Bob lived a remarkable life, the embodiment of the “Greatest Generation.” Born October 5, 1926 in Kansas City, Missouri, Bob served in World War II, enlisting in the Navy V12 program, which accelerated servicemen through college to become officers.
At the young age of 20, he was commissioned a naval officer with a degree in mechanical engineering from The University of Kansas where he earned membership in Tau Beta Pi and Pi Tau Sigma engineering honor societies. As the war wound down and Bob moved into the civilian workforce, he was stricken with polio, one of the greatest challenges of his life. Bob remained in the isolation unit at Kansas City General Hospital for nearly four months, never regaining strength in his leg.
Bob met the love of his life through help from his brother Jack who met her as they rode the KC Trolley to and from work. Jack learned of her church routine and one Sunday after Mass, he helped Bob, who was out of the hospital but required leg and arm braces to walk, struggle to his feet and hustled him out the side door of St. Agnes to meet Mary L. McMinamen, “Sally” as she was known to family and friends.
After resistance from the parish pastor, who worried that a “cripple” would be unable to provide for a wife and family, Bob and Sally married, rearing eight children. They were deeply bonded in a love that began with their strong faith in God through the Catholic community. Sally, an amazing woman in her own right, massaged Bob’s polio ravaged leg and helped him to walk with just a cane.
With eight young children ages two to 14, Bob would leave a secure job with W.L. Cassell to go out on his own, founding Smith and Boucher, a successful Kansas City engineering firm still in business today. Later in life, Bob started and moved to sister company Energy Masters, focusing on energy conservation. He designed mechanical and electrical systems for many renowned architects; provided energy analyses for multi-purpose facilities, institutions and hotels; and designed energy efficient HVAC and lighting retrofits for existing buildings. Some of his major projects included the AT&T Data Processing Center, Black &Veach, Crown Center, J.C. Nichols Company and both The University of Kansas campus and Medical Center.
Among Bob’s numerous achievements, he was proud to be honored by the Kansas City Architectural Foundation with the Legends of Architecture award. Bob wanted to “save the planet” by reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, something he spoke of even in his final hours (while also rooting for the Chiefs as they won their opening game!)
He loved his family dearly and always found time to attend the numerous sporting events and other activities that kept his children so very busy while growing up. If Bob and Sally weren’t watching a kid play ball, he was probably at a KU football or basketball game with friends Art and Ralph, Sally and other family members. A Chiefs and Royals fan for sure, but he was a Jayhawk through and through. Rock Chalk Bob! He was a true gentleman and through his strong character, integrity, humility and kind heart he left an indelible mark on his family and all who knew him.
Bob is preceded in death by his wife, Sally, sons Paul and Larry, and his brother Jack. Survivors include sons: Bob Jr.; Vince (Wilma); Jim (Sasha); Matthew (Mary Pat); John (Marianne); and daughter Mary Buechler (Bruce); nine grandchildren and David Brown, whose love and support for our late brother Larry was so deeply appreciated by Bob and Sally. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff at Sunrise of Leawood, Genesis Rehab at Sunrise of Leawood and Catholic Community Hospice for their love and care of our father.
Visitation will be from 9:30AM – 11AM Friday, September 20, 2019 at the Church of the Nativity, Leawood, KS with Mass of Christian Burial at 11AM. All are invited to join the family for lunch and refreshments in the Nativity parish hall immediately following Mass. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to: Catholic Community Hospice, 9740 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS 66212 - www.catholiccommunityhospice.com
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Catholic Community Hospice9740 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS 66212
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