Edwin L. Eby

RICHMOND, Ind. - Edwin L. Eby, age 81, of Richmond, passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2011, in Richmond, Indiana. Richmond has lost their "Music Man". He was born to Chester and Ruth Anna (Roach) Eby on July 6, 1930, in Springfield, Ohio. He began music study and piano at age 13. He graduated at the top of his class from Northwestern High School and attended Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, where he met his wife to be and love of his life, Maxine. While at Miami, he majored in music education in both instrument and vocal music. Upon graduation, he began teaching in 1951 at Jeffersonville, Ohio. In August of 1952, he received greetings from and served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He accepted a teaching position in 1954 at Rockford, Ohio (Mercer County) and in 1957 was hired to teach in Celina, Ohio. In 1967 he accepted a position with the Richmond Indiana school system at Dennis Middle School and was transferred to Richmond High School in 1975, where he was Director of four choirs and taught music composition and theory. Edwin was active with Richmond Civic Theater, serving as Music Director for seven musicals, the last being 'A Christmas Carol' in 2006. He has served as Music Director at several churches in Richmond, including First Christian Church, Central United Methodist Church, First English Lutheran Church, and Faith United Lutheran Church. Mr. Eby touched more lives than any of us can imagine. He was the embodiment of passion, selfless love, altruism, and integrity. He not only shared his wealth of talents with our community, but he helped countless students discover and develop their own talents. His passions ignited our souls. He is irreplaceable and will never be forgotten. Every time any of us listen to music, or make music of our own, we will be honoring him. Ed and Maxine were a team and a gift for Richmond, and generations of our community members were touched by them. Maxine was always by his side in all of his musical endeavors, and continued to be his soul mate even after her death. Now they are together again. He is survived by his sister, Lois (Harold) Skillings of Springfield, Ohio; daughter, Pamela Eby of Richmond; son, Michael (Beverly) Eby of Carmel, Indiana; daughter, Debora Wines of Billings, Montana; five grandchildren, Brandon of Fishers, Megan of Carmel, Adrianne of Chicago, and Jasper and Jordan of Billings; and cousins, nieces, and nephews of Ohio and Saskatchewan Province, Canada. Edwin was preceded in death by his wife, G. Maxine Doughman Eby, who died December 22, 1994; parents; sister, Mabel Stott; and brother, Donald Eby. At his request, Edwin's body will be donated to the Indiana University Medical Center. A memorial service and musical celebration will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 23, 2011, with music beginning at 10:30 a.m., at Central United Methodist Church, 1425 East Main Street, Richmond, where he and Maxine were members. Military honors will be provided by the Wayne County Honor Guard. Arrangements are being handled by Doan & Mills Funeral Home, Richmond. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Richmond High School for Honors and Awards, in honor of Edwin L. Eby, (to be awarded to graduates planning to major in cancer research) or the RHS Music Department, 380 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond, IN 47374. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Edwin L. Eby

July 6, 1930 - November 17, 2011