Robert Fridrich Scott

Robert Fridrich Scott of Terre Haute, age 94, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, May 24 at Union Hospital. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Cecelia Ann Eck, whom we lost 10 years earlier. He was a lifelong resident of Terre Haute, Indiana, and a devoted member of the community. He was born March 24, 1928 to Elizabeth Fridrich and Robert Smith Scott.

A graduate of St. Benedict’s Elementary and Garfield High School, Bob then joined the U.S. Army and became a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division where he was stationed in Japan as part of the U.S. Occupation Force. Upon return from his service, Bob graduated from Indiana State University in 1952. Bob met the love of his life, Cecelia Eck, while at ISU. They were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in 1952.

After graduation, Bob joined the family business at the Home Packing Company, where he was Vice President of production. After the tragic explosion of the Home Packing Company in 1963, he became a Financial Planner for the remainder of his career in Terre Haute.

Bob was active life long in community affairs. He served as President of the Vigo County Association for Mental Health who eventually established the Katherine Hamilton Mental Health Center, now known as “Hamilton Center.” Bob was also very involved in The Terre Haute Boys Club, ultimately becoming Chairman of the Board. During his term, he developed Camp Gulick near Turkey Run State Park. He was also involved in numerous other community programs.

He was a member of the Elks and Terre Haute Country Clubs, and an avid tennis and squash player. Later in life he became an active bridge player. He was also a part-time inventor and designed several patented and widely-used products, most recently including his “Wonder Winder” for electrical cords. Bob was also a member of the Terre Haute Last Man’s Social Club.

In addition to his commercial inventions, Bob loved kids and grandkids of all ages. He was popular with the local neighborhood children (and his own grandchildren) for his rope swings, swinging tree houses, and obstacle courses. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Elizabeth, and sibling Marilyn Scott Allen. He is survived by his Brother Donald (Susan) Scott and Barbara Scott Obenchain, and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving are his Children Robert Eck Scott (Dorit Yaron), Peter Donald (Joanne) Scott, Amy Morgan, Douglas William (Ellen) Scott, and Jonathan Barbre Scott. Bob is also survived by Grandchildren Adam Tyler Easley, Carolyn Story (Eric Urquart) Scott; Emma Cecelia Scott, engaged to Brian Morrow; Sean (Rebecca O’Neal) Scott; Andrew August (Kate) Scott; and Joshua Robert (Kelsey) Scott. He is also survived by much adored Great Grandchildren, Eze Louise Scott, Riven Ruth Scott and Forrest John Scott.

The family wishes to thank caregiver Stacey Pollum and neighbors Steve and Judy Evans for all their kindness and care.

Visitation on Saturday, June 4, 2022 from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM and a funeral mass from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM will be held at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 111 S. 9th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to Hamilton Center, Inc., 500 8th Avenue, Terre Haute, IN 47804 of Terre Haute, IN; St. Benedict Catholic Church or The Terre Haute Boys and Girls Club, 924 N. 13th, Terre Haute, IN 47807.