Raymond R. Eickmeyer

Raymond R. Eickmeyer, 77, of St. Louis and a former Poplar Bluff resident, junior high school teacher, and coach, died unexpectedly on Jan. 10, 2010.
He was born March 17, 1932, on the family farm in Macoupin Co., Ill. and was graduated from Mt. Olive, Ill. High School in 1950.
He was graduated from Arkansas State University in 1954 and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. While at Arkansas State, he lettered four years in football and played in four college bowl games, including twice in the tangerine bowl.
Upon graduation from ASU, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant, U.S. Army, and was stationed at Ft. Sill, Okla. and at Camp Dolan, Germany from 1954-1956.
Mr. Eickmeyer taught at Poplar Bluff Jr. High School from 1956-1960 and assisted Coach Wally Hicks with football and basketball.
Mr. Eickmeyer earned his Master's Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Missouri - Columbia in 1962.
In 1960, he joined the Rockwood School District in St. Louis County and served there until his retirement in 1985. While at Rockwood he was a teacher, coach, and assistant principal at Lafayette High School and was the first principal of Selvidge Junior High School. He was named the first Rockwood District Director of Athletics and Recreation where he served until retirement.
Mr. Eickmeyer was very active in the National Association of Athletic Directors. He was honored by being elected to the Greater St. Louis Athletic Directors Hall of Fame.
Surviving are his wife, the former Gloria S. Gamblin; son, Eric K. Eickmeyer and wife, Elizabeth Shands, all of Kirkwood; sisters, Evelyn Fritzsche and Margaret Heyen; brother, Norman and wife Nancy, all of Mt. Olive, Ill., and brother, Arthur Eickmeyer of Livingston, Ill; grandchildren, Melanie and Eric K. Eickmeyer, Jr. of Kirkwood; sister-in-law, Emma Lou Campbell of Glendale; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are asked to gather at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 10, 2010 at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff to follow in procession to the cemetery. The graveside service and interment will be at 11:00 a.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery with the Rev. Wendy Downing officiating.
Family and friends may share an online condolence or memory at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com.