Obituary of Robert L. Eddleman

Robert Leroy “Bob” Eddleman passed away on May 13, 2026. He was born on February 18, 1938, in Milltown, Indiana.  Growing up in a rural community on a Southern Indiana farm and participating actively in 4-H and FFA fostered in him a lifelong dedication to agriculture, conservation, and the protection of the earth’s natural resources.

After graduating from Milltown High School, Bob attended Purdue University, where he earned a degree in Agricultural Education. While at Purdue, he participated in ROTC and later served as a Captain in the Army Reserves following graduation.

Bob met his beloved wife Patricia (Pat) French while serving as presidents of their respective cooperative houses, Circle Pines and Shoemaker. The two married in 1960 and shared 62 wonderful years together before Pat’s passing in 2023. Together they raised four daughters, who survive him: Mary Beth Brown (Nick) of Chesterton; Susan Gregory (Kevin) of Zionsville; Julie Eddleman (Diane Cummins) of Cincinnati; and Donna Sweeney (Paul) of Carmel. He is also survived by eight  grandchildren: Geoff Brown, Katie Brown-Spurgeon (Cody), Matthew Gregory, Annie Gregory, Sydney Keil, Logan Keil, Elizabeth Sweeney, and Elijah Sweeney. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claud and Bertha Haub Eddleman, and his siblings, Harold Eddleman, Margaret Ewbank, John Eddleman and Betty Catherine Lee.

During his summers at Purdue, Bob worked as a student trainee with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Soil Conservation Service, now known as the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Following graduation, he continued his career with the agency, dedicating 42 years to conservation and public service. In 1974, he earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma. He retired in 2000 as Indiana’s State Conservationist. Throughout his distinguished career, Bob received numerous professional awards and recognition. 

A proud 10-year 4-H member in his youth, Bob remained devoted to the organization throughout his life. He and Pat encouraged all four of their daughters to participate in 4-H which they also did for the 10-year maximum. Bob went on to serve as a 4-H leader for more than 50 years. He especially enjoyed mentoring young people and helping with countless 4-H projects. Together, Bob and Pat hosted Wayne Township 4-H campers at Camp Woodsmoke for many years. Bob became well known for preparing his famous “Hoosier Crick Bank Taters,” a favorite among campers. He also faithfully supported Pat’s annual 4-H geranium fundraiser. Their home became affectionately known as “the geranium house,” with thousands of blooming geraniums filling their front yard each May. Bob’s tireless support in the background made Wayne Township one of the most successful urban 4-H programs in the country. Furthermore, Bob served for many years as a member of the Marion County Extension Board.

Bob was deeply involved in the many activities of his daughters, which led to years of dedicated service to Indiana Swimming. As an official, he conducted numerous training sessions for swim officials throughout Indiana and was honored by Indiana Swimming as “Official of the Year”. He officiated countless swim meets at Ben Davis High School, where his daughters participated as swimmers and coaches.

A faithful member of St. Christopher Catholic Church for 45 years, Bob served his parish as a lector and Eucharistic Minister. 

Bob was an avid supporter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society for more than 65 years, serving as a leader of the Hoosier Chapter, on the Board of Directors, and as the organization’s President in 2002. He received the Society’s Fellow Award in 1992, its highest honor, along with the President/Chair Leadership Award and an Outstanding Service Award.

When Bob retired, he signed up as an Earth Team Volunteer, contributing more than 1,500 hours each year to support conservation activities. At the same time, he was appointed to the Hoosier Heartland Resource Conservation and Development Council and to the Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District as an associate supervisor.

Over the next 15 years, Bob assisted with many conservation projects in the central Indiana area. He initiated the Plant A Million project, raised funds and mobilized volunteers to plant over a million trees in backyards, schools, streambanks, parks and playgrounds. The project was one of the most successful conservation initiatives in the country. 

As a speaker and author, Bob conducted hundreds of demonstrations on tree care, tree planting, and invasive plant removal. He was a regular speaker at conservation events statewide. He authored numerous educational materials for teachers and homeowners and co-authored two widely used books, The Trees in Your Backyard and The Shrubs in Your Backyard.

Bob was appointed by Governor Mitch Daniels to serve on the State Soil Conservation Board in 2005. He became the Board’s Chair in 2006. During his sixteen years on the Board, Bob played a key role in overseeing the Clean Water Indiana program.

In 1994 Bob was honored to receive the Purdue Agriculture Alumni Association’s Certificate of Distinction, the association’s highest honor recognizing individuals for their service to agriculture beyond the call of duty. The Purdue University School of Agriculture recognized Bob as a  Distinguished Alumnus in 1995. In January 2000, Frank O'Bannon awarded him the “Sagamore of the Wabash” in recognition of his professional accomplishments and dedicated service to agriculture and society. That same year, Richard Lugar honored Bob in the Congressional Record for his many years of service with the United States Department of Agriculture.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated caregivers and staff at Copper Trace Family-first Senior Living for the compassionate care, kindness, and support they provided to Bob and his family.  

An 11:00 AM livestream of the Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Eddleman will be available by visiting:    https://www.stchrisindy.org/livestream

In lieu of flowers, two donations options are available:

Wayne Township 4-H

700 North High School Road

Indianapolis, IN  46214 or

via Melissa Broz at Wayne Township 4-H Advisory Board at mlbroz@purdue.edu 

or 

The Eddleman Family Scholarship for Marion County 4-Hers attending Purdue (https://giving.purdue.edu/IMOBobEddleman) 

Make checks payable to Purdue for Life Foundation

Purdue Foundation

Attn: Kelly Delp

Gift Processing

P.O. Box 772401

Detroit, MI, 48277-2401

Memo line: IMO Bob Eddleman 013770