Robert D. Eitel

Robert D. Eitel, age 90, passed away on Saturday, May 24th, 2025, at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas. A Western Kansan from birth, Bob was born during a blizzard on the family farm near Grigston on February 13th, 1935, the son of W. Orval & Ruby Irene Beeson Eitel. Named Bobby Dean by his mother, the hired man changed his name to Robert Dean when driving to town to register for the birth certificate! Farming ran deep in Bob’s blood, and one of his earliest memories was driving a tractor at eight years old while his Dad shoveled grain in the wagon. One of Bob’s favorite memories is riding a horse to the one-room country school with his brother Glenn.

Bob graduated from Scott Community High School in 1953. He was a gymnast at Fort Hays State University, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Ag Economics in 1957. He also obtained a degree in Sports Science in Gymnastics.  His time as a gymnast led him to a life of being a health enthusiast. Bob served in the US Army from 1958 to 1964, ultimately obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of the commodity and stock markets and frequently amazed his family with his incredible recall of numbers and dates. Historical rainfall was a particular specialty of Bob’s, and he would gladly tell you the amount of rain that fell on any given date over the past 30 years!

Bob farmed both grain and cattle during his long life and continued to farm right up to his passing. His incredible work ethic and devotion to his farming were legendary. But most of all, Bob was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who will be dearly missed.

Bob was a member of the United Methodist Church in Scott City, Kansas, where he was head usher for over 43 years, and guided many kids through the acolyte process. In the 40-plus years of service to the church, he only missed a handful of services to attend his grandchildren’s graduations out of town.

On August 30th, 1959, he married Donna S. Heinze in Greensburg, Kansas. She passed away on January 29th, 2024. One of their loves was to go dancing and anyone who had the pleasure of seeing them dance would see that Bob had great style and rhythm!

Survivors include his Two Daughters - Kay Harkness of Scott City, Kansas, Pam & Scott Burgett of Overland Park, Kansas, One Brother - Glenn & Marion Eitel of Perkasie, Pennsylvania, One Sister - Darlene & Roger Kohman of Salina, Kansas, Three Grandsons - Kyle Berend of Scott City, Kansas, Luke Burgett of Denver, Colorado, Troy Burgett of Chicago, Illinois, One Great Grandchild, Three Step Grandchildren and Seven Step Great Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife, and One Brother - Jack O. Eitel.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 31st, 2025, at the United Methodist Church in Scott City, Kansas, with Rev. Jeff Goetzinger.

Interment will be held in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas, following funeral services.

Memorials can be written to the Robert Eitel Memorial Fund in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home, P.O. Box 553, Scott City, Kansas, 67871.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, and 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday at Price & Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington St., Scott City, Kansas, 67871.