob is survived by his wife Charlotte, two daughters, Debbie and Donna, and son Eddie and grandchildren.
Bob will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
"Bob's friend, Ed"
Some of Bob's toys:
