Robert Spencer Eccles

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Nov. 12, 1911-May 27, 2007

Robert Spencer Eccles, 95, Greencastle, died Sunday.

Born in Puyallup, Wash., he was the son of James and Effie Eccles.

He received a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Puget Sound in 1934; a master's in theater studies from Northwest-ern University in 1943, a bachelor of divinity from Garrett Theologi-cal Seminary in 1944, and a doctorate in Religion from Yale University in 1952.

He taught in the Philosophy and Religion Department at DePauw University from 1953 until his retirement in 1977, and served as chairman of the Philosophy and Religion Department from 1974-77.

He was a member of the United Methodist clergy, and had served as dean of the Indiana Area's Local Pastor's License School.

From childhood, Eccles was a member and supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, serving in many capacities at the local and council levels. He received the Boy Scouts of America's highest adult service and leadership award, the Silver Beaver, from the Wabash Valley Council, in the early 1980s.

He was married for 54 years to Kathryn Wann Eccles, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by two sons, Thomas Eccles of Phoenix, Ariz., and Bruce Eccles and wife Jennifer, Westfield; five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife; sister Ardis Eccles and his parents.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church, Greencastle.

Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Visitation is 11 a.m. until time of services at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Organ Fund at Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at inhpr@keystonegroup.com.

Arrangements are being handled by Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home, Greencastle.