Robert Kaps

Robert J. (Bob) Kaps, age 84, passed away December 17, 2012 at Olathe Medical Center. Bob was born the son of Carl and Margaret Kaps on March 15, 1928 on a farm near Bunker Hill, Kansas in Russell County. He attended school in Bunker Hill and college at Fort Hays and Kansas State University. In 1948 he enlisted in the U. S. Navy Cadet Program and went through pilot training in Pensacola, Florida and Corpus Christi, Texas. In August, 1950 he received his Naval Aviators wings and officers commission. He was assigned to a jet fighter squadron in San Diego, California. The squadron was deployed aboard the USS Essex Aircraft Carrier to the Korean conflict area. He served a second tour aboard the USS Valley Forge and flew a total of 103 missions. The squadron returned to the States in April, 1953 and he was released from active duty status. He married Betty Letsch in July, 1953 and they took over the family farm and ranch operations. He flew in a Navy Reserve fighter squadron at the Navy base in Olathe, Kansas from 1955-1959. In 1957 he took a job with the Federal Aviation Administration at the Russell Airport. In 1972 the family moved to the Kansas City area where he took a position in the FAA Central Region Administration Office. He finished a 29 year Civil Service career in 1985 at the Olathe Air Route Traffic Control Center where he served as Military Liaison Officer on the staff. During his career with the FAA, the family lived in the Spring Hill area. While residing there he served two terms on the local school board and 10 years on the City Planning Commission. In 1986 the family moved to Stanley, Kansas area and in 1999 to the rural Wellsville, Kansas area.

Bob was an ardent supporter of Veterans rights and causes, and was a life member of both the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Affairs. He was a member of Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Gardner, Kansas and served as Lay Assistant most of his life. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of 47 years Betty, his three sisters and three brothers. He is remembered by their five children: Laurie Mayfield of Kansas City, MO, Tom Kaps of Seymour, MO, Jane Schoenthaler of Elizabeth, CO, Dan Kaps of Wellsville, KS, and John Kaps of Paola, KS; and his loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His family is at peace knowing Bob is once again with his beloved Betty.

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 19, 2012 from 5-7pm, with the Rosary prayers at 4:30pm at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home in Olathe, Kansas. Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, December 20, 2012 at 11am at Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Gardner, Kansas, followed by an interment at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Stanley, Kansas. Bob always had a special place in his heart for Hospice because of the care they provided his wife. Family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations be given to Hospice of Olathe Medical Center.