ROBERT FRANCIS ELTONHEAD

1932 - 2015

ROBERT FRANCIS ELTONHEAD Robert Francis Eltonhead, 83, of Mission Hills, Kansas and Sarasota, Florida passed away October 1, 2015. Robert was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 31, 1932, the only child of Edna Mitchell Eltonhead and Alexander Hamilton. During his very early years, he lived with his mother and grandfather, Thomas Mitchell. Bob spent his school age years in Philadelphia and graduated from Germantown High School ('50). Bob was an active member of the ROTC. Bob attended Drexel University where he played soccer and received a degree in Commerce and Engineering ('55). Following college, he joined Armstrong Cork Company. After receiving a transfer to the Atlanta office, the company rerouted him to Kansas City with only 48 hours' notice. Bob was sure that this was the company's way of getting rid of him. In 1956, Bob met Martha Hinsen and they were married until her death in 1995. They enjoyed many happy times at their homes in Mission Hills and Lake Lotawana. In 1961, Bob started his company, Fork Lift, Inc., where he was in business for over 40 years. The dealership dominated the Midwest market, particularly after he acquired Toyota lift trucks. Bob was active for many years in Rotary Club 13, where he enjoyed league bowling and achieved a perfect 300 game ('84). After the death of his first wife, he married Susan Davis Elliott, of Leawood and Spring Hill, Kansas. They were married for 17 years and resided in Mission Hills and Sarasota. During these years, they enjoyed traveling to Europe, Australia, Japan, China, and Bob's ancestral home in Scotland. Bob was a member of Indian Hills Country Club, Kansas City Club and St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. Bob and Sue were great lovers of all animals, particularly their beloved dogs and cats. Bob leaves behind his wife Sue, of the home, stepdaughter Laura Elliott and great-niece Elizabeth Pearson. To memorialize Bob's love of all animals, contributions may be made to the Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc., 4210 77th Street East, Palmetto, Florida 34221 or Rotary Club 13 Youth Camp, 22310 East Colbern Road, Lee's Summit, Missouri 64063. Mt Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home & Cemetery. Dignity Memorial.