Mr. Robert A. Eck, age 80 of Bailey, died Tuesday, April 27, 2010 in Grand Rapids.   He was born Robert Arthur Eck in Bailey, the son of Ivah Leone (Steadman) and Arthur Eck on July 22, 1929. He married Anne Fraleigh on October 24, 1953 in Casnovia. He was a Welder for 38 years retiring in 1994 for Liftech of Muskegon and was also a farmer.   He was a Life member VFW Post #4249 Newaygo.

He is survived by his wife Anne Eck, his children Kimball Robert Eck of Newaygo, Cyndia Anne VanBuskirk of Grant, Bradley James Eck of Lake Tahoe, his grandchildren Jenne VanBuskirk, Clinton & Joanna Mansfield, Wesley VanBuskirk, Rebecca & Matthew Robeck, Amy Martin, Mandy VanBuskirk, Hannah Eck, 5 great‑grandchildren, his brothers Dale & Marlene Eck of Luther, David Eck of Bailey.

Bob’s outrageous sense of humor often at the expense of his family was legendary.  He loved the woods and spent many hours just making a wood lot as God intended it to be.  You might have seen him on the road riding his bike.  Or crossing the road on his perfectly restored 60 year old tractor with a load of wood.  He was extremely well read and had a full library of political and autobiographical books, war histories and general information.  May young people will remember coming into his woods campground at Hardy Dam Pond where they were always made welcome, and ate up all of his famous wood grilled chicken!  His main God given shining talent was listening to children, sharing their stories, listening to their troubles, sharing their joys and being there for them.  During many gatherings anywhere someone would ask "Where’s Bob" the answer would always be, "he’s out there with the kids".  His famous "Kid Jig Dance" never failed to make even the smallest child laugh.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  Where’s Bob?  He’s up there with the Kids.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM from the Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, Kent City on Saturday, May 1, 2010 with Rev. R. John Thompson officiating. Interment will be in the Seaman Cemetery near Bailey with military honors under the auspices of the Newaygo VFW Post #4249.   Visitation will be held 2‑4 & 7‑9 PM Friday at the McKinley Funeral Home in Grant. For Memorials please consider the Lou Gehrig Disease Association.  Condolences can be send through www.mckinleyfuneral.com.

 

McKinley Funeral Home, Grant, 231‑834‑5613. http:\\mckinleyfuneral.com