Robert Friedrich Jr.

Robert C. "Bob" Friedrich Jr., 69, of Jackson passed away Friday, Feb. 6, 2004 at his home.

He was born May, 18, 1934, in Jackson, son of Robert C. Sr. and Ollie L. Seabaugh Friedrich. He and Patricia Ruth "Pat" Schulte were married July 2, 1959. She passed away June 7, 1995.

Bob served in the U.S. Army. From 1957 through 1959, during the U.S. occupation of Germany, he was stationed at Hohenfels, Germany, and was the chief radio repairman. He was a member of the VFW Post 10495 in Jackson.

He worked 30 years in Jackson Electric, the family business, and was a member of the I.B.E.W. Local 1 for 39 years. He was a lifelong member of Emanuel United Church of Christ in Jackson, was a former Sunday school teacher and served on the church council.

Bob was well known for his dedication to Scouting. In 1962, he chartered and was post advisor to Explorer Post 211 in Jackson, a high-adventure post specializing in canoeing, camping, Indian history and Indian dancing. He took his Scouts on trips around the country for leadership conferences, hiking and camping. He was a Vigil Honor Member of the Order of the Arrow.

An avid Civil War historian, he also took the Scouts to Shiloh and other battlefields combining history, biking and camping within each trip. His post performed many service projects at Camp Lewellen.

Bob and Pat always welcomed Scouts in their home at any time and became "second parents" to many of them. With their family farm situated on the Trail of Tears on Greensferry Road in Jackson, Bob was especially interested in the Indian's heritage. Upon recommendation of the Gov. John Ashcroft, Bob was appointed by President Reagan to the National Trail of Tears commission. He served many years working to provide history of the trail and signage for the National Trail of Tears.

Sadly missed by his loving family, he leaves three sons and daughters-in-law, John and Gloria Friedrich of Cape Girardeau, Eric and Annie Friedrich and Robert and Lisa Friedrich, all of Jackson; five grandchildren, Brittney, Jordan, Logan, Jacob and Tate Friedrich; a brother, Jon P. Friedrich of Gordonville; and a sister, Mary Ruth Wheaton of Millersville; and a dear friend, Kim Walker of Jackson.

In addition to his wife, Pat, he was also preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, at the McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson and after 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, at Emanuel United Church of Christ in Jackson

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, at the church, with Rev. Sam Roethemeyer officiating.

Burial will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery with graveside military honors.

Serving as pallbearers are Chris Friedrich, Jim Lewis, John Lichtenegger, Jim Wills, Tom Schulte and Jimmy Johnson.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Emanuel United Church of Christ or Order of the Arrow (Jack Ward Memorial).