Robert Hugh Fayman

September 16, 1931–December 31, 2023

“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”

Ephesians 1:16

Robert (Bob) Hugh Fayman of Florissant, Missouri, affectionately known as G’pa and “Bob the Builder,” passed away peacefully on New Year’s Eve 2023 at the age of 92. His long life was marked by a deep Christian faith, devotion to family and a spirit of service.  

Bob was the only child of Harold Hugh Fayman and Edna Chapin Fayman of Atchison, Kansas, where he was raised. He was a proud alumnus of the University of Nebraska where he graduated in 1953 with a bachelor’s degree in business. He married his high school sweetheart Arlene Nestler Fayman in 1954 while serving in the U.S. Army. Together they had three children whom their lives revolved around: the late Matthew, Robin and Rachel.

After moving seven times, the family settled in Florissant, Missouri, where Bob’s passion for aviation led him to McDonnell Douglas (Boeing), a career he loved for nearly 30 years. After his retirement, he dedicated himself to serving those in need, blessing so many through his commitments, and he was the primary caregiver for Arlene through a series of illnesses prior to her passing in 2008.

He touched hundreds of lives through his service to Habitat for Humanity St. Louis — as an employee, volunteer and by just being Bob — helping to build hundreds of homes over several decades. Even in recent years, as his health started to decline and he could no longer work on the build sites, Bob found other ways to continue volunteering. You couldn’t stop him.

In addition to his heart for building homes, he served his Lord for many years as an active member of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church and later Lutheran Church of the Living Christ. He took great joy in supporting God’s Helping Hands outreach ministry in North St. Louis, for whom he collected clothing and Thanksgiving food baskets to help stock its pantries for the homeless. He would give anyone in need the shirt off of his back, unless it was a Habitat t-shirt, in which case he would buy them a shirt.

Bob was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and avid talker who always had time to chat. He is survived by his daughters Robin and Rachel (John), their sons Chris, Joe (Christina), Nick (Erin), Boyd Evan, Chase and bonus stepson Evan, and great-grandchildren Jayden, Lilly, Caleb, Brooklyn, Breighlyn and Bryson. He will be remembered as a kind, humble man who personified what it meant to be selfless.

Private graveside services are planned for this summer. Sentiments may be sent to Bob’s home in Florissant, and friends who wish to make a memorial may do so to Habitat for Humanity St. Louis or God’s Helping Hands Ministry at Antioch Baptist Church, St. Louis.