John P. St. John Memorial High School
Class of 1938

(April 23, 1920 — Sept. 15, 2008)

After serving as a Navy pilot in World War II, Bob said it was the people that drew him back to Olathe. He was a banker for 18 years — making real estate and VA loans for many Olatheans — and later became a developer, retiring in 1984. He raised seven children, all of whom graduated from Olathe High School. He was a charter member and past president of the Olathe Noon Optimist Club and member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Knights of Columbus, and the Olathe Chamber of Commerce. He was city commissioner for four years and became Olathe’s 39th mayor in 1971. Bob helped organize the Olathe Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball programs and managed a team for 17 years. Through his work and commitment to the community, Bob became an integral part of Olathe and was instrumental in its early growth.