Robert Emmett Clune

Robert Emmett Clune, 91, passed away on October 24, 2017. Bob was born in Kansas City, KS on August 28, 1926 to Patrick J. & Mary (Ryan) Clune. Bob was proud that his father had emigrated from Barefield, County Clare, Ireland and valued his family there.

He graduated from Our Lady of Good Counsel grade school. While in school there Bob served the daily early morning Mass for the Sisters of Loretto. He had many stories about walking there in the dark, especially during winter. He attended St. John’s Seminary and graduated from DeLaSalle Military Academy. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the US Navy during WWII and served in the Pacific Theater. After leaving the Navy he entered Rockhurst College on the GI Bill and graduated in 1949. He married Patricia Becker on May 5, 1951 and together they raised four children.

Bob started his business career in sales at IBM before starting Clune Equipment Leasing in 1957. He was passionate about his Catholic faith and his family. He was very active at Curé of Ars Catholic Church where he and Pat were founding members. Bob and Pat were also founding members of the Catholic Charities Snow Ball. He was a long time member of Rotary Club 13 and the Serra Club where he served as District Governor. He served on the Rockhurst College Board of Regents for many years. Bob was very appreciative of the Sister of St. Joseph of Carondolet and their mission at St. Joseph Hospital. He was especially close to the Sisters Servants of Mary in Kansas City KS.

He was predeceased by his parents, his siblings Bill Clune, Rosemary Jenkins and Jim Clune as well as his son Brian Clune and grandson Paul Cindrich. He is survived by his wife Patricia and children Kevin (Mary Kay) Clune, Jeanine (Mike) Cindrich, Annette (Gary) Mellard, and daughter in law Roshanak Clune.

He is survived by 13 grandchildren: Eileen (Brenden) Forbes, Matt (Katie) Clune, Meghan (Andy) Woltman, Connor (Chrissy) Clune, Katie (Jake) Sloma, Matt (Hilary) Cindrich, Ben (Julia) Cindrich, Laura (Greg) Foote, Roya (Chris) Reed, Kisha Clune, Lily Clune, Amy (Gardner) Leaver and Patrick Mellard who was recently engaged to Maile Widman. Bob is blessed with 23 (and counting) great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Sunday at Curé of Ars from 3:00-5:00 PM with Rosary at 3:00. Funeral Mass on Monday at 10:00 AM at Curé.

Special thanks to the employees of Park Meadows Memory Care in Overland Park and to Catholic Community Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bob’s name can be made to Sisters Servants of Mary, 800 N. 18th, Kansas City, KS 66102; Foundation for Inclusive Religious Education, 20 W. 9th Kansas City, MO 64102; or to Curé of Ars.