Edwin L. Eby

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Northwestern High School Richmond High School Miami University

Edwin Eby Obituary

News Death Notice

EBY, Edwin L. RICHMOND, Ind. - Edwin L. Eby, age 81, of Richmond, passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2011, in Richmond, Indiana. Richmond has lost their "Music Man". He was born to Chester and Ruth Anna (Roach) Eby on July 6, 1930, in Springfield, Ohio. He began music study and piano at age 13. He graduated at the top of his class from Northwestern High School and attended Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, where he met his wife to be and love of his life, Maxine. While at Miami, he majored in music education in both instrument and vocal music. Upon graduation, he began teaching in 1951 at Jeffersonville, Ohio. In August of 1952, he received greetings from and served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He accepted a teaching position in 1954 at Rockford, Ohio (Mercer County) and in 1957 was hired to teach in Celina, Ohio. In 1967 he accepted a position with the Richmond Indiana school system at Dennis Middle School and was transferred to Richmond High School in 1975, where he was Director of four choirs and taught music composition and theory. Edwin was active with Richmond Civic Theater, serving as Music Director for seven musicals, the last being "A Christmas Carol" in 2006. He has served as Music Director at several churches in Richmond, including First Christian Church, Central United Methodist Church, First English Lutheran Church, and Faith United Lutheran Church. Mr. Eby touched more lives than any of us can imagine. He was the embodiment of passion, selfless love, altruism, and integrity. He not only shared his wealth of talents with our community, but he helped countless students discover and develop their own talents. His passions ignited our souls. He is irreplaceable and will never be forgotten. Every time any of us listen to music, or make music of our own, we will be honoring him. Ed and Maxine were a team and a gift for Richmond, and generations of our community members were touched by them. Maxine was always by his side in all of his musical endeavors, and continued to be his soul mate even after her death. Now they are together again. He is survived by his sister, Lois (Harold) Skillings of Springfield, Ohio; daughter, Pamela Eby of Richmond; son, Michael (Beverly) Eby of Carmel, Indiana; daughter, Debora Wines of Billings, Montana; five grandchildren, Brandon of Fishers, Megan of Carmel, Adrianne of Chicago, and Jasper and Jordan of Billings; and cousins, nieces, and nephews of Ohio and Saskatchewan Province, Canada. Edwin was preceded in death by his wife, G. Maxine Doughman Eby, who died December 22, 1994; parents; sister, Mabel Stott; and brother, Donald Eby. At his request, Edwin's body will be donated to the Indiana University Medical Center. A memorial service and musical celebration will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 23, 2011, with music beginning at 10:30 a.m., at Central United Methodist Church, 1425 East Main Street, Richmond, where he and Maxine were members. Military honors will be provided by the Wayne County Honor Guard. Arrangements are being handled by Doan & Mills Funeral Home, Richmond. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Richmond High School for Honors and Awards, in honor of Edwin L. Eby, (to be awarded to graduates planning to major in cancer research) or the RHS Music Department, 380 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond, IN 47374. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com

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Published by Springfield News-Sun on Nov. 20, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Edwin Eby

5 Entries

November 28, 2011

Mr. Eby was my choir teacher at Dennis Jr. High and Richmond Sr. High school. It was an honor to be one of his many students that truly loved him.
Lisa Marsio

Janice (Luth) Christophel

November 22, 2011

Mr. Eby was my piano teacher, choir and band director at Celina High School. I cherish the music training that he gave me. He will always be the "Music Man" in my memories. Sincerest condolences to his family.

Michael "Chip" Wood

November 21, 2011

Mr. Eby was my choir teacher in 1976 and 1977. To this day I remember the way he would turn toward the door while he was standing at the piano, smile, and say hello when I walked into the room. He was always patient with us and I believe he truly cared about each and every one of us. Mr. Eby was a kind, gentle man. I am better for having known him and he will be missed. We love you Mr. Eby. Rest in peace.

November 20, 2011

To Lois and the rest of the family members We are sorry to hear about Edwin's death and glad to see what he had been doing in his life. Old school friends. Chloe and Wilma Walls

Nancy Cruea Skaggs

November 20, 2011

Mr. Eby taught me at Richmond High School for 3 years and helped me embark on a lifetime of music. He was a shining light of positivity, always upbeat and smiling. He made you want to sing. To this day I can remember whole pieces learned in his choirs. He welcomed anyone through those big double doors into the choir room and met each person right where they were, and led them to a true appreciation of music. Mr. Eby knew how to bring the best out of us. We sang difficult, challenging pieces but we also sang current pop hits. Choir was always the highlight of my school day. I will never forget Mr. Eby or the mark he made on my life. I pray that his spirit lives on in today's music educators and that music in our schools will continue in the tradition of the great Ed Eby.

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