Robert “Bob” Rayburn Gilner, 86, passed away on July 5, 2026. Visitation will be held at Church of the Holy Cross, 8311 W. 93rd Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66212, on Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, followed by the Rosary at 7:30 pm at the Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Church of the Holy Cross, 8311 W. 93rd Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66212, on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 10:00 am.
Born in Teaneck, NJ, on October 24, 1939, to James and Beatrice Gilner, he moved at an early age to Greeley, KS. There, Bob attended Greeley grade school and graduated from Greeley High School with the class of 1957.
On May 2, 1960, Bob wed Jeannette Landwehr. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised 11 children: Robert John (Shirley), Carl (Michelle), Joan (Bill McNamara), Mona, Dean (Tabitha), Ray, Dona, Ben, Dale (Janna), Leo (Jess), and Kate. Their family grew to include 22 cherished grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.
Family was Bob's greatest joy. He spent endless hours coaching and attending thousands of ball games, enjoying family camping and boating trips, hunting, working on vehicles, or sharing an evening meal. As a skilled builder and mechanic, Bob was always eager for the next family project, whether it was crafting houses, garages, screen porches, or repairing anything that needed fixing. A lifelong caregiver to both his immediate and extended family, he was always ready to offer a helping hand or go on a road trip to support the ones he loved.
A devoted leader, Bob was deeply involved in Scouting for many years, serving as Scoutmaster for Troop 251 for 20 years. Throughout his service, he guided each of his sons to the honor of Eagle Scout and received numerous distinctions, including the Silver Beaver, Order of the Arrow, and MIC O SAY (Powerful Rabbit). He also treasured the high adventure camps he attended alongside his sons. Beyond Scouting, Bob served as a lay minister for Holy Cross Church and was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, James Presley and Beatrice Elizabeth Gilner; his siblings, Betty Anne Wellman, Carolyn O'Dell, and Bernard Gilner; and his grandsons, Maguire Davis Gilner and Titus Wiley Gilner.
