Robert E. Esslinger, (90), of Scottsboro, Alabama passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on August 10, 2024, while surrounded by his loving family.
Robert was a godly man who loved the Lord and his family. He set an example of supreme love, generosity and kindness. He fostered several children and helped anyone he knew that had a need. He fathered and nurtured us all and we fondly and respectfully called him our Papa Robert.
He is predeceased by his mother, Julia, father, William, four brothers, five sisters, and his beloved son, Michael.
Robert is survived by his wife, Lois Esslinger; sons Fred Esslinger (Sheri), Jeffery Esslinger, Darryl Miller, and Aaron Miller Esslinger and daughters: Christine White (Ken), Donna Summa (Ellis), Carla Miller Stone (Marty); and his sister, Kathy Lorene Barker (Gene). Robert was the proud grandfather to a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Robert was a true patriot who loved his country and was a retired SK1 US Navy Seabee veteran with 31 years of service.
Robert also retired after 15 years of service with the Scottsboro city school system where he served as a compassionate and caring teacher’s assistant for children with special needs.
He thoroughly enjoyed playing dominoes with his children, grandchildren, and anyone who dared to take him on; Robert was well-known as the “Dominator” of dominoes. He always knew what dominoes had not been played; his agile mind and math skills were phenomenal.
Robert and Lois worked hundreds of puzzles that were gifted to them by friends and family members who enjoyed searching stores for his favorite type of puzzles. Everyone enjoyed sitting with Robert while intensively searching for the most elusive puzzle pieces and listening to Robert’s chuckle as they gleefully placed a piece in his puzzle. He was a master at puzzles and was very patient with all of us amateurs, thoroughly enjoying our meager contributions to his latest work in progress.
Robert was a fine Christian, patriot, husband, father and friend. He was known for his compassion, generosity, kindness, dependability and loyalty. He was always the first to volunteer for any project to help someone in need. He was a great humanitarian who never met a stranger.
He will be greatly missed but we know he is heaven where he is walking with his beloved son, Michael.
To have known Robert is to have known a person who loved you greatly and prayed for you daily.
We all love you and miss you Papa Robert.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024 with visitation from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Scottsboro Funeral Home.
Robert’s grandson, Pastor Seth Stone, will lead the memorial service following the visitation at 3:00 p.m.
A private graveside service at Pinehaven Memorial Gardens in Scottsboro, Alabama, will follow the memorial service.
Arrangements Entrusted to Scottsboro Funeral Home
