Robert Thomas “Bob” “Sundance” Pyles, 88, of Zelienople (formerly of Darlington) passed away peacefully on May 16, 2021 at the Lutheran Passavant Senior living community, in the company of his wife of many years after a very brief illness.
Born December 12, 1932 in Byesville Ohio to Dallas and Mary Isabelle Foley Pyles. Dallas was employed by The Jeffersonian newspaper in Cambridge, Ohio.
Bob leaves his beloved wife of 70 years (married November 13, 1950) , Patricia Ann ( Myers) Pyles, three children; Kristina (Peter) Sotos MD, Randy (Sharon Berry) Pyles and Jeffrey (Joan Stahl) Pyles, two grandchildren Marcel (Scott) Nieten and Cassandra Sotos, and three great grand children Hailey, Hannah and Adeline.
Bob was preceded in death by his youngest son, Kirby Dale Pyles who died on March 27, 2013 and four siblings; Dennis, Wayne, Sandy, and Jerry.
Bob attended Darlington High School where he played on their football team at the (now) Darlington Polo Field. He joined the Army on February 19, 1950 and became a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne at Fort Benning, Georgia. After his time in the service he and his family lived on the farm at 221 McCaughtry Run Road in Darlington for all of his working life. After retirement, the farm was sold and they moved to Ellwood City, then later to the Passavant Lutheran Senior living community in Zelienople.
Initially, after his service in the Army, he worked on the railroad for a year, as a fireman for steam engines firing the last steam engine to travel the Altoona Curve. He was then employed by Columbia Gas, until his retirement in Spring of 1988, after 30 years of service. He was the Treasurer and Secretary for the union at his workplace for many years. After official retirement, he drove limousine and tour buses for both Zona and McCarters to many East Coast destinations.
He farmed and raised Hereford Cows, Morgan horses, pigs, and an abundance of small farmstead animals, with the help of his wife, Patricia. He had many small side jobs as well as “helping” any who asked of him. At leisure, he belonged to the Lion’s Club in Darlington, participated in a workplace bowling league, and taught Sunday school at the Bible Presbyterian Church in Darlington. Bob enjoyed hunting and horseback riding. He was a known and valued member of the small communities of Beaver county.
If you heard a player piano at one of the many local summer fairs (always the New Galilee Fair) with a booming singing voice, that was Bob. He hauled the player pianos belonging to Fred Wallace to many fairs and conducted nightly sing-a-longs.
Burial will be at the Sylvania Hills Cemetery in New Brighton. No services will be held.
Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the Marshall Funeral Home, Ellwood City.
The address for condolences is:
113 Burgess Drive Zelienople, PA. 16063 . Messages with your favorite memory would be gratefully received.
Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com
Randy and family remember your. DAD from many years back. Good guy!
Worked with Sundance at the Rochester Shop, always had a great time with him. You will all be in my prayers.
Lisa Morrison
Gene and I both sending prayers your way. Gene remembers his sense of humor. My favorite memory (Shirley) was visiting you at the farm when my two youngest boys were small.
Gene and I sending prayers your way. Genr remembers his sense of humor. My favorite memory (Shirley) was visiting you at the farm when my two youngest boys were small. Gene also remembers going hunting with him.
My condolences to the family. I can still hear Bob and my Dad laughing and carrying on all these years later. No doubt in my mind they are again!
Sorry to learn that another brother of the silk has gone from our big drop zone on earth. Till we meet again trooper. Airborne All The Way.
My heart aches fit the entire family at this time. To know that such a marvelous man will be joining our Father in heaven can also bring a great and calming comfort. >> I will pray that the wonderful memories will warm your hearts! I truly felt it such a great privilege to have been a helpful hand to them during a good transition in their lives only a short while back too!! ~~ hugs and prayers to each of you and know my prayers for your peace will be continued ~~love and sympathy Kath & family