Mr. Robert "Bob" Eugene McHenry

Robert (Bob) Eugene McHenry, age 88, of Independence, Missouri passed away Friday, September 29, 2023. Bob was born September 30, 1934, in Birch Tree, Missouri, to William Franklin and Sarah Eva (Donahue) McHenry. He spent his career as a teacher and coach in the Independence Public Schools and was a member in the First Baptist Church of Independence where he served as a Deacon.

Bob grew up in Birch Tree where he developed his love of sports, excelling in basketball and baseball. Bob worked his way through college and graduated from Southwest Missouri State University in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in education. He went on to earn a master’s in administration from Central Missouri State University in 1965.

It was in college that he met the love of his life, Sally Rae (Hopkins) McHenry. They were married in Springfield, Missouri, on November 24, 1956. After graduation, they moved to Independence where both began their careers as educators in the Independence Public School System, retiring in 1992. Bob taught physical education at the Independence Junior High and William Chrisman High School, before moving to Truman High School when it opened in 1964. He coached basketball and assisted with baseball and football, impacting the lives of hundreds of young men. His approach to coaching reflected his character and values, emphasizing study and practice, teamwork, and dedication to achieving your personal best in all aspects of life.

He leaves a legacy of commitment to faith and family, the importance of education, and a passion for sports. (Also, the value of a firm handshake.)

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Sally McHenry, daughter Cynthia Kay (McHenry) Jones, parents, Frank and Sarah McHenry, brother William Donald McHenry, and sister Thelma Lou (McHenry) Rutledge.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Cathy and Rick Bien of Leawood, KS, his son Michael McHenry of Lee’s Summit, MO, nine grandchildren: Adam (Andrea) Bien, Carrie (Michael) Bien Rañon, Andrew (Trish) Bien, Becky (Quentin) Bien Stevenson, Alyssa (Quinton) McHenry, Ashley (Phillip) McHenry, Kristen (Tyler) Jones, Cady (Adam) Jones Wells, and Bryan (Maddy) Jones, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Services will be Thursday, October 5, 1 pm at Church of the Resurrection Wesley Chapel, 13720 Roe Ave., Leawood, KS, with a visitation prior to the service at 12:30 pm. Burial will follow the service at Floral Hills, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, MO.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Independence or Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care.