Robert "Bob" Dale Eads

Robert Dale “Bob” Eads, age 90, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. He passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born to Dillon and Mertie (Waldrip) Eads on January 24, 1934 in Bloomington, Indiana.

He attended elementary and junior high at Handy School and graduated from Smithville High School in 1952. He married his high school sweetheart Marcene (Rogers) and they recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary in June.

After high school graduation he served in the Naval Reserve for 8 years. He became a building contractor and started his own construction company known as Bob Eads Builders and built numerous beautiful custom homes and installed inground swimming pools in Monroe County and surrounding counties. He also opened and successfully ran multiple businesses including Highland Village Laundry, Highland Village Car Wash, Leisure Time Pools and Crafts and Eads Storage Rentals.

He was a member of New Horizon Church.

Bob and Marcene always loved having family and friends over for various holidays and gatherings, including being the host of the annual 4th of July picnic and fireworks for Souls Harbor Apostolic Church at their home for 28 years.

Bob loved sports and loved coaching and helping others. He coached 5th & 6th grade basketball at Smithville elementary school in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He also coached his sons and grandchildren for many years at Smithville Little League, Smithville Youth Basketball and Bloomington Babe Ruth. He spent many hours teaching his children and grandchildren the lessons of life including the value of working hard and taking pride in everything they do. His hobbies included oil painting and watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren at their various sporting events. For the past 2 ½ years he was unable to attend their events in person but always wanted a rundown of how they each did.

He is survived by his wife Marcene Eads. His children: Nancy (Ron) Perry, Sheila (Carlos) Webb, Donald (Lana) Eads and Kimberly VanPelt. 11 Grandchildren: Kevin Perry, Jason (Colleen) Perry, Staci (Luke) Murphy, Jessica (Kirk) Lowry, Jordan (Caitlin) Webb, Justin (Allie) Webb, Eric (Lisa) VanPelt, Chelsea VanPelt, Cassie VanPelt, Sam Eads and Abby Eads. 15 Great Grandchildren: Chaz Perry, Melody Perry, Aiden Perry, Jackson Perry, Drew Perry, Mack Murphy, Perry Murphy, Maddy VanPelt, Kaylin Lowry, Hadley Lowry, Caroline Webb, Claire Webb, Ella Webb, Ava Webb and Everly Webb. His sister Hilda Elkins, sisters-in-law Joan White and Betty Rogers and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, one son Samuel Dale Eads, two brothers Dillon Eads, Jr and Donald Eads and one sister Irene Stewart.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Jody Hutchens, Jon Benson, Amedisys Home Healthcare and Heart to Heart Hospice (especially Kayley and Heather) for the wonderful care they provided.

Visitation will be at Allen Funeral Home, 4155 S. Old State Road 37, Bloomington, Indiana on Monday, July 15 from 4pm to 8pm and on Tuesday, July 16 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, July 16 at 1:00pm at Allen Funeral Home with Brother Richard Reed officiating. Burial will follow at Clear Creek Cemetery with military rites provided by the Monroe County Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to Smithville Diamonds Little League (P.O. Box 13, Smithville, IN 47458).

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.allencares.com.