William Robert Grubb

He was born August 11, 1934, in Jefferson City, Missouri, the only child of William Earl and Lois Grubb. Bill graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1952 and then worked at the Missouri Highway Department before enlisting in the United States Army.

During high school, this not-so-serious student caught the eye of a shy, scholarly girl named Mary Ann McNearney. The two married at First Methodist Church in Jefferson City on June 10, 1956. Mary Ann and Bill relocated several times with his job at AT&T before settling in the Kansas City area in the early 1980s.

With their son, Chris, in tow, Mary Ann and Bill made many trips to Colorado in their VW camper. Backpacking and hiking were standard activities and one trip even involved the construction of a log raft. Mary Ann and Bill enjoyed wild flowers and growing herbs commercially on their rural Johnson County property. A skilled craftsman, Bill did many of the finishing touches on their Early American-style house. Their beautiful home and gardens were featured in local and national magazines including Country Home’s Country Gardens and Kansas City Home Design. When they retired from gardening, Bill put his skills to use volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. Although never a fan of academics, Bill became an Honorary Alum at Baker University, the college that Chris had attended in the mid 1980s. He always stayed on top of the latest technology and was quick to grab any of the latest gadgets. His spirit of adventure began at an early age and continued throughout his life. Bill skydived four times - the first when he turned 80 and most recently, last year, when he celebrated his 87th birthday. Friends will also remember Bill for his generosity, love of sweets (cookies and Ted Drewes frozen custard were his favorites), his appreciation of fine Scotch whiskey, and his affection for pet cats.

Chris and Mary Ann preceded Bill in death but many special friends are left behind to cherish his memory. Friends in Jefferson City, St. Louis, and Raymore, Missouri; Kansas City, Baldwin, and Sabetha, Kansas; and Dallas, Texas, are grateful and blessed to have been close to this dear couple.

A private burial service will take place at Mt Moriah Cemetery in Kansas City.