Robert William Ege passed away Friday, February 24, 2012 in Springfield, MO. He was born March 2, 1928 in Springfield, MO to Dave and Zella Ege. Bob grew up in the railroad towns of Newberg and Monett Missouri where he discovered his passion for fishing, music, photography and Boy Scouts. After graduating from Monett High School he served in the US Navy during WWII. He graduated from Rolla School of Mines as Salutatorian with a degree in electrical engineering. He worked for the Frisco Railroad as their electrical engineer for 40 years. He married the love of his life, Aileen Cloud, in November 1950 and had two children, Eric and Elaine. Bob and Aileen were founding members of National Avenue Christian Church where Bob served as a deacon and Scoutmaster of BSA troop 24. Bob excelled in everything he undertook. While a young man he attained the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting. As a member of the Order of the Arrow he was awarded the highest honor of Vigil and was a recipient of the Silver Beaver award for distinguished service to the Boy Scouts of America. Under his guidance as Scoutmaster many young men became Eagle Scouts including his son Eric. He played trombone and piano and won several music competitions in High School. He enjoyed listening to big bands, brass bands and Broadway musicals. Bob was especially fond of floating our clear Ozark streams and rivers where he spent many days and nights with his friends, family and boy scouts. He once led his scout troop 70 miles down the Current River on a weeklong float trip. His passion for fishing led him to fish for salmon in Alaska, largemouth bass in Mexico and trout in Yellowstone Park, but possibly his favorite pursuit was fishing for trout at Roaring River State Park where, in his younger days, he seldom missed an opening day of trout season. Bob could fix anything and was always available to anyone who needed his help. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. Without question, he was the embodiment of the "greatest generation," a natural leader and mentor. He always had a smile on his face and a laugh in his heart. He never met a stranger. His warmth and generosity enriched the lives of everyone who was fortunate to have known him. It's comforting to know that he's in heaven canoeing slowly down a clear, calm stream, the dogwoods blooming, and a gentle warm breeze at his back with the light of God on his face. Bob is survived by his wife of 62 years Aileen, son Eric and his wife Lela of St Louis, daughter Elaine and her husband Jeff, his brother Donald and his wife as Kathleen (Janzen) Ege of Bellevue, WA; two grandsons: Eric Jr and Drew. He was preceded in death by his brother Harold and sister-in-law Carol. Visitation will be held at 10 AM Friday, March 2, 2012 at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Springfield, MO. Funeral services will be held at 12:30 PM Friday, March 2, 2012 in the funeral home. Burial will be held at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, MO.