Robert Van Wagher

Robert “Bob” Van Wagher, age 88, passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024, in Wichita, Kansas. He was born, in Blackwell, Oklahoma on May 16, 1936, to the late Alice Van Etten Wagher and Charles Neptune Wagher and brother to Alice “Evelyn,” Betty, Edith, and Charles “Chuck”.

Hard work began young as Bob quit school in 6th grade and began working due to his father’s passing. The perseverance he earned in his youth set a standard for who Bob became. Though he left school early, one thing stayed constant and that was a continued friendship with another school mate, Carolyn Sue Steele. They grew up together as friends, he’d take her to movies on his bicycle and eventually, she became his bride when they exchanged ‘I do’s’ in a small ceremony on January 4, 1956. From this union, they’d be proud parents of Gary, Dennis, Vickie, and Staci.

After moving to Wichita for work, Bob found his niche as a truck driver for companies such as Pepsi, Guys, Meadow Gold, and retiring from Highland Dairy. It was this steadiness which support his family and allowed him to be a provider for his family. Those who knew him say, “He was a great husband and loving father who could be stubborn but giving, kind, and loving.” Traits proudly passed down to those he loved.

In his off time, there was church every Sunday and Wednesday at 47th Street Church of Christ, yearly family vacations to California, Grand Canyon, or loading up in the truck in search of amusement parks and stops at KOA’s, which he always made sure had a pool for the kids. He had a knack for cards where pitch, spades, and Oh Wow were go-to favorites. In fact, he’d say, “I am the best player this side of the Mississippi.” Cards, gardening, and nature were some of his favorite things along with being a grandpa or Papa where he and Carolyn had an open-door policy for any of them. And lastly, he was a huge fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, so much so, he passed doing something he loved, watching a Kansas City game.

Bob leaves a legacy of hard work and love to all those who knew him.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Carolyn; son, Dennis Wagher; daughters, Vickie Willey and Staci Brown; sister, Betty (Joe) Wright; 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Rejoicing with those who have gone before, he now rejoices with his parents; sisters, Edith Wieland, Alice “Evelyn” Grier; brother, Charles “Chuck” Wagher; and son, Gary Wagher.

Please join us in celebrating a wonderful life lived as a visitation for Robert will be held Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a funeral service Friday, November 15, 2024, at 1:00 PM (Visitation one hour prior from 12 -1 PM). A graveside service will immediately follow in the Garden of The Lord's Prayer. All at Resthaven Mortuary and Gardens of Memory, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209.

As an expression of sympathy, the family has designated donations may be made to:

Boys Town, 14100 Crawford Street, Boys Town, NE 68010