Robert H. Parra, 79, passed away peacefully at his home in Kansas City, Missouri on May 5, 2025. Robert was born in Kansas City, Kansas on October 23, 1945, the sixth of eight children born to Adolfo and Josefa Parra. He grew up and attended John J. Ingalls Elementary School and Westport High School. Robert had a passion for education and learning, pursuing studies at Penn Valley and Kansas City Kansas Community Colleges, Rockhurst College, University of Missouri-Kansas City and Park College.
Motivated by his commitment to helping others, Robert dedicated his professional career to serving in counselor and community development roles. He worked for non-profits including Mattie Rhodes and Guadalupe Center, counseling hundreds of individuals, many suffering from addiction. His goal was to get people involved in their own self-determination which he did through active, empathic, and reflective listening. He was known to say, “if you aren’t listening, you aren’t counseling.” He also served as director of Project Success and Time to Read with a favorite role being the supervision of counselors – guiding them to become even better in their profession. Also, it was not unusual for Robert to volunteer his time to those in need and was a strong supporter of social justice for his community and all people.
Beyond his professional roles, Robert was deeply committed to his community. He wore many hats in his career, serving as a consultant for the National Institute of Mental Health, Chairman for in Human Relations Committee for Kansas City, Missouri, executive committee member of Richard Cabot Clinic and director of the Model Cities program for the Westside. The Westside was home, and he was passionate about supporting his community.
In his personal life, Robert thoroughly enjoyed spending time with family and friends and took pride sharing his family’s history. He remained close to family members in Mexico until his final days. Even as he faced his battle with cancer, Robert’s connection with his family remained strong. He was a kind, caring and supportive son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was courageous in his fight against cancer until his final day. His heartfelt words of “thank you, thank you, thank you” will forever echo in his family’s memories, but it is the warmth and love he shared that his family will always cherish.
Robert was preceded in death by his sisters, Elvira (Vera) Rios, Abigail (Abbie) Aguirre, and Evangeline (Angie) Rodriguez, and brother, Adolfo Parra. He is survived by his brothers, Ricardo and Alfredo Parra (Peter Harakas), his sister Esther Muro, life-long friend and Compadre, David Botello, godsons Daniel and Antonio (Tony) Botello and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 13 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart-Guadalupe Catholic Church, 2544 Madison, Kansas City, Missouri. A funeral mass will be celebrated for Robert following the visitation at 11:00 a.m. at the Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas.
Donations are welcome to Guadalupe Center and Mattie Rhodes.
