By Rebecca Goodman
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Robert G. Eagen, retired public relations director for Procter & Gamble, died of pneumonia April 17 at Christ Hospital. The Clifton resident was 88.

"In every aspect of his life, he was successful and accomplished," said his youngest son, Kip, of Clifton. "He approached every situation and challenge with style, humor and passion."

Mr. Eagen joined P&G's field advertising department in 1940 and helped the company develop its public relations department four years later.

He served as director of public relations from 1960 until 1966 and as a manager from then until his retirement in 1975.

He was a past president of the Cincinnati Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and a member of the national board of directors and vice president for the East Central District of the Public Relations Society of America.

Mr. Eagen was particularly devoted to the Cincinnati Association for the Blind, where he served as a board member and president.

He was also a member of the Cincinnati Recreation Commission from 1974 until 1986, serving six terms as president, and was instrumental in the development of Bicentennial Commons at Sawyer Point.

He was also a member of the board of the Community Health and Welfare Council, serving as chairman from 1964 to 1966; the Cincinnati Better Business Bureau; the University of Cincinnati Library Guild, serving as president in 1985; the Metropolitan Area Religious Coalition; the Friars Club; and the Catholic Telegraph, serving as chairman in 1974.

He was a trustee of the Community Action Committee, the Cincinnati Music Festival Association and the Clifton Town Meeting.

Mr. Eagen loved music, travel and learning.

"He never lost his curiosity to experience new things," said his son T.J. of Deerfield Beach, Fla. "Even well into his 80s, he was interested in the newest movies, music, politics and his grandchildren's accomplishments."

Mr. Eagen was born in Cincinnati in 1914 and grew up in Glendale. He graduated from Roger Bacon High School and in 1936, received a bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati.

In addition to his sons T.J. and Kip, survivors include: Mary Rose Thuman Eagen, his wife of 63 years; two daughters, Nancy Eagen of Boston and Mary Ferrara of Sherman Oaks, Calif.; two other sons, Michael of Clifton and Daniel of Gaithersburg, Md.; a sister, Rosemary Burke of Hyde Park; and eight grandchildren.

Services have been held. Burial was at Spring Grove Cemetery.

Memorials: Cincinnati Association for the Blind, 2045 Gilbert Ave., Cincinnati 45202-1490.

E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com