Robert Eugene van Voorst

Robert Eugene vanVoorst, 75, of Raymore, Missouri. Passed away peacefully on Thursday August 3, 2023, surrounded by his family. Robert “Bob” was born in St. Louis, Missouri and raised in Belleville, Illinois. He was the oldest of three children (Robert, Patricia, and Donald) to his parents Henry vanVoorst and Lorraine (Behrend) vanVoorst. Bob was an avid athlete and enjoyed his time playing football and baseball for Belleville High School.

He attended Rock Island Technical School where he became a heavy machinery mechanic. Bob worked as a heavy equipment mechanic for Kansas City Power in Light for more than 30 years. In 1981, he met and married Melissa Massie of Lenexa, Kansas. They welcomed their two children, daughter Erin and son Robert Landon to their home in Lone Jack, Missouri. Bob enjoyed coaching little league, working with the dogs and horses he and Melissa raised, and tinkering with cars.

Robert is survived by his brother Donald vanVoorst of Montana; son Robert vanVoorst, daughter-in-law Tiffany; grandson Blake of Raymore, Missouri; daughter Erin Powell, son-in-law Steven; grandchildren Lydia, Elise, and Riley of Louisburg, Kansas. He is proceeded in death by wife Melissa, sister Patricia, mother Lorraine, and father Henry.

Aside from watching his children’s sporting events, Bob was passionate about his Jack Russell terriers. Bob loved racing his favorite terriers and assisted with the Heartland Jack Russell trial. Bob enjoyed being home on his farm in Lone Jack, Missouri. He loved having the beauty of nature around him and appreciated the wild deer and birds who gravitated to the farm. His love of animals often caused him to rescue little creatures. Bob was known for his sense of humor, and he loved playing and joking with his grandchildren.

Robert, fondly known as Grandpa Bob, doted on and adored his grandchildren, Blake, Lydia, Riley, and Elise. He especially loved having his children and grandchildren visit him at the farm. His grandchildren loved their time with him, Grandpa Bob will truly be missed.

Bob’s family will host a Celebration of Life for him at 11:00 am Friday, August 25 at Colonial Presbyterian Church - Light House Student Center at 12501 W. 137th St. Overland Park, KS 66221 with a reception to follow.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleygeorgebelton.com for the van Voorst family.