Robert W. "Bob" Eldred

Born July 5, 1938, to Stanley Charles Eldred and Audrey Mozelle Foreman Eldred, Bob Eldred lived a life defined by dedication, humility, and a deep love for farming. A proud graduate of Newton High School's Class of 1957, Bob devoted his life to agriculture, earning the FFA Iowa Farmer Degree in 1957 and the Honorary FFA Chapter Member Award in 1979. He served Jasper County Farm Bureau as President and Voting Delegate. His advocacy took him all the way to Washington D.C.,
Bob met the love of his life, Sue, on a Youth Trip and they married on November 6, 1959. Together, they built a life rich in family, community, and service. Bob was a 50-year member of the First United Methodist Church, a member of the Newton Moose Lodge, the National International Antique Tractor Club, and a 25+ year member of the Izaak Walton League. He also drove a school bus for 13 years, and worked at the High School as custodian for 12. He was proud to lead our son Jeff's 4-H Club for two years. For our daughter Beth he was always available to haul a special horse to the Vet school in Ames.
Whether on the seat of a tractor or at a cribbage table, Bob found joy in the simple pleasures. He was a skilled carpenter, a lover of travel and warm weather, and always on the lookout for the perfect steak or prime rib. His generosity extended globally, hosting foreign exchange students from Zimbabwe, Sweden, Egypt, Indonesia, Thailand, and 5 other countries.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and sister. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Sue; son, Robert Jeffrey (Linelle); daughter, " Beth" (Doug) Thomas; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three nephews and two nieces; brother-in-law, Ray (Sandy) Brooks; and a sister-in-law, Lynda Lunseth.
He embodied every word of "So God Made A Farmer", wearing his blue jeans with pride and tilling the land with unwavering spirit. Bob made his family proud- and left a legacy that will continue to grow.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm and the Newton Izaak Walton League.
Memorials may be designated in Bob's name to the Izaak Walton League Scholarship Fund or the Pella Comfort House and may be left at the celebration or at Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home.