Robert (Bob) Frank Hawley

Robert (Bob) Frank Hawley, 88, died September 28, 2021, at his beloved home in Independence, MO. He was born on September 3, 1933, in Pittsburg, KS, the son of Frank and Faye (May) Hawley. He was baptized in the Methodist faith and a long-time member of Christ United Methodist Church. He married Barbara Mary (Denomme) on May 30, 1964. He was a devoted husband, and they were married for 39 years until Barbara’s passing on February 6, 2004.

He leaves behind two daughters and three grandchildren he dearly loved. His daughter, Glenda Hawley, grandson Chase Mitchell (Blue Springs, MO) and daughter Robin Howell, granddaughter Emma and grandson Fisher Howell (Grain Valley, MO). He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; his parents, Frank and Faye Hawley; and his sister, Betty (Hawley) Young.

He graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1951 and joined the Navy Reserve in June 1951. In September 1951, he began college at Pittsburg State University majoring in Industrial Arts. He played football for 2 years. When his draft number was called, he went active duty in the Navy for 2 years. He was on an anti-submarine squadron at North Island in San Diego and completed 2 tours aboard the U.S.S. Philippine Sea with stops in Hawaii, Okinawa, Hong Kong and Japan. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in October 1955.

Bob began his newspaper career in 1958, at The High Plains Journal in Dodge City, KS. In September 1960, he moved to Kansas City, MO. Over the next few years, he worked for The Argentine Record in Argentine, KS and then for Continental Color Press in the Fairfax District. He began working at The Kansas City Star in January 1965. Over the years, he worked in the Printing and Engraving Departments until he retired from full-time work in January 1996. After a brief break, he returned to work part-time until 2005, retiring with 40 years of service.

We are blessed to be daughters to this loving and kind-hearted man. He was an amazing Grandpa to our children, Emma, Fisher and Chase. He enjoyed spending time with his constant companion, his dog Walter. He loved sharing stories and visiting with family and friends. His stories may be endless, evolving into more and more stories. He never knew a stranger. He enjoyed reading the paper daily and always kept us informed of current events and the weather. He loved sports, especially the Chiefs, Royals and the PSU Gorilla’s football team. For many years, he traveled to the home and away games to see his alma mater, the Pitt State Gorilla’s play. He loved the games so much he would orchestrate eating and pretty much anything to be sure a game was not missed! We love you so much Dad! We would tell you that a million more times!

The family wishes to thank Interim Health Care and Hospice for their thoughtful care and support of our Dad and family. We would also like to thank Cynthia Garcia, Brenda Wilson and Rebekah Gilliland for taking such amazing loving care of our Dad.

Family and friends are invited to attend services on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at Christ United Methodist Church, 14506 E. 39th Street, Independence, Mo 64055. Visitation: 12:00 pm. Celebration of Life Service: 1:00 pm. Gravesite service to follow: Floral Hills East Memorial Gardens, 25203 E. U.S. Hwy 50, Lee’s Summit, Mo 64086. Masks are required at the indoor services. Memorial Contributions: Alzheimer’s Association or Christ United Methodist Church. Arrangements by: Newcomer’s Floral Hills Funeral Home, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, Mo 64133.