Robert "Bob" Martin Eley, 68, passed away July 31, 2018. He was born on November 18, 1949 in Greenville. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Alonzo, in 2010 and his mother, Joan Irene, in March 2018.
He was married in 1972 to Marian Louise (Schwarz) Eley. He had two sons and daughters-in-law, Robert Bradley and Treva Eley of Richmond, Indiana, and Scott Thomas and Ashley Eley of Waynesville, Ohio, that he loved more than they knew. His other pride and joys in his life were his two grandsons, Evan Bradley Eley and Dorian Alonzo Eley. He also leaves behind his loving brother, Doug and wife Jane, and their two girls, Jessica and husband Craig Campbell, and Erin and husband Luis Garceley who all live in Texas. He enjoyed spending time with them during the winter and visiting the Southwest. He also had many cousins and friends around the country that were dear to him. He also leaves behind many wonderful friends from Go-Karting, raising rabbits, and drinking coffee. He was a good friend of Bill W. for 32 years. His loving dog, Max, will miss the many golf carts rides they enjoyed.
Robert attended New Madison High School, graduating in 1968. He recently enjoyed attending his fiftieth class reunion and remembering his past. He enjoyed wearing his bright red, white, and blue bibs to the Tri-Village Patriot basketball games for the past few years. He raced go-karts all over the country for many years. Many Christmas vacations with his family were spent at Daytona Beach at his races. He achieved his goal of becoming National WKA Go-Kart Champion in his racing class in 1990.
After racing, he then joined his wife showing Netherland Dwarf Rabbits all over the country. Another goal of his was achieved when, in 1996 and 1997, they were ANDRC National Quality and Points Champions. Also, adding to his goals met, they were Best of Breed Netherland Dwarf rabbit at the National ANDRC show in 2000 and Best of Breed at the National ARBA show in 2002.
He was a member of the New Madison United Methodist Church, Greenville Masonic Lodge, American Legion of New Madison, Ohio State Netherland Dwarf Club, American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA), and the American Netherland Dwarf Club (ANDRC).
He earned a mechanic's license after High School. He was self employed for awhile operating a Union 76 and then the Sohio service stations in New Madison. Later, he retired after working for 25 years as a rural mail carrier out of the Medway, Ohio Post Office.
In Lieu of flowers the family wishes that a donation be given to the New Madison United Methodist Church, 149 N. Main Street, New Madison, Ohio 45346, New Madison American Legion, 242 Fayette Street, New Madison, Ohio 45346 or to State of the Heart Care, 1350 N. Broadway, Greenville, Ohio 45331.
A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 12 PM on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at the New Madison United Methodist Church, 149 N. Main Street, New Madison with Pastor David Richey and Pastor Carol Duffield officiating. Burial will follow in Greenmound Cemetery, New Madison.
Family and friends may visit Saturday from 10 AM until the time of the service at 12 PM at the church..
Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com
