Robert Lee "Squirrel" Eakright

Robert Lee “Squirrel” Eakright, age 86, died Thursday, April 12, 2018 at Parkview Memorial Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Mr. Eakright was born in Wabash, Indiana on January 23, 1932 to the late Silas Byron Eakright and Bertha (Oswalt) Eakright. He married Phyllis Joan Eley on May 14, 1950 in Silver Lake, Indiana.  They were married nearly 68 years. He honorably served his country from 1952-1954 in the United States Army during the Korean War. Many knew him as “Squirrel” and he was employed with International Harvester for 30 years before retiring in 1985.  An avid angler, Bob developed the original Anise Worm in 1968. He also began a wholesale fishing tackle business, R.L. Eakright Distributing Company, which sold his worms primarily throughout the mid-west.  Bob also loved to sing at church in the choir and other special events.  He was member at New Haven United Methodist Church and attended Grace Gathering.  He was also a Chicago Cubs fan and member of the New Haven American Legion Post 330.

Survivors include:
Wife, Phyllis Eakright of New Haven.
Son, Douglas and Ann Eakright of Fort Wayne.
Daughter, Deb and Brian Cour of New Haven.
Son, Craig and Jill Eakright of Fort Wayne.
Son, Scott Eakright and Shannyn Petree both of Maumee, Ohio.
Ten grandchildren: Justin Eakright, Jackie Gerbers, Jerrod Eakright, Jessica Graber, Matt Cour, Trevor Eakright, Travis Eakright, Ashley McCallion, Shae Eakright, and Paige Eakright. 
Ten great grandchildren with another one on the way.
Brother, Edward and Sandra Eakright of Fruitland Park, Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Barbara Horner and Dorthea Deal; and two brothers, Glenn Eakright and Richard Eakright. 

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 17, 2018 from 2-4:00 PM & 6-8:00 PM at Grace Gathering, 3157 Minnich Road, New Haven, Indiana. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the funeral service.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the church with Pastor Dan Brusco officiating the service.  
Burial with military honors will take place at I.OO.F. Cemetery, New Haven.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and/or to the American Legion Post 330, New Haven.

 

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