Robert (Bob) Joe Edling, 84, of Blacksburg, passed away Monday, June 16, 2025. He was born Jan. 20, 1941, in Grand Junction, Colorado, to the late Royal Alfred Edling and Helen Clara Clark Edling.
He is survived by his wife, Jeannette Putman Edling of Blacksburg; his son and daughter-in-law, Brandon and Emily Edling; his beloved grandsons, Lucas and Jonas Edling; his sister and brother-in-law, Roberta and Gerald Hoey; their children, Danny Hoey, Janet Dukart, and Betty Wolfe; his stepson and daughter-in-law, Wayde and Susan Kass and their daughters, Christina and Katie Kass; and his stepson and daughter-in-law, Philip and Brenda Kass and their daughter, Danielle Ramirez.
Bob served as a Captain in the United States Air Force before pursuing an academic career. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Soil Science from Colorado State University in 1962, and his Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1975.
He was an Associate Professor of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where he taught and mentored students for many years. Deeply committed to his community, Bob was a long-time member of the Kiwanis Club in Louisiana and later became actively involved with the Rotary Club of Blacksburg after relocating to Virginia.
A man of faith, he attended Trinity Community Church in Christiansburg. He was also an avid gardener and lifelong reader who loved to share his curiosity and warmth with others.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday, June 21 at McCoy Funeral Home in Blacksburg with the Reverend Brian Cockram officiating.
