Bob Weir

Update: The family has announced that graveside services for Bob Weir will be held at Prairie Lawn Cemetery on Friday, Oct 20, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. and is open to the public.

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Robert L. Weir died on September 16, 2023, in Wellington. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Elsie, and their daughter, Sandie. He is survived by his son, Steven (Kris) of Wellington, and daughter, Susie (Grant) of Shorewood, Minn., as well as six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Bob was born in Oklahoma and moved to Wellington when he was in elementary school. He had a strong work ethic and had held a job since he was 11 years old. He delivered papers, milk bottles, and furniture. He was also a lifeguard and worked at a dry cleaner. After high school graduation, Bob signed up for the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers’ Forestry Unit, where he ventured to the West Coast. He had fond memories of mapping the topography of Washington State.

The job was perfect for his sense of adventure and detailed, meticulous nature. But when it was time to re-enroll, something was drawing him back to Kansas. Soon after, he met Elsie, a young nursing student at Southwestern College. They fell in love with dancing and were married for 62 years. They continued to enjoy dancing throughout their marriage and took dance lessons together and with their couple of friends.

Bob spent most of his career on Main Street in Downtown Wellington. First at Tibbs Furniture and then partnering with Elsie to run The Hardware Store. Bob’s knack for learning and mastering things easily helped him to help many customers with their daily hardware, housewares, and lawn and garden needs. Eventually, a swimming pool installation and service business would add to how they served their customers, who often became good friends.

Being a member of the Elks Lodge, a fraternal order & social club, was a big part of Bob & Elsie’s young married life. Their time with the Elks forged great friendships and experiences as they traveled all over the continental U.S. for Bob to compete (and win) team ritual competitions. Bob ultimately became the (national) Grand Exalted Ruler. He was also a member of the Masons.

Bob participated in numerous organizations. He served his church and the community in a multitude of ways—chairing events, sitting on committees and boards, and creating and facilitating new efforts. A sampling of his contributions include being an usher/greeter and the chair of the finance committee at the First United Methodist Church as well as a member of the choir with his daughter, Sandie, being a board member of Panhandle Federal and the Wellington Public Library, serving on the advisory board of Blish-Mize, as President of the Wellington Saddle Club and also the Sumner County Antique Tractor Association, and being the regional campaign manager for Kansas Attorney General Bob Steffen.

Chairing his high school class reunions brought Bob a lot of joy. He and Elsie made a great team for hosting events with creativity. They especially loved hosting a fiesta with an elaborate taco bar and a luau in their backyard, complete with a pit-roasted pig and hand-crafted tiki-influenced totem pole. Bob loved how his events brought old friends back together and ignited new friendships.

Bob had so many friends. He always had a sparkle in his eye and a story to tell. His effervescence and quick wit made him everyone’s favorite emcee. People gravitated towards him equally because of his charisma and non-judgmental, good nature. Bob respectfully used this ability to share his love of the Lord with those around him. His faith was his foundation.

Bob loved learning and was a voracious reader. He loved American and world history as well as diving into his ancestry. Bob loved “toys” and accumulated many throughout the years—from motorcycles, boats, water playthings, and campers to an army of antique John Deere tractors. He worked hard and played hard. Music was also a great love of his as he played several instruments and enjoyed listening to varied types of music.

Bob leaves a legacy of Christian faith, love of family, service to the community, and embracing life to its fullest. A private family service has been arranged. A Celebration of Life event is in the process of being planned. In lieu of plants or flowers, the family asks those interested to contribute to the Bob Weir Memorial Fund c/o PFCU PO Box 26, Wellington, KS. Contributions will go towards a gift to the community of Wellington, which Bob loved and served with his whole heart.