Robert Bob W. Nash

Robert Wesley Nash, 48, of Overland Park, Kansas, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 8, 2012, surrounded by family at his residence. A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, April 12th, 2:00 p.m., at Grace Church, with burial following in Leavenworth National Cemetery Friday, April 13th, 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City, 10200 West 75th Street, Suite 281, Shawnee Mission, KS 66204, www.kcdsg.org.

Bob was born April 24, 1963 in Minot, North Dakota. His family moved to Kansas City briefly before settling in Woodbury Minnesota, outside of Minneapolis - St. Paul. Bob was a mischievous and fun loving little boy who enjoyed riding his bike, playing ball and building snow forts during Minnesota winters.

His senior year of high school, Bob was a member of his high school's championship swim team as well as a member of the local AAU swim club. He graduated from Woodbury High School in 1981.

In 1983, Bob's first child, Scott, was born. Bob's desire to support his new family prompted him to join the marines. God used this time in Bob's life to reveal himself to Bob. While on a West Pac float on board the USS Belleau Wood, Bob met a Marine named Carter who was a Christian. Carter shared Jesus with Bob and challenged him to pray to ask Jesus to come into his heart the next time he prayed.

One night Bob went out on the catwalk on board ship. As he watched the moon on the water he contemplated the purpose of his life. He decided to take Carter's challenge. So that night he climbed into his bunk, drawing the curtain around the bunk and prayed making a deal with God. He told God if He would give Bob a great marriage that Bob would be a follower. When he woke the next morning, he felt like a different person.

He served in the USMC from 1983 to 1987, earning a Good Conduct Medal, Rifle Sharpshooter Qualification Badge and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. Bob was stationed at Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base in Oahu, Hawaii. This was a very significant period in Bob's life when he saw many other men come to Lord as a result of his witness and the witness of other Marines who were believers.

After leaving the marines Bob's desire was to become a foreign missionary. Ever the "hard charger" Bob wanted to serve the Lord in a persecuted country such as Nepal, where he could put his life on the line. However, Bob felt called to come to Kansas first to help out a fellow believer and Marine who was having personal difficulties.

Bob spent the next ten years moving between California and Kansas with his best friend, John Myers. Bob and John became friends during a difficult time in Bob's life and shared many years encouraging one another in the Lord.

Bob moved back to Kansas for good in 1992 when he felt called by the Lord to do so. Four years later, Bob and Cindy met in at a local Christian bookstore where Cindy was employed. Bob joked that he had "picked Cindy up" in Bibles. They were married August 30, 1997 at Powell Gardens in Lone jack, Missouri.

Bob was very proud three years later when their oldest son, Soren Wesley was born. Three years later he was equal proud to have a daughter, whom he named Rachel Charis, after Jacob's wife in the Bible and the Greek word for grace.

During these years Bob was proud to lead a verse-by-verse study through the books of 1 John and Romans in his home. Though these studies were lightly attended, Bob's passion for God's word and desire to rightly divide the word were evident.

In 2005, Bob joined the Marine Corps Reserve serving in the 24th Marines for two years. As many others at the time, he was inspired by his desire to protect his country after 9/11. Bob's time in the reserves was an inspiration to other young Marines who gave him the nickname "the grand old man of the Marine Corps." While in supply school he was given a motivation award for "displaying a high level of motivation...as witnessed by (his) peers."

At this same time, Bob began a part-time lawncare business called Paradise Lawns. Paradise Lawns eventually became Bob's full-time commitment. His passion was to create beautiful lawns and provide excellent service at a reasonable price.

In 2006, Bob's third son, Kellen James was born. Though Kellen was born with Down Syndrome, Bob was determined not to let others plot Kellen's course for him. He would treat Kellen just like any of his other children and pray for the best outcome for him. Bob also gave his son the nickname Bug because Kellen reminded of a little grub when he would curl his little body up a name which stuck.

In 2010, Bob's fourth son, Bryson William, was born the day before Easter. Once again Bob was a proud papa. Bryson's size made him the ideal candidate to be a line backer for Bob's favorite football team the Dallas Cowboys. Only time will tell if Bob's dream will come true.

Though Bob would say that God was the one fighting cancer for him, Bob showed great courage and faith as the cancer took his ability to work, walk and even talk. Despite everything Bob continued to trust God, telling Cindy just days before his death, "God is going to blow your mind." He finished his race well.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Earleen Nash. He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Cindy Nash; six children, Scott, Kaylena, Soren, Rachel, Kellen and Bryson; his father, Bill (Loretta) Nash; and sister, Debi (Dave) Lorberter.

Condolences may be left online at www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com. After