Eskew, Robert Leroy, Sr., 85, Birmingham, died peacefully at home, April 14. A native of Birmingham, he is preceded in death by his son, Robert Leroy Eskew, Jr., and brother Terry Marlin Eskew. Born on May 28, 1933 to Harry Leroy and Oretha Wilson Eskew, Bob attended Shades Cahaba and Shades Valley High Schools before graduating from Auburn University in 1956 in civil engineering. Bob earned a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia in 1956 then entered the reserves, 926 Engineer Battalion (Construction) until called to active duty in August 1961 and attached to the 101 Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Bob received an honorable discharge as captain in 1964. Associated with H. L. Eskew & Sons, the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning business he owned with his twin brothers, and its successor company, E. B. Construction, he oversaw installations at many area hospitals, office buildings and other large projects for over 40 years. He retired from Trinity Construction. Bob served as president of Birmingham Chapter, Alabama Society Professional Engineers and the Mechanical Contractors Association of Birmingham. Most people knew Bob from his growing roses. Active in the Birmingham Rose Society, he held most of its offices, helped run the District organization, and served on committees for the National American Rose Society. A certified American Rose Judge, the American Rose Society named him a "Master Rosarian." His blooms won top honors in local and regional shows. Often he answered questions as a certified master gardener at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens which gave him its 2006 Volunteer of the Year Award. An avid Auburn fan, Bob loved sports, enjoyed classical music, and traveling, especially to the beach where he spent many summers with his family on the gulf. Bob is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 63 years, Martha Bonner Eskew, brothers Harold Eskew of Huntsville, and Jerry Eskew of Birmingham, children Rebecca E. Carter (Joe) of Aiken, SC; Glenn T. Eskew of Madison, GA; John Robert Eskew (DeAnna) of Baton Rouge, LA.; grandchildren Bonner Carter Saylor (Chris) of Chapel Hill, NC; Taylor Carter of Grovetown, GA; William Robert Leroy Eskew of Athens, GA; John Thomas Lafayette Eskew of Madison, GA; and Jillian Grace Eskew of Baton Rouge, LA.; great-grandson Samuel Hudson Saylor of Chapel Hill, NC; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins. A memorial service is planned for 2 pm Wednesday, April 17, at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church. Private interment in the family plot at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Robert L. and Martha Bonner Eskew Fund for the Care of Roses, or Vestavia Hills Baptist Church Endowment Fund.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the Eskew family.
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