Obituary

Robert Eugene McEldowney, III, passed away, with family by his side, on April 1, 2026. He was born June 16, 1940, to Robert and Victoria Cooper McEldowney in Huntington, WV. He was educated in Charleston, WV, schools in pre-college days.

Bob attended West Virginia University obtaining a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering. During that time, he was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. Bob then pursued a MSIA, Masters in Industrial Administration at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana. After completing his Master’s degree he served two years active military service in the United States Army at Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama.

Upon returning to Charleston, Bob began a career at Union Carbide spanning more than 35 years.

The beginning years found Bob in Operations Management at the South Charleston plant concluding in Project Management at the Technical Center. Bob enjoyed meeting new employees and mentoring them in adjusting to corporate life.

In addition to his engineering career at Union Carbide he became very involved in the volunteer world primary Habitat for Humanity. He loved “hands on” work, building and renovate homes for low-income families. As a volunteer tax preparer (a free service for AARP). As an active member of First Presbyterian Church and the Property Division, Bob would monitor the property and grounds for needed repairs. He was happy to change light bulbs but also climbed around the Dome to spot signs of water damage, a challenge for a man of 6 foot 4 inches in stature.

In his later years, he loved being with family at their beach home at Isle of Palms (Wild Dunes), South Carolina. Many happy hours were spent driving the golf cart with the grand daughters exploring the beach area for new, unexpected examples of sea life.

Family and close friends celebrated Bob’s life with a service on April 4, in the chapel of First Presbyterian Church.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Victoria McEldowney, his sister and brother-in-law Pam and Don Kelly, his son Robert (Bert) McEldowney, IV.

He is survived by wife Jane Smith McEldowney, daughter-in-law Kathryn McCallum McEldowney, granddaughters Cannon Jane McEldowney, Kathryn Channing McEldowney, nieces and nephews.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.