Dr. Robert "Bob" Lewis Toth, DDS

Bob was born on February 1, 1932, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Elsie K. and Andrew J. Toth. He grew up in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, with his younger brother, Donald, who preceded him in death.

While attending Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Bob met the love of his life, Margo. During his junior year, he joined the U.S. Navy and became a Naval Aviator, earning his wings in Pensacola, Florida. He proudly served aboard the USS Kearsarge and retired as a Lieutenant after four years of service.

In August 1958, Bob and Margo married, beginning a remarkable 67-year love story. After the Navy, Bob returned to Miami to complete his degree, attended dental school at Western Reserve University, completed a residency in Boston, and earned his orthodontic specialty at the University of Missouri–Kansas City in 1967.

Bob and Margo were incredible role models, not only as parents but as partners. They taught their children that marriage takes effort, patience, and commitment — and they lived those lessons every day. Their bond was unique; they complemented each other in every way and deeply valued each other’s opinions. Through life’s joys and its challenges, they stood side by side, always as a team. Their love and partnership set an example for their family and friends that will be cherished and remembered forever.

Bob’s family was the center of his world. He shared a special bond with each child, grandchild, and great-grandchild — always making them feel welcome, included, and deeply loved. No matter how big the family became over the years, he had a way of connecting with everyone in a personal way, making each of us feel like we were the most important person in the room. That quiet gift of making people feel valued is something his family will always cherish.

Bob’s orthodontic career was more than a job — it was a calling. He opened Robert L. Toth Orthodontics at Red Bridge and later expanded with offices in Belton and Harrisonville. For 35 years, he transformed countless smiles and touched lives with his care and dedication. His office staff was also a special part of his practice; together they built friendships, shared life lessons, and created many fond (and often funny) memories. Like his patients, they were forever impacted by the way Bob lived and worked. During those same years, Bob was part of a close-knit group of local orthodontists who met every other Friday for lunch — a tradition that became less about “talking shop” and more about sharing friendship, advice, and life’s milestones.

Bob was also known for telling a good joke — and for being a master storyteller. He wasn’t a jokester, but he had a gift for lightening the mood, making people feel comfortable, and bringing a smile to everyone’s face. He didn’t know a stranger — whether at a family dinner, sharing a meal with friends, or in a larger group setting, his stories and humor made people feel included and valued, a gift countless friends and family have remembered and shared since his passing.

Bob and Margo were incredibly social and loved being surrounded by friends. Over the years they built lasting relationships — some stretching back decades and others formed later in life. Two special examples were their “golf group,” with whom they traveled all over the world, and the “SECS club,” a dinner group that gathered often simply to enjoy life together. These friendships, along with so many others, were a huge part of the life Bob and Margo created.

For over 20 years, Bob and Margo spent their winters in Palm Desert, a place that quickly became a second home. There, they formed wonderful friendships and embraced the community, including Bob’s connection with the Palm Springs Air Museum where he volunteered countless hours. One of his favorite traditions was calling back to friends and family in Kansas City during the winter — usually to share the sunny Palm Desert temperature and remind everyone what they were missing. Those winters became some of their happiest times together.

Bob also gave generously of his time. He was active in professional organizations including the Rotary Club of Independence, the American Dental Association, the Greater Kansas City Dental Society, the Missouri Society of Orthodontists, the Tweed Orthodontic Study Club, and the Vanguard Club of Kansas City. He volunteered more than 2,300 hours at both the Palm Springs Air Museum and the National World War I Museum in Kansas City. His time at the WWI Museum was made even more special by the friendships he formed with his “Wednesday Group” — a close circle of fellow volunteers who meant so much to him.

Golf was another lifelong passion. Bob and Margo were original members of Leawood South Country Club, joining in 1968. They built lifelong friendships there and created treasured family memories. Bob proudly recorded nine holes-in-one during his lifetime, including two on Leawood South’s 17th hole, and served in multiple leadership roles on the club’s board.

Bob’s life was full of laughter, love, and quiet strength. He found joy in simple pleasures — flying planes, golfing, volunteering, cheering on the Royals and Chiefs, building model airplanes, and indulging his passion for cars, especially his beloved “Little Red.” Most of all, he cherished time with family and friends. His optimism, quick wit, and ability to make people feel special will be remembered forever.

The Toth family will host a Celebration of Life on September 12, 2025, from 2–4 p.m. at The Country Club of Leawood. All who knew and loved Bob are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kansas City Hospice, whose loving care brought comfort to Bob and his family in his final days.