Robert Burke “Bob” Heinen, 97, passed away Monday, April 25, 2022, at Lakewood Care Center in Kansas City, MO. He was born Dec. 9, 1924, in California, MO, one of nine children, and had lifelong fond memories of growing up there during his youth. When only 17, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and his service included campaigns in South America, North Africa, and patrols along the Alaskan Coast and Aleutian Islands in the Pacific. After the war, he moved from California, MO to Kansas City, MO, where he met his future wife, Martha Jean Jenkins. They were married September 10, 1949, and had 55 happy years together.
In 1946 Bob entered the Police Academy in Kansas City, MO, starting his career there as a patrolman, moving up the ranks to retire as a Captain in 1974, dedicating 28 years of his life to protect and serve the people of Kansas City. He then opened a successful private detective agency and launched an armored car business, both of which he operated for ten years. He authored a book in 1997, “Battle Behind the Badge,” which chronicled his efforts to combat crime and corruption during his years on the Kansas City Police Department. He took great pride in his family and home, and spent many happy hours tending his plants and caring for his yard and gardens, still mowing the grass when he was well into his 80’s.
Bob and his wife Jean were founding members of St. Thomas More Parish in south Kansas City and they were devout and active members of the congregation the rest of their lives. Jean passed away in 2004.
Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle. He leaves a large family to mourn his loss: three daughters, Belinda Wilkerson and husband Bob, and their children Christopher, Laura, and Mark; Janet Kelly and husband Horst, and their children Lisa, David, Amy, and Beth; Robin Wormington and her children Emily, Robbie, Richard, Jeffrey, and Michael; 18 great-grandchildren; one brother, Richard Heinen and his wife Peggy of Lamar; sister-in-law, Teresa Heinen of Nashville; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, four brothers, two sisters, his great-grandson Noah Wilkerson, and son-in-law Bruce Wormington. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO, on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at 11a.m., with visitation from 10-11a.m. Burial with military honors will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial gifts to organizations that support American Military Veterans, or animal rescue work.
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