Bob Edgar

All who knew Robert Edgar would agree that he had a heart that was as big as they come. He was fun-loving and talkative, the sort of person who never met a stranger, and his zest for life was completely contagious. Bob was a devoted family man who lived to dote over his wife, and there was nothing he treasured more than witnessing his family tree blossom to include numerous branches of loved ones who were his greatest source of pride and joy. He was a man who wasn’t afraid to do things his own way, and no matter what life brought he was content in all things. With a special place in his heart for children, Bob was such an inspiration to younger generations. Life will never be the same without him here, but he leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will proudly carry on in his footsteps.

The 1920s were primarily prosperous times in America when innovation was leading the way to new and exciting ways of life. All that came to a screeching halt in October of 1929 when the crash of the stock market ushered in the dark days of the Great Depression. These harsh days lasted throughout the 1930s, and nearly every American family felt the strain. Despite the trials around them, James and Edith (Adams) Edgar were filled with great joy as they announced the birth of their baby boy, Robert T., on July 24, 1932, in Grand Ledge, Michigan. He was the youngest of six children and was raised in the family home in Grand Ledge alongside his siblings. Bob’s father was a master craftsman with Fisher Body while his mother focused her attention on her home and family. She was also an amazing cook and baker who won first place every year at the fair for her chocolate cake. Bob was a student at local schools including Grand Ledge High School where he was an outstanding athlete who lettered in football, basketball, and baseball all four years.

Not long after graduating from high school in 1950, our nation became heavily involved in the Korean Conflict. At the time, Bob was in the National Guard, but he the enlisted in the Air Force. Bob honorably served as a corpsman and earned the rank of Airman Second Class, returning home when his sister became gravely ill.

What was of great significance during Bob’s years in the Air Force was his introduction to the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Allyn “Lyn,” and they met in the Air Force in Japan. Bob was smitten with her right from the start, and they soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Bob and Lyn were married on December 4, 1953, at the base chapel.

The couple first settled in Grand Ledge, and they started their family right away. Over a period of seven years, Bob and Lyn were blessed to welcome seven children into their hearts and home including Kevin, Michael, Victoria, Tim, Todd, John, and Robert. In the late fifties, Bob’s work took them to Lansing where they remained until moving to Kalamazoo in 1978. He loved being a father and was the fun parent who was always playing with his kids. Bob could often be found outside playing ball with his kids as well as with the neighborhood kids. For several years, they also took in foster children. Later in life, Bob was thrilled to welcome grandchildren into the family, and he was the one with the Midas touch where the babies were concerned.

Although his family was always first and foremost in his life, Bob kept busy in numerous ways. He spent much of his career working as a property manager with the State of Michigan, and he also worked the sidelines at MSU football games for 30 years. Additionally, Bob spent several years working for Encore Magazine. After becoming a Catholic as an adult, he spent many years serving in his church. In Lansing he was a member of St. Mary’s and in Kalamazoo he was very active with St. Joseph Church. Bob had an amazing speaking voice and was a gifted lector. An avid golfer, he played in many leagues including with the Knights of Columbus. He loved winning and was a master of using the foot wedge and mulligan. Bob enjoyed watching golf and football on television, and he was a huge MSU fan who loved going to Spartan Stadium. Since his parents were from Cleveland, he also cheered on the Cleveland Indians and Browns. He usually played poker at family reunions, regularly took his chances with scratch-off lotto tickets, and kept busy with crossword puzzles. Not usually one to eat healthy, Bob liked his prime rib and pizza, Coke during his younger years, and both coffee and iced tea. He did some traveling including a cruise to Hawaii and frequent visits to St. Clair where Lyn was from.

Known as “Swell Guy Bob,” Robert Edgar was the heartbeat of wherever he went. He was a stranger to none and a friend to all who was forever asking others where they were from. He could be stubborn and was never wrong, but his heart was just as big as the come. Charismatic, talkative, and completely devoted to his family, Bob will be forever missed

Robert T. Edgar died on March 28, 2016. Bob’s family includes his 5 children: Victoria (Karl) Erickson, Tim Edgar, Todd Edgar, John Edgar and Robert (Connie) Edgar; 10 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Allyn “Lyn” Edgar in 2008; 2 sons: Kevin and Michael; and 5 siblings: Roberta, Edith, James, Jake and Virginia. Visit with family and friends while sharing food and drinks on Wednesday from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive; 269-375-2900. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church followed by a luncheon in the church hall. Please visit Bob’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign his online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church.