He attended Formoso Grade School, then in 1944, moved with his family to Mankato, Robert was a natural athlete and excelled in all sports. He graduated from Mankato High School in 1948. Robert was forever a Mankato cougar. He was the unofficial class history keeper and looked forward to the yearly Mankato High School Alumni gatherings until his health prevented him from attending.

Robert served as an officer on the Salina police force for many years, then changed professions to become an insurance adjuster for the Salina region until his retirement.

Robert proudly served for 40 years in the Kansas National Guard. He was an excellent marksman and, while in the Guard, he won the National Champion Ppistol Shoot for 22-38-45 caliber for single fire and double fire. This honor earned Robert the lifelong nickname of “Dead Eeye.”

Robert had a wide range of interests and hobbies. He especially enjoyed gardening, coin collecting, golfing, hunting, fishing and reading. He also had an extensive collection of baseball cards, collected from his youth. Robert said he amassed his collection by saving the cards rather than clipping them to his bicycle spokes like his brother and friends.

Robert always will be remembered for his strong determination to remain independent after losing both legs to atherosclerosis. He was able to live on his own for many years, still enjoying his hobbies and visits from family and friends.

Robert was a member of the Salina American Legion and the First Southern Baptist Church of Salina.

Robert is survived by his daughter, Vanessa of Kihei, Hawaii; his son, Mark of Arlington, Texas; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Betty Hamilton and husband Marvin of Salina; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Don and Jack; and a sister, Joyce.

Funeral services will be Thursday, 24, 2008, at the First Southern Baptist Church of Salina at 10 a.m., with Pastor Todd Bradrick officiating. Robert’s ashes will be interred in the Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato, Memorials may be made to the First Southern Baptist Church of Salina. Ryan Mortuary, Salina, is handling arrangements.