Special to The Enterprise

Robert (Bob) Lee Eilers, 94, entered everlasting relaxation on May 12, at Valley View Assisted Dwelling in Harlingen. He was born on May 24, 1927 to Frank Adam Eilers and Mary (Mayme Bachman) Eilers in Clarksville, TX. Bobby spent his childhood on their household farm together with three siblings.

He enlisted within the military following his older brothers, Frank and Fred, on Oct. 10, 1945. After fundamental coaching, he was assigned to the 1880th Medical Detachment to look after wounded troopers. He was despatched to California and making ready to go to the Pacific theater when WWII ended.

After being honorably discharged from the Military he fell in love with a picture of his future spouse, Loretta Vogel, that his sister, Gladys, who was residing in Mercedes sent him. He made a number of journeys by Greyhound Bus to Mercedes after which moved there in 1947, working for Heggen Electrical, the Hank Metzger Machine Store after which Borderland (Hardware) of Mercedes. Bob married Loretta on Oct. 15, 1950 and so they had been blessed with 71+ years.

Bob worked his way up at Borderland in Mercedes to become manager  and then he and his wife Loretta purchased the business in 1969 from Mrs. Grace Johnson.

With Loretta working at his side in the store, they also built a strong, united family and instilled in them the importance of faith in God, a good education and the value of hard work.

Bob was very active within the Mercedes Chamber of Commerce, serving numerous years as president and chairing Anniversary Committees. After being elected to the Board of Administrators of the RGV Livestock Present in 1966, he was chairman of the Exhibit Corridor for over 40 years, remaining active on the board till his passing. Bob served as a director on the Helpful {Hardware} Wholesale, Inc. board of administrators in Houston, TX from 1982-2000.

He was honored for being awarded the Estwing Golden Hammer Award recognizing 50 years of service to the (hardware) business, and the Melvin Jones Fellow Award from the Mercedes Lion’s Membership.

He was overjoyed and proud to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Borderland Hardware of Mercedes in 2019. Bob mentioned more than once how he spent many enjoyable years working with young people in the store and serving generations of customers across the RGV. working with younger folks within the retailer and serving generations of consumers throughout the RGV.

A person of nice ethical character, robust religion, and Christian values ​​had been traits all through his life. Bob’s favourite pastimes had been fishing at Arroyo Metropolis, gardening, touring in his motorhome with Loretta, and happening excursions with associates throughout the US. Watching the Astros and Cowboys was on the high of the record too. However on the very high was the fun of watching his youngsters, grandchildren, and now great- grandchildren proceed to hold on the virtues he lived.

Bob is preceded in loss of life by his dad and mom, Frank and Mary Eilers, his brothers, Frank Eilers, Fred Eilers and sister, Gladys Bandemer. He’s survived by his loving spouse, Loretta, youngsters, Kenneth (Debbie) Eilers of Mercedes and Connie Gatlin of Dallas, grandchildren, Terese (Mike) Volkmann, Kyle (Candice) Eilers, Greg (Ashley) Gatlin and Doug Gatlin, nice grandchildren , Claire and Samuel Volkmann, Camden, Kade, and Peyton Rose Eilers, and Ember Gatlin.

Visitation will probably be held Sunday, May 15, 2022, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a prayer service starting at 7:00 PM on the Rudy Garza Funeral Residence in Mercedes, TX. Funeral service will probably be held Monday, Could 16, 2022 at 10:00 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mercedes, TX, with Pastor Ed Weber officiating. Graveside service will comply with at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Mercedes, Texas.

Pallbearers are Kyle Eilers, Greg Gatlin, Doug Gatlin, Mike Volkmann, Don Vogel and Earl Neuhaus. Honorary Pallbearers are current workers of Borderland {Hardware} of Mercedes.

Memorials are most welcome: Immanuel Lutheran Church and Faculty, 703 W. third Avenue, Mercedes, TX 78570 – or to the Robert and Loretta Eilers Endowment Scholarship Fund of Concordia College, 11400 Concordia College Drive, Austin, TX 78726.

Funeral companies are below the course and care of Rudy Garza Funeral Residence of Mercedes Texas.