Robert "Bob" Lee Hinkle

Robert (Bob) Hinkle, age 70, peacefully passed on March 5, 2024. Bob was born on May 7, 1953, to Robert and Bonnie Hinkle in Kansas City, Missouri, and grew up in Gladstone, Missouri. Later, Bob moved to Drexel Missouri, where he enjoyed hydroponic gardening, fishing on his pond, and wildlife. Bob graduated from Oak Park High School in 1971 and attended the University of Central Missouri, studying mechanical systems. Afterwards, he turned his interest to foreign cars, and established the first foreign car repair service (B & H Imports) in the Northland area. Several years later, he left the auto service business, and transitioned to heavy equipment as a mechanic for Clarkson Construction.

Bob also found time to enjoy his life by being involved with sports, camping, fishing, and weekend float trips. He especially enjoyed spending time at the lake with his partner Cindy, and with his son Zach, daughter-in-law Ashley, and grandkids Austin and Sophie. Each trip to the lake was an adventure. In one instance, Bob took his grandson tubing behind his boat, and while skimming the water at full speed, he heard a “clank” and the boat would not move in forward drive. He was forced to navigate the boat across the lake in reverse (the only gear working) to the shore for repair. It turned into a comical situation-and one that will be remembered for years to come. During his retirement, he spent much of his time on his Cabin Cruiser with his family and friends at Lake-of-the-Ozarks. He designed and built a one-of-a-kind dock bar that brought about a conversation with many passers-by, with some asking for his input in building similar bars for their dock space.

Bob was passionate about cooking and regularly experimented with sauces and rubs to improve flavors-in the hope of creating the “perfect” smoked meat. As a part of that process, he built a 55-gallon barrel smoker attached to a special trailer that he took to every campsite, boat dock and river site-behind his beat-up Dodge van or truck. He participated in Kansas City’s annual American Royal BBQ event, hoping to place in the top 25, but it was never about the contest as much as it was about spending time with family and friends.

Robert Lee Hinkle Jr. is preceded in death by his father, Robert Lee Hinkle Sr., and mother, Bonnie Lee (Haworth) Hinkle. He is survived by his partner, Cindy Ritter; son, Zachary (Ashley) Hinkle, grandchildren Austin, Sophie; sister, Doris (Hinkle) Retzlaff, and nieces Jennifer (Reuel) Anderson, Alicia Retzlaff, nephews Matthew Retzlaff, Jonathan (Nicole) Retzlaff, five great nieces and nephews, and related family Levi (Ashley, Willow, Laramie) Ritter, Jay, Josh Maher, and Al Eckilson.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Cancer society in Robert Lee Hinkle Jr.’s name.

The family would like to thank the North Kansas City Hospital caregivers and KU Oncology team for their efforts and dedicated support they provided on Bob’s behalf.

A graveside service for Bob will be held Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Newcomer's White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 NE Antioch Rd, Gladstone, MO 64119.