Dr. Robert Calkins Holcombe

Dr. Robert C. Holcombe (Bob) passed away Aug. 27, 2022 at the age of 94. Bob had an insatiable curiosity for science, nature, new technologies, and places, was an avid reader and enjoyed travelling. His many interests included reading, woodworking, metalworking, tree planting, gardening, playing tennis, and golfing. He married Eleanor Percy in 1955 and they had 6 children: Susan (Kit) Salter of Nottingham, England; Jim (Beth) Holcombe of Westfield, IN; Robin (Gary) Williams of Abbeyville, LA; Tom (Rocky) Holcombe of Bozeman, MT; Jill (Don) Magers of Elkhorn, NE; and Kelly Hanneman of Omaha, NE; 16 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and their dog Fred. Bob was born in Marine, Illinois in 1928 where his father was the town doctor. As a child, Bob enjoyed ice skating, basketball, baseball, and was an Eagle Scout where he was introduced to gliding and his love of flying began. Bob attended Washington University in St. Louis where he was an active member of Theta Xi Fraternity. He then attended The University of Maryland School of Medicine. He was an intern at Bellevue Hospital in New York City in the early 1950s, then joined the Army Medical Corps in which he was a Captain and worked at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. In 1960, he joined the Physicians’ Clinic and also practiced at Methodist Hospital. He was an active member of the Optimist Club and supported the Boy Scouts. He also earned his private pilot’s license and it was a great joy to him to fly small airplanes. Later, he developed an avid interest in trains and built a 7 1/2 Gauge figure eight track along with a diesel train engine on his property in which he entertained grandchildren and friends with rides around their acreage. He was an active member of the Camp Creek Railroaders Club. He will be remembered as being quick witted, humble, kind, a good listener, humorous, highly inventive, and never happier than when surrounded by family and friends. Through his insatiable curiosity, he achieved a full and engaging life. Bob is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Lucille Holcombe and his wife Ellie to whom he was married for 63 years. He is survived by his children and two sisters: Billie Henry and Sandy Hundsdorfer. There will be a private family service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to The Salvation Army or The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation.

Dr. Robert Calkins Holcombe

April 23, 1928 - August 27, 2022