Bob Edinger

Robert Lee “Bob” Edinger, 79, of Smithville, Missouri, passed away on August 10, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply and a lifetime defined by service, hard work, faith, and devotion to those he loved.

Bob was born on August 23, 1946, in Warrenton, Missouri, to Victor Gustive and Esther Eunice (Mennemeier) Edinger. He grew up in Old Monroe, Missouri, and graduated from Winfield High School in 1965. Following high school, Bob proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class. He was stationed at McCoy Air Force Base in Orlando, Florida. Bob later attended Parks Air College in Cahokia, Illinois, beginning what would become a lifelong career in aviation.

From a young age, Bob developed a deep love for the land and the outdoors. He spent summers helping his uncles on the family farm alongside his brother Ron. Those early years working the land helped shape a lifelong appreciation for farming, hard work, and being outdoors. Bob also developed a love for tractors at a young age, a passion that stayed with him throughout his life and eventually led him to collect many tractors of his own.

On December 16, 1967, Bob married the love of his life, Gloria Jean Joplin. Bob and Jean began their married life in Orlando while he was serving in the Air Force. Following his honorable discharge, they returned to Missouri and lived on the Mennemeier family farm before building their first home in Wentzville. Their journey later took them to Dallas, Texas, and eventually back to the St. Louis area and then onto the Kansas City area in Smithville, Missouri. Together they built a life centered around family, hard work, faith, and many wonderful memories. They shared more than 44 years of marriage before Jean passed away on June 3, 2012. She remained an important part of Bob’s heart and story throughout the rest of his life.

Bob devoted 35 years to American Airlines, where his skill, dependability, and strong work ethic were evident throughout his career. He retired as a crew chief in 2003. Retirement, however, did not mean slowing down. Bob went on to work as a grounds and facility manager for Good Shepherd Catholic Church, where his natural ability to fix things and take care of whatever needed attention was put to good use.

After retirement, Bob also put his many skills to work as a handyman, operating his own business. He believed in treating people fairly, doing a good job, and showing up on time. His word meant something, and when Bob said he would do something, people knew they could count on him. Whether repairing, building, maintaining, or simply lending a helping hand, Bob took pride in doing things right.
At his core, Bob was a man of service. He generously volunteered his time through the Knights of Columbus and especially enjoyed volunteering with fishing tournaments for people with disabilities. Whether he was helping through his church, volunteering in his community, or lending a hand to family and friends, Bob found purpose in being useful and helping others.

Bob also knew how to enjoy life. Over the years, he loved fishing, boating, water skiing, photography, competitive horseshoes, carpentry, farming, and tractors. He was happiest outdoors, working with his hands, behind a camera, on the water, tending to the land, or surrounded by the people he cared about. His love of carpentry, farming, tractors, and fixing things reflected something his family knew well: Bob could find a way to repair, build, or improve just about anything.

Above all else, Bob loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who took tremendous pride in his daughters and grandchildren. His love was often expressed not through grand gestures, but through the countless things he did for the people around him. If something was broken, Bob could fix it. If someone needed help, he showed up. If his daughters needed him, he was there. Taking care of his family was not something Bob simply did—it was part of who he was.

Bob was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Smithville, Missouri, the Knights of Columbus, where he served as treasurer, and the American Legion. His Catholic faith, military service, and commitment to his community remained important throughout his life.
Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean Edinger; his parents, Victor and Esther Edinger; and his brother, Ronald Edinger.

He is survived by his daughters, DeEtta Doyle (Edinger) and Maura Hon (Edinger); his grandchildren, Mia Edinger, 24; Logan Doyle, 20; Hunter Hon, 18; Fisher Hon, 17; and Piper Hon, 16; his brothers, Tom Edinger and Mike Edinger; as well as several nieces and nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends.

Bob will be remembered for his steady presence, his strong hands and generous heart, his willingness to help, his ability to fix just about anything, and most of all, the quiet and dependable way he loved and cared for his family. He will also be remembered for his humor, always ready with a funny comment and a smile to ease the moment and brighten the day of each person he encountered. His was a life of service—to his country, his church, his community, and especially to the people he loved most.

For Bob, taking care of the people he loved was never an obligation. It was simply who he was. His presence will be deeply missed, but the love, lessons, memories, and countless ways he cared for his family will remain with them always.

Rosary will be at 10:30 a.m. followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22nd at Good Shepard Catholic Church, Smithville, Missouri.
There will be a Celebration of Life Luncheon following Mass at 12:00 p.m. in the church gathering space.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Knights of Columbus Council 7292.