Robert Eveland

Robert Paul Eveland SR, of Republic, Missouri, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2025. Known by his nickname to family and friends as Pete, he was a man who lived for his family and friends.
Pete was born in Willow Springs, MO on February 10th of 1934 to his parents, Nathan and Marie Eveland. When Pete was two years old, his family moved to Eagleville, Missouri. His father Nathan, was a preacher and Marie was a homemaker to their family. Pete had several siblings including Harry, Raymond, George, John, Ladonna and Sharon. As a kid he would walk a mile to the school to light the stove for the school and was paid $2 a month for this service. As a teenager Pete helped on the family farm and when his father passed in 1952, when Pete was 15, he stayed and tended to his ailing mother and siblings until she passed in 1954.
In 1955, Pete sold the family farm and moved to Kansas City where he lived with his oldest brother Harry. He obtained a job with Sante Fe Truckline working as a truck driver, delivering shipments from the railroad. On July 20, 1963, Pete married Sharon Lee Bates of Guthrie Center, IA at the First Presbyterian Church of Guthrie Center.
That same year they moved into their home at 8902 Woodland Ave in Kansas City MO. They had two children together, Tina and Robert JR. He took pride in taking care of his family, always working hard and taking part in their lives. Pete loved to play cards, and this was a weekly fun event with friends and family. Pete also loved to travel with his family, they had a camper and went camping with family and friends, he took them all over the United States. He also was active in many youth organizations including the Boy Scouts of America, Little League Baseball and all school events. He fancied himself a handyman who could fix anything, even if it took him more than one attempt. He bought an 8mm camera and later a VCR recording camera and enjoyed filming family functions and events.
Pete obtained an outstanding driving record award from Sante Fe for 20 years of safe driving and numerous pins for annual safe driving awards. Pete retired from Santa Fe Railroad after 31 years, in 1985. He owned a duplex nearby the family home and kept busy maintain it and spending time with family and friends.
In 1991, kids having left the home, they moved to Springfield MO to be closer to their children. Pete and Sharon worked for an apartment complex there and later bought their own apartment complex in Mt. Vernon, MO in 1991. While in Mt. Vernon, he volunteered for the Senior Center there and delivered meals for 18 years. They stayed there until 2014 when they bought their current home in Republic MO. There he and his wife Sharon volunteered at the Republic Senior Center for the past 10 years. They loved touring the nearby towns for weeknight dances. Pete also loved to play cornhole and won a trophy for getting a 4 bagger at 90 years old.
Pete had a deep and genuine interest in people from all walks of life. No one was a stranger that came in his path. He would talk to someone in line with him, the server at a restaurant, friends of his kids, or someone sitting at the Walmart entrance while he was waiting on his wife. He made everyone he met feel seen and interesting. One of his greatest joys was his spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Pete was preceded in death by his father, Nathan; his mother, Marie; and his brothers, Harry, Raymond, George and John. as well as his mother-in-law and father-in-law Verna and Don Bates of Guthrie Center, Iowa.
Pete is survived by his devoted wife and best friend of 61 years, Sharon; his children, Tina Fulbright (Eveland) and her husband Doug of Mt. Vernon; Robert Eveland JR of Kansas City; his grandsons, Isaiah, Tyler and his wife Alex; granddaughters MaryGrace and Phoebe. Five great grandchildren, Taryn, Gracie, Jax, Jackson, Ariella, as well as a future great-granddaughter due in May.
Pete is also survived by his sisters, Ladonna Arrowood and Sharon Kay Miller; as well as by many beloved nieces and nephews.
In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Pete's memory to the Republic Senior Center.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.