Robert "Bob" Gerard Marx Jr.

Dr. Robert Gerard Marx, Jr., DDS, (age 71) known as Bob to his colleagues, and Jerry to his family, was born on October 30, 1949, into a loving and tight-knit Kansas City family, and passed away at home resting peacefully on September 19, 2021.

He grew up on the Plaza, attending Guardian Angels Catholic School. The family moved to the Northland, where he graduated from Oak Park High School, a member of the 2nd graduating class, in 1967. He received a B.S. in Biology from University of Missouri Kansas City in 1971, and from 1972 to 1978, he served in the Army National Guard. He graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1977 and opened his dental practice in the Northland in Antioch Shopping Center. In 1985, he opened his own office, Robert G. Marx, DDS Dental on Broadway in Gladstone, MO. He remained a student of dentistry throughout his career expanding his knowledge to provide for the best care possible for his patients. He had an amazing quality of care that made the most terrified patient enjoy coming to see their dentist.

In 1967, his musical interest was realized when he started the band Harbour Lites with his brother, Dennis, and through most of his career included his brother-in-law Russ Dameron. His brother, Ken, was the road manager. The band, changing their name to Harbour, played in Kansas City and throughout the Midwest, including the house band at One Block West, USO, Arrowhead Stadium, Knuckleheads, and Worlds of Fun. For the last 17 years, the band has included his brother, James and nieces and nephews for the Marx Family Annual Halloween Party.

Most essentially, Jerry was a family man. He met his wife, Terri, who was a neighbor in the apartment complex after making a pass…with a football. They married in 1980 in Childress, TX. Terri and Jerry shared common interests in water skiing, snow skiing, the Kansas City Chiefs, traveling, summers at the Lake of the Ozarks and in Colorado. They also shared their work as they grew the Marx Family Dental practice together. Dr. Bob Marx has been recognized as Best of the Northland for the past 20 years. He was extremely proud when his daughter, Dr. Emily Marx, joined the practice in 2014.

As a dentist he recognized a growing need for dental care for underserved children in the Northland community. As a philanthropist, in 1988 he was the first in the city to establish a special day, Have a Heart Day, where he provided free cleanings and needed treatment to these children. He has helped thousands of children have good oral health over the past 33 years.

Jerry and Terri became the proud parents of two amazing children, Neil and Emily. Both Neil and Emily acquired his talent and skill of working toward artistic careers; Neil establishing his own business of design, and Emily joining the dental profession and becoming an essential partner of Marx Family Dental. Neil and Emily remember him as the father who was also their playmate. He was very proud of his children, and was the type of father who would be there to help, either by offering life advice or to lend an ear for listening. Because family was very important to Jerry, he was always involved in their activities. He would build forts in the house, play in the snow, coached baseball for his son, and enjoyed family time at the lake. Over the past two years, he was given three beautiful grandchildren who brought him unending joy. Being a forever kid himself, he once again could play endlessly with his grandchildren. They were truly the light of his life.

Jerry was the ultimate Renaissance man of many talents and passions. In addition to his musical meanderings, he was an avid historian, an accomplished photographer, and a pursuer of spiritual truths. Most of all he was funny. He had a joke or story for every moment. He was a gentle caring man but always had a dash of humor in every situation. Whether he was fumbling through a magic trick, or laughing at his own jokes, he made you smile at every turn.

His patients adored him and he was more than just their dentist. His caring beingness touched so many. Since his passing, the family has been overwhelmed by an outpouring of appreciation for the philanthropic and emotional support he has provided to so many.

His artistic expression was best exemplified by his passion for music. We ask you to honor him and always put a song in your heart.

Services will be held at Antioch Bible Baptist Church at 800 NE 72nd St, Gladstone, MO. A visitation will be held Thursday, September 30th from 4-6 pm and a Celebration of Life will be Friday, October 1st at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Robert G. Marx scholarship fund. Send to: the UMKC Dental School, Rinehart Foundation, 650 E 25th St, Kansas City, MO 64108.

Preceding him in death were his parents Robert Sr. and Marthalean Marx and his niece, Julie Marx. Robert Marx is survived by his wife, Terri Lyn, his children, son Neil Elliot Marx and spouse, Brianna Marx, daughter Emily Marx and spouse, Pat Young; his grandchildren, Eleanor, Wyatt and Elliot. His siblings; Dennis Marx, Kenneth and Leigh Marx, Dr. Lori Dameron and Russell, and Drs. James and Stephanie Marx. His nieces and nephews; Daniel Marx and Dr. Ryan McDonough, Ben and Amber Marx, Michael and Britni Marx, Molly and CJ Blanton, Madeline and Cody Hendren, Morgan Dameron and Jacob Brades, Dr. Mallory Dameron, Dylan Dameron, Natalie Dameron, Alex Marx, Jennifer Marx and Luke Marx. He also leaves behind many great-nieces, nephews, friends and patients.