Robert "Bob" Switzer Sr.

Robert “Bob” Switzer Sr. passed away peacefully on March 25, 2024 at KC Hospice House after a brief illness. Bob was born in Kansas City, MO on September 26, 1937 to Leon and Mary “Libby” Switzer. He attended St. Therese Little Flower Catholic School, Rockhurst High School, and received an honorary degree from Rockhurst College. Bob married his wife of 55 years, Paula Switzer, on October 26, 1968. They raised four children together, Alan, Bobby, Tommy, and Megan.

Bob spent his career in the professional painting industry at A.T. Switzer Company, a company his grandfather started in 1911. As a third-generation owner at A.T. Switzer Company, he became a well-respected leader in the painting industry in Kansas City. He was a prominent figure in the PDCA, a national trade organization, serving as president of the local chapter multiple times. Bob was not only a mentor to his kids, but also to countless employees, vendors, and other contractors in the Kansas City area. He retired in 2003 and left the company in solid hands to be led by his four kids, the 4th generation.

In retirement, he spent time enjoying his 7 grandchildren, weekends at his lake house at Lake Lotawana, and helping any neighbor he ever met. Bob really enjoyed his get togethers with the “Great Class of ‘54” from Rockhurst High School as well as his many other church and dinner groups.

Bob was many things to many people. He had a great sense of humor, was always smiling, and always trying to find a connection of mutual friends, even to complete strangers. He was a loving, caring, and patient husband, father, and grandfather. He was the family handy man, but always made sure to teach his kids how to do things along the way. He was always willing to help out others, which earned him the title of Mayor of Newcastle Subdivision. He truly was a man for others. His Catholic faith was steadfast and never wavering and his servant heart was inspiring. He was a confirmation sponsor for his father-in-law, Paul Scholl Sr., his grandson, John, and his son-in-law, Chris. He was a great role model as the patriarch of his family and will be missed deeply.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Libby Switzer and his brother, Alan Switzer. He leaves behind his wife, Paula (Scholl) Switzer; his four children, Alan Switzer (Gayle), Bobby Switzer (Julie), Tommy Switzer (Maggie), and Megan Morris (Chris); his 7 adoring grandchildren; his sister, Marilyn Schugel (Jim); and many nieces and nephews, all of whom think they were Bob’s favorite.

Services will be held at St. Thomas More Church on Friday, April 5, 2024. Rosary will begin at 9:30 AM, followed by a visitation, and Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Burial will be held in Forest Hill Calvary Cemetery at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Seton Center.