Robert Eichen

Robert Bradford Middleton Eichen, 65, died at 3:39 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2024 at his home in Godfrey with his “Shell Shell” by his side. Born October 6, 1958 in Alton, he was the son of Harriett “Harry Lou” Eichen and the late Howard Eichen. Many knew him as a meat cutter for Schwegel’s Market. He attended Carthage College in Kenosha, WI, with a major in criminal justice and worked for the Alton Police Department. He later worked as an engineer for the Alton Fire Department, retiring in January of 2019, after 30 years of service. Following his retirement, he worked security for OSF St. Anthony’s Healthcare Center in Alton. Bob continued to enjoy working out daily even during his illness. He was an avid collector of dinosaur figures and all things Marvel and DC. He also loved walking his dogs with his invention of the “Eichen walk the dog system.” On October 10, 2020, he married Shelley (Watson) Bauser in St. Petersburg Beach, FL. She survives. Along with his mother and wife, he is survived by his sons, Davey Eichen (Daisy) and Alex Eichen, daughters, Leslie Conlee (Reggie), Lindsey Cress (Randy), and Lauren Gage (Thomas), grandchildren, Lela and Sidney Eichen, Corbin, Boden and Zoe Leezy, Mackenzie and Dylan Pitts, Wyatt and Will Conlee, Kylie Angel, Harper Gage, Austin Cress (Aja), and Ryan Cress, and great grandchildren, Mylo and Haddie. He is also survived by his siblings, David Eichen (Patty), Lisa Norooz, Gretel Maggos (John), and Brita Haggard (Mark), his mother-in-law, Karen Watson, brother-in-law, Brian Watson, sister-in-law, Stephanie Watson, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, many friends, his brothers at the Alton Fire Department, his Nautilus Family, and his best friends, Buddy and Ollie. He was preceded in death by his father, his son, Andrew Eichen and his nephew, Ben Maggos. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. with a Fire Fighter walk through at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Memorials may be made to the Alton Fire Department or the 5A’s Animal Shelter. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

Obit Provided By:
Gent Funeral Home