Eldon Umbarger bids farewell to Fulton County REMC

December 09, 2011

Word is spreading quickly from pond to pond in the Rochester, Indiana area that the fish had better be on their guard. One of the first items on Eldon Umbarger’s post-retirement to-do list is stringing fresh line on his long-neglected fishing poles.

On November 23, Eldon closed a 43-year career in the electric cooperative industry. The native Kansan started working with REA and then moved to co-ops in the Sunflower State before arriving at Fulton County REMC two decades ago. When asked how he could work in one industry for so long, Eldon chuckled and explained, “When you work for the best program, it’s easy to do!”

He says he’ll miss the people at the co-op, throughout the state, and within the national cooperative community. When asked what advice he’d give to co-op employees, he first stressed the importance of safe work practices, then added, “You’ve got a great program to work for, and it’s worth the struggles that you have to go through.”

“I’ve always attributed my success to my employees,” Eldon noted. “They’ve always made me look good, and the board has provided great guidance for me. I’m also thankful for my wife of 43 years, Sandy. She’s always been supportive of me. All in all, I’m very proud of my cooperative experience.”

Office Manager Joe Koch is stepping into the interim CEO role as the board determines the co-op’s long-term plan. “Eldon hired me in 1998, and it’s been a good working relationship,” Joe said. “He lets his managers run their departments and provides good direction.” Before coming to the co-op, Joe worked as the controller for a pair of auto dealers, and was amazed at the difference between the business models. “We can call other co-ops to learn how they do things. If you call another car dealer for advice, they’re not nearly as helpful.”

While Eldon has enjoyed his work, he’s eager to begin the next chapter of his life. Besides doing his best to “drown some worms,” he and Sandy will set out next summer to attend a family reunion in Kansas. From there, they’ll journey northwestward to see the four continental states they’ve yet to visit: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Utah. It’s a safe bet that they’ll spend a great deal of time with sons Kenneth and Kyle and their families, too.

The couple will continue to call Rochester their home, and Joe says he’s happy to know that Eldon will be just a phone call away.