Robert Anthony "Bob" Ebert

1947 - 2025

Robert "Bob" Anthony Ebert

April 14, 1947 - December 29, 2025

Born in the late 1940's, Bob had a specific way of being and grew up loving his family and his profession. This passion showed up in many ways and will be what he is most remembered by. Last week, Bob celebrated his 37th wedding anniversary with Carol, a trusted and cherished partner, who remained by his side as he navigated career successes and personal accomplishments.

Bob grew up on a diversified livestock and crop farm on the northeastern side of the world-famous Flint Hills in Kansas. He graduated with 5 classmates from Flush High School in 1965 and developed leadership skills while in 4-H and FFA.

As an exceptional athlete, his claim to fame was on the Basketball court, here he scored 50 points in a game for the Rockets. This was accomplished before the 3-point score was implemented, making 23 field goals.

He exhibited the Champion in the Junior Show at the1966 American Royal. As a student at Kansas State University, he was involved with the Block & Bridle Club holding the offices of President, Vice President and Secretary; and was on the Livestock and Wool judging teams. Upon graduation, he went to work on the Rogler Ranch in the heart of the Kansas Flint Hills.

In November 1970, Ebert assumed the position as manager herdsman of Kittiwake Farms owned oy the Sparks Family of Jasper, Alabama. At Kittiwake he fitted and showed cattle from New York to Colorado and sold cattle in production sales from Connecticut to Montana. He assumed leadership roles in various organizations including the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, the Alabama Polled Hereford Association, the Alabama Purebred Beef Breeds Council of which he was a founding member, the North Alabama Polled Hereford Association, the Walker County Cattlemen's Association and the Walker Farmers Co-Op.

In August 1985, Ebert was named the manager of the Beef Teaching Unit in the Animal Science Department at Auburn University. His primary responsibility was providing students an array of classroom experiences involving beef cattle and sheep. He assisted with research projects that included the McLean burger and the development of estrus synchronization protocols. He completed a Master's Degree in Adult Education in 1992.

Bob also was involved in other Extension educational programs, including the national pilot "Beef Quality Assurance Program" by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. In 2002, he was honored with the Service Award presented by the National Livestock Grading and Marketing Association. He was recognized by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System for "Superior Service" Team in 2001 and Specialist/Educator in 2005. He served 20 years on the management committee of the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest.

When he retired from Auburn University in December 2013, he was named Extension Specialist Emeritus. In 2014, Tuskegee University's Caprine Educational Program honored him with a "Certificate of Appreciation" and was awarded "Father of the Year" by the Alabama CattleWomen's Association. In February 2025, Bob was inducted into the Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame.

He was a charter member and officer in the James Joseph McLean Council of the Knights of Columbus, Jasper, AL. He served as Grand Knight of the Auburn University Council 8696 and Youth Director for the Alabama State Council of Knights of Columbus. He has been an active member at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Auburn, AL.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Kenneth "Pete" Ebert and Dorothy Weixelman Ebert; a sister Teri Ebert Brockish and her husband Joe; a nephew, Adam Brockish; and son-in-law Jimmy Couey.

Survivors include his wife of 37 years Carol Ann Ebert; his children: Anthony James Ebert (Nikki) of Polo, MO, and Robin Ebert Mays (Michael) of West Richland, WA; his three stepdaughters Pam Long Faletra (Stephen) of Woodstock, GA, Jennifer Long Couey of Montgomery, AL, and Beth Ann Long Eidson (Chris) of Homewood, AL. Additional survivors include 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The family is deeply grateful for the wonderful caregivers who provided Bob with love and care during the last several years.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bob Ebert can be made to the Alabama Cattlemen's Association or St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish Church in Auburn, Alabama.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michaels Catholic Church on Saturday, January 3, 2026 beginning at 11:00 AM CST. A visitation will be held at the church one-hour prior beginning at 10:00 AM CST. Mr. Ebert will be laid to rest in Town Creek Cemetery in Auburn, Alabama