Robert Gustave Eva "Bob"

Surrounded by family, Robert Gustave Eva “Bob,” passed away in his home on April 4, 2023, at the age of 92. Even though his dementia was progressively getting worse, he never lost his sense of humor. Anytime anyone would ask him, “How are you doing?” His reply was, “Terrible!” and then followed by a little chuckle.

Bob was born November 6, 1930, in Denver, Colorado. Son of Ruth Amelia Gunheld Thornwall and Edwin Thomas Eva. Most of his life he grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he later graduated from South High School in 1950. Bob wasted no time and quickly after high school he married the love of his life (just shy of 70 years), Glenna Rae Butterfield on July 24, 1953. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on February 29, 1992.

Bob and Glenna had a unique family situation. Shawn Eva (Alex), and Shawna (Brett deceased) Pendleton (Brad) Fairchild were their first pride and joy. Seventeen years later, they were grateful to be surprised that they were having another child - Shane (Heather) Eva. All three children he adored and enjoyed spending time with them but in very different ways. From these three amazing children, they were given 5 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Bob served in the Korean War for two years and served in Okinawa as an Army cook for another 2 years and continued to serve in the Army reserves.

He worked for numerous companies and was very dedicated to them all. He is a former employee of Rio Grande Railroad (10 years), a Cable Splicer at the Telephone Company (35 years), Lifestyle 2000 (5 years), and LeBus as a host (14 years.) In between all these jobs, he was also a janitor for many businesses.

Bob was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He had many callings throughout his years. He was known for his favorite calling as a Church bell ringer. He also loved the children in the Ward and handed out candy to them as they would walk by and go to the bathroom. He was known as the “Candyman.” He never left the house without a pocket full of candy.

Bob loved his sports. He played softball and basketball for many recreational teams. He played baseball and basketball for South High School and received a trophy for the high scorer. One outstanding team he played for was with his 2 brothers – Art and Eddie. The Eva brothers were often in competition to be the leading scorers in the League. He recalls the joy of being a leading scorer in an All-Church championship with over 50 points in one game. In later years he became a basketball referee for the Utah High School Association. He had the ability to recall or memorize sports scores and knew exactly where all the teams were in the standings.

Bob not only had a love for sports, but he loved the outdoors. He spent many hours riding and taking care of his horses, fishing on any body of water, water skiing, and boating wherever he could. Later in life, he developed a love for painting paint by numbers.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Glenna Eva, three children, 5 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, and his son-in-law, Brett Pendleton.

Funeral services will be held on April 8th at 11:00 am at the Skyview Ward house, 1361 East 4000 South, Millcreek, Utah. Friends and family can attend a viewing Friday, April 7th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Skyview Ward or Saturday, April 8th from 9:30 am to 10:30 am prior to services at the Church.

To view the funeral services online, please click on the “Watch Service” button above.

We would also like to give a huge thank you to the Elevation Hospice Team for helping our beloved Father through his last few days and being there every hour with our Mother.