Bob Eden

Obituary – Edward L. (Bob) Eden   5/24/19

Bob took his final breath early in the morning of May 24 ^th after a difficult few weeks before he came to rest in the arms of Jesus. He fought the battle between life and death with the strength and courage that was evident throughout his life. He died a true soldier. His devoted wife Mable of nearly 77 years never left his side nor did his daughters who were present to journey’s end.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Lillie Eden, brothers and sisters; Harold, Letha, James, Thomas, Birchell, Alice, William (Bill), Eugene (Gene), Jack, Wayne and infant brother. Also preceded in death by Granddaughter Meisha Rushton and Great granddaughter Autumn Espey along with precious brother and sister in laws, numerous nieces and nephews and a host of wonderful friends.

He is survived by his wife Mable of nearly 77 years; one brother Oscar Jr. and wife Charlotte, Jimmie Lee Eden and Betty Eden.  He is also survived by his five daughters and sons in law, 17 Grandchildren, 26 Great Grand Children, and 6 Great-Great-Grand Children and many nieces and nephews.

On July 6, 1921, a new son was born on the Eden Homestead southeast of Campo, Co in Baca County.  He was the 6 ^th child of Oscar and Lillie Eden. His mothers’ sister, Aunt Ivy, had traveled from Illinois to help with his delivery.  Oscar had already declared the name ‘Edward Leroy Eden’ for this new bundle of joy…named after Oscar’s little brother who died in 1900 at the age of 12 in a wagon accident near Pratt, Ks.  It seemed that Aunt Ivy did not agree with the name as she made the remark, “I don’t know why you would name him that…we’ll just call him Bobby.”  Aunt Ivy’s name seemed to stick, and he was known throughout his life as Bob.

Bob grew up experiencing life on the farm with a large family and learned to be grateful for what little they had.  It seemed that when Bob looked back on his life, he never focused on what his family did not have, rather he shared the fun and interesting stories that gave his life meaning. Those stories were shared more than once and treasured by his family.

Bob grew up in an atmosphere which honored God and the Bible. That simple faith was very present to the Eden family as they experienced tragedy and loss through difficulties during Bob’s childhood. Bob’s Granddad Joseph Eden was a Baptist Minister at the old Bethel Church, which was just down the road from their simple dug-out home. The Eden family attended regularly along with neighbors who lived nearby, many being baptized in an old cement stock tank.  The Eden children attended school in this same building with many of their friends.

Bob experienced the ‘dirty thirties’…the frightful billowing black clouds of dust that caused everyone to go into their homes and light the oil lamps in the middle of the day.  He talked a lot about survival on the farm, how they butchered a hog every fall, how his mother fried all the sausage, storing it in a large crock jar covering it with lard to seal it. How his dad traveled to the San Luis Valley in a wagon, bringing a load of cabbage and potatoes home. How they buried the vegetables in a trench until needed during the winter months. It must have been quite an ordeal to feed this family of 13 children. Although they never had new clothes, it was always important that they were clean and his mother did daily inspections, checking necks and ears.

Bob’s dog Tip, who was an important part of his childhood, spent hours exploring the countryside. One of his jobs was to hunt skunk so his mother could cook the fat down to use for earaches.  He also never forgot how Tip saved him from getting bit by a rattlesnake. He experienced untimely loss of his brothers James, Bruce and an infant baby.  These experiences made an impact on his life and he had great respect and compassion for others who struggled.

Just when he was ready to begin high school, his dad approached him one day and asked him if he would consider quitting school and help him with the farming.  Of course, when asked, he felt that he could not refuse.  This was a change in the direction of his life.  He began to farm with his dad when his friends were in school.  Years later, in reflection, he shared about being on the tractor and seeing that cute little Mable Peters at the end of the field! His desire to know her better grew and the two of them enjoyed time together at church, community events and parties trips to the canyons and sometimes going to the movies.

During this time, our country was on the brink of WWII.  Bob watched as many of his friends joined the forces to give service to our country and he knew that he could not stay on the tractor any longer…so he decided to enlist to do his part in the fight for freedom.

He and Mable were in love and they decided to get married on June 6 ^th , 1942.  The wedding took place with the Justice of Peace in Clayton, New Mexico. They were very happy and excited about their life together and there was much love shared. In August of the same year, Bob received notice that he had two weeks to get his business in order and report for induction. As difficult as it was to say goodbye to family and friends Bob never forgot the outpouring of love and support that was given him the day he left Springfield.  He was determined to serve his country and Mable was determined to support him in any way she could on the home front.

After a few months of basic training, he found himself on a ship, headed to North Africa to play his part in WWII with the 776 Tank Destroyer Battalion.  Bob found himself far from home in the middle of a strange war which he would never have imagined growing up on the plains of Baca County.  The unbelievable number of letters from Mable, family members and neighbors reminded him, on the battlefield, of the support, love, and prayers for his safe return home.

Bob served in five campaigns , in four countries and served five-hundred and fifty consecutive days on the front lines.

It was midnight on December 30 ^th , 1944 when Bob was severely wounded while trying to get into his tank. A mortar shell hit his right femur and as he dropped to the ground, he remembered a very clear voice saying, “Get under the tank.” He did just that. Bob looked around but there was no one there…he knew it was God’s voice. Bob shared his story over the years as a personal experience of how God protected him that night. A month later, he was in Fitzsimons Military Hospital in Denver, CO before returning home wearing a hip brace, crutches, and a built-up shoe.

He began farming because he knew he had to make a living and good life for his young family. His daughter, Melody was nearly two years old when he saw her for the first time on his return home. Bob began farming with the help and generosity of hometown folks.  Johnny Renner sold him a parcel of land only asking Bob to pay $1.00 down…Bob jokingly said, “I don’t know if I ever paid him that dollar.”  He also never forgot B.I. Caldwell who sold him a tractor but didn’t require any payment until his crop was harvested in the fall.  He was forever grateful and never forgot these acts of kindness given to him.

The years of work on the farm kept him and Mable busy and things just worked out good for them.  Over the next few years, their family grew with Madelyn, Deborah, Deede, and Penny.  Bob was devoted to providing for his family and Mable made their life worthwhile.

Bob was always concerned and interested in his community, serving on the Campo School Board, Summer Softball Leagues, Gun Club, American Legion, Co-op Board and Cemetery Board where he helped put the veteran memorial in place.  He loved his country and was an active member of the Republican Party. He was elected to multiple terms as Baca County Commissioner.  He was appointed to represent Colorado on the national level working with Colorado Governor John A. Love in ‘Selling Colorado’. Bob was always willing to help with fundraising projects that benefited the needs of the communities he served throughout his life.

When Bob was not working, he truly enjoyed heading west...to his cabin in Creede, Co where he and Mable were able to take a deep breath to enjoy the beautiful country and the pure pleasure of catching fish during the summer months. In the fall it was his time to take the son-in-law’s to Creede for the big elk hunt! He also spent many weekends hunting pheasant, dove, and quail with brother in laws in the ’50s and ’60s.  Some of his most enjoyable times were spent with Babe Jenkins, Melvin Rushton, and Harris Patrick along with son in laws hunting coyotes.   These were times of building strong friendships and lasting memories.

Life in Campo, the days of hard work and the joys of farm life, were satisfying to Bob and Mable and were considered a true blessing.

On Thursday, the day before his passing, Bob looked over at Mable and said, “I think I have it figured out.”  It was his way of saying goodbye. Mable and the rest of the Eden family are grateful for the many cards and calls of encouragement from their wonderful friends from home. The family wishes to thank Sangre de Cristo Hospice Staff and Volunteers for their compassion and loving support in helping Bob stay home through his last months.  Also special thanks to the V.A. for providing comfort and dignity to our special Veteran, Daddy, and Hero.

We are forever grateful that we serve an amazing and faithful God.

Written by Deede Lowry

Services were held Friday, May 31 ^st , 2:00 p.m. in Campo, Colorado at the High School Gym. Burial followed in the Campo Cemetery. For those who would like to show their sympathy, the family requests memorial donations to be given to the Campo Cemetery C/O Christy Franklin, 16062 County Rd. J, Campo, CO 81029 or The Sangre de Cristo Hospice and Palliative Care, 1207 Pueblo Blvd. Way, Pueblo, CO 81005