Robert W. “Bob” Estoup of Hermiston died on Dec. 28, 2024 in Milwaukie at the age of 93.
He was born on Jan. 15, 1931 in Milton to John and Osie Black Estoup.
Bob attended Fruitvale Elementary School and then McLaughlin High School where he was active in FFA, receiving the State Farmer and American Farmer awards and serving as FFA Oregon state president from 1949 to 1950. He graduated from Mac Hi in the class of 1949. Bob attended Oregon State University, graduating with highest honors in animal husbandry in 1954. He was united in marriage to Barbara Ann Craver on Aug. 29, 1953 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Walla Walla, Wash. Bob entered the Army as a lieutenant, serving at Fort Sill, Okla. and in the 14th Armored Field Artillery in Baumholder, Germany. Upon his honorable discharge they moved to Fort Collins, Colo., where he completed his Master of Science in Animal Nutrition. They moved to Hermiston in 1958 and Bob went to work for PGG as an animal nutritionist and mill manager. In 1988, Bob and Barbara assumed ownership of the 7-Eleven convenience store for six years. Bob then worked seasonally as a field technician for IRZ Consulting before retiring to their 35-acre farm in 2010.
Bob was a lifelong member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, 25-year member of the Hermiston Rotary Club, and served on the Hermiston School District Budget Committee and the Hermiston School Board.
Bob was especially proud that he and his cousin, Tom Estoup, are fourth-generation owners/operators of the family farm in Umapine. It was settled in the 1860s and declared a Family Century Farm in 2004.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Barbara Estoup, Hermiston; son, Michael Estoup and wife Janet, Beaverton; daughter, Paula Webb and husband Burk, Milwaukie; and grandchildren, Ashley, Alexander and Aaron Estoup, Beaverton.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 at 1 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Hermiston.
Those who wish may make contributions in Bob’s memory to St. John’s Episcopal Church or the Umatilla County Historical Society.
Please share memories of Bob with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
