ANGOLA -- Robert V. "Bosco" Eairleywine, 87, of Angola, formerly of Elkhart, died Tuesday (July 7, 2009) in St. Joseph Hospital, Fort Wayne.

He was born Jan. 11, 1922, in Elkhart to Walter L. and Ertha E. (Rowley) Eairleywine. On Feb. 6, 1943, he married Phyllis Mae Jones in Hopkinsville, Ky. She died Oct. 27, 2007.

Mr. Eairleywine is survived by two nieces, Janice (E. Ray) Yonts of Elkhart and Cindy (Kevin) Loucks of Middlebury; and one nephew, Robert (Sue) Jones of LaGrange.

He was preceded in death by two siblings, Donald Eairleywine and Arlene Wasson.

Mr. Eairleywine retired from the final finish flute department at Selmer's. He enjoyed golfing, the outdoors, spending time with his dogs and wintering with his wife in Mission, Texas. He was an animal lover and member of Elkhart Moose Lodge 599 and American Legion Post 777.

Mr. Eairleywine served in the U.S. Army during World War II and earned two Bronze Stars.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. until the funeral procession leaves at 12:30 p.m., all at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. The procession will travel to Rice Cemetery for a graveside service, which will begin at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Bob VanKempen of Saint Mary the Annunciation Catholic Church, Bristol, officiating. Military honors will be rendered by the U.S. Army Honor Guard at the cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Humane Society of Elkhart County, 54667 C.R. 19, Bristol, IN 46507 or the Salvation Army, 300 N. Main St., Elkhart, IN 46516.

Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.