Robert Eugene Spence

Bob was born April 10, 1953 in Kansas City, MO to John “Jack” and Martha “Kit” Spence. He attended St. Francis Xavier Grade School and graduated from Rockhurst High School in 1971. After high school, Bob went on to Loyola University New Orleans before graduating from Avila University with a degree in Business Education in 1977.

In 1983 Bob earned his Master of Business Administration through the Executive Fellows Program at Rockhurst University. Throughout his career in the commercial textile industry, Bob was an active member of the Textile Rental Service Association serving as co-chairman of the Government Affairs Committee, a member of the Board of Directors, vice president (1995-1997) and president (1997-1999) of the association. During his time as president, he and his wife Susan hosted the International Convention in Paris. At the time of his passing, Bob was the owner and operator of US Textiles, LLC. Bob also served on the Avila College Board of Regents. As an active member of the Church of the Nativity where he was a parishioner for 36 years, Bob served as an usher, Eucharistic minister, and religious education teacher.

Bob will be remembered for his big smile, genuine joy, and playful spirit. He had a way of finding happiness in ordinary moments and finding reasons to celebrate. A good meal, a Royals game, or a day spent smoking ribs was enough to make a day special. Throughout his life, Bob enjoyed his friendships, golfing, bowling, Kansas City Chiefs games, and trips to Grand Lake, Colorado. He embraced life with enthusiasm but it was the people he shared it with who mattered most.

Above all, Bob’s greatest happiness was his family. He and Susan Pflumm were married August 26, 1977, building a life together through special experiences and everyday moments, including trips to New Orleans, celebrating the Kentucky Derby, and many cookouts in their backyard. He was an involved dad and a doting grandfather who took great pride in his family.

Bob is survived by his wife, Susan; his mother, Kit; his children, Erin Wright (Jeremiah), Luke Spence, and Colleen Nallia; his grandchildren, Charlotte, Emmett, Hunter, and honorary grandson Ben; his siblings, John Spence, Martha Cason, Susan Witcher, Nancy McGinnis, and Mark Spence; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his father, Jack; his brother, Mike; and his nephew, Johnny.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bob’s life. A Rosary and visitation will be held at McGilley State Line Chapel on Sunday, October 18, 2026, with the Rosary at 1:00 p.m. and visitation from 1:30-3:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, October 19, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Church of the Nativity.

Bob’s family would like to thank his in-home caregiver, Kinshasa, The Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center, Kingswood Senior Living, and St. Luke’s Hospice House for their extraordinary care and compassion for Bob.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s honor can be made to the Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center. https://www.thepewc.org/give.

Bob leaves behind a legacy of hard work, deep love, and a life lived with genuine joy. His family and countless friends are better for having known him. BOMB FERDU!