I’m saddened to report that member Bob Erbs has passed away. Born June 2, 1924, he died suddenly at his home in Finneytown on April 17, 2009. His loving wife, LouAnn Cole Erbs was at his side. Bob fought a courageous battle with cancer the past 7 months. He is survived by his loving and devoted son Robert S. Erbs and his sweetheart, Julia S. Neal and grandson Robert J. Erbs. He was preceded in death by his daughter Lynn Marie Erbs and his son Roger C. Erbs. Bob was the son of late Ernest “Pappy” Erbs and the late Lillian “Lee” Marie Kern Erbs. Sisters, Patricia Marie Huffman Anderson and Carol Lee Tierney. Bob leaves a host of friends and relatives. Bob proudly served in the Army Air Corp in WWII as a mechanic on B-17s. He was president of Byrnsyde Inc. for over 35 yrs. where he designed, fabricated, installed and serviced full service car wash equipment. Bob and his son were distributors for Ernest Holmes and Challenger wrecker equipment, they installed and delivered wrecker equipment to the local area and major race events such as the Indianapolis 500. Bob worked at the speedway for many years as part of track safety crew. Bob was a 59 year Mason of the Hoffner Masonic Lodge #253. His most passionate interest was car racing, aviation, boating, driving limousines and meeting people. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. At his request, his cremated remains will be cast upon the waters of the Ohio River along his son’s marina. A celebration of life will be held at the Aurora Landing marina 12 noon Saturday April 25, 2009, US 56 Aurora, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tri State Honor Flight, PO Box 531016 Cincinnati 45253 or Indianapolis 500 Old Timers C/O Jack Martin, 45 Woodview Dr. Pittsboro, In. 46167-9503. Condolences may be expressed to the Erbs family at www.thefrederickfuneralhome.com.
