Robert D. ‘Bob’ Eitel

Robert D. “Bob” Eitel, 90, died May 24, 2025, at Park Lane Nursing Home, Scott City.

Bob was born during a blizzard on the family farm near Grigston on Feb. 13, 1935, the son of W. Orval and Ruby Irene (Beeson) Eitel.

Named Bobby Dean by his mother, the hired man changed his name to Robert Dean when driving to town to register for the birth certificate.

Bob graduated from Scott Community High School in 1953.

He was a gymnast at Fort Hays State University where he obtained a bachelors degree in agronomy in 1957. He also obtained a degree in sports science in gymnastics.

Bob served in the U.S. Army from 1958-64, ultimately obtaining the rank of staff sergeant.

He had an encyclopedic knowledge of the commodity and stock markets and frequently amazed his family with his incredible recall of numbers and dates.

He enjoyed dancing with his wife of 65 years. He had great style and rhythm.

Bob farmed both grain and cattle during his long life and continued to farm right up to his passing.

Bob was a member of the United Methodist Church in Scott City where he was head usher for over 43 years.

On August 30, 1959, he married Donna S. Heinze in Greensburg. She died on January 29, 2024.

Robert ‘Bob’ Eitel

Survivors include his daughters, Kay Harkness, Scott City, and Pam Burgett and husband, Scott, Overland Park; a brother, Glenn Eitel and wife, Marion, Perkasie, Pa.; a sister, Darlene Kohman and husband, Roger, Salina; three grandsons, Kyle Berend, Scott City, Luke Burgett, Denver, Colo., and Troy Burgett, Chicago, Ill.; one great-grandchild, three step-grandchildren and seven step-great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jack O. Eitel.

Visitation will be Fri., May 30, 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., at Price and Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington St., Scott City.

The funeral service will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Scott City with Rev. Jeff Goetzinger.

Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery following the funeral service.

Memorials can be written to the Robert Eitel Memorial Fund in care of Price and Sons Funeral Homes, Box 553, Scott City, Ks. 67871.