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Robert (Bob) W. McFarland, Sr, age 91, of Murrells Inlet, SC passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Bob was born on October 27, 1933 in Oakdale, PA, son of the late Frank Wible McFarland and Helen Bernice (Beaumont) McFarland. Bob was predeceased by his loving wife of 55 years, Claudia Faith (Smith), son, Matthew Scot and daughter, Jill Ann. Bob is survived by his son, Robert Jr. (Mary Lou); daughter in law, Angie; grandchildren, Robert, III (Leah), Megan, Kerry, and Christopher (Chelsea); and great grandchildren, Sloane, Colton, and Wyatt. Bob was a 1951 graduate of West Allegheny Senior High School. Bob interrupted his studies at Indiana State Teachers College (ISTC) to serve in the US Army in the military police stationed in Garmisch Partenkirchen, Germany where he was a standout football player playing offensive and defensive end. He continued his education at ISTC after completing his service. He ended his college football career, in 1957, by being named a Little All-America and also the Western Pennsylvania Small College Player of the Year. After graduating in 1958, Bob went on to teach Social Studies and coach football in the West Mifflin and West Allegheny school districts. Most notably he was an assistant coach on West Mifflin North’s 1963 WPIAL AA Championship Team and Head Coach of West Allegheny’s 1969 Black Hills Conference championship team in which he was also named that conference’s Coach of the Year. Bob cared about his players and took a personal interest in them. His former players remember him not only as a great coach but someone who taught lessons that helped them through life beyond the football field. Bob retired from teaching in 1988, moving first to High Rock Lake in Lexington NC and then to Murrells Inlet, SC in 2004. He was inducted into the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Athletic Hall of Fame and the West Allegheny Athletic Hall of Fame. Bob enjoyed golfing three times per week up through his 91st birthday with his friends at Wachesaw Plantation East. He will be remembered for his easy-going manner and quick wit. The McFarland Family would like to thank his doctor, Ginger Bell, and caregivers, Ellen and Karen Carr, and April Green and Amedisys Hospice. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday July 31, 2025 at Oakdale Presbyterian Church in Oakdale, PA. The family will receive friends one hour prior at the church. The family asks that Memorial donations be made to the “Foundation for IUP”. On the check’s memo line please write: “In memory of Bob McFarland Sr. – Football”. Please mail to The Foundation for IUP at 1011 South Drive Sutton Hall, Suite 419, Indiana, PA 15705. Please sign the family's guestbook at: www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel assisted the McFarland family.

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Robert "Bob" W. McFarland

October 27, 1933 - June 3, 2025