Robert Gene Skeens, Sr.

Robert G. Skeens, Sr., passed away July 14, 2017.

He was born January 12, 1932 to James and Lola Skeens of Mission, KS. They owned a small acreage abutting the Strang Line, and his childhood was spent outdoors riding a calf, climbing trees, and enjoying his time outdoors. He loved music, and played both the clarinet and the saxophone. When he was seven years old, he was invited to Vacation Bible School at Mission Hill Baptist Church, and shortly thereafter, he accepted Christ as his Savior and Lord and has remained Baptist all his life.

Bob attended Shawnee Mission Rural High School and William Jewell College, and graduated from UMKC in 1959, majoring in Psychology. He was soon hired as a Personnel Manager for Continental Baking Co., and promoted to Regional Manager of the Southern Central area. He was a good problem-solver, and enjoyed working with the Unions, Labor Relations , and later on with the EEOC.

He fought many illnesses over the course of his lifetime, suffering a heart attack and taking early retirement after 30 years. A second heart attack led to bypass surgery. He was diagnosed with colon cancer when he was in his seventies, and that seriously affected his strength.

Bob enjoyed spending time on the farm he purchased, and loved his old tractors and trucks, his boats and water skiing. He was also an excellent tennis player.

He met his wife, Carolyn Joyce More, on a band trip and they quickly became high-school sweethearts who were devoted to each other. They were married in 1954, and by 1959 had three healthy children.

Surviving family include his wife, Carolyn J. Skeens, his sons Robert G. Skeens, Jr., and James A. Skeens, six grandchildren; Alisa Self, Amy Hruska, Jimmy Skeens, Jr., Adam Skeens, Jeffrey Skeens, and Grant Harding, and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Joni Joyce Harding, who died of cancer in 2013.

Bob loved nature and the beauty of it. The eagle was a symbol to him and his life verse from the bible was found in Isaiah: "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

As a young man, he was an Eagle Scout and belonged to the Mic-O-Say tribe, later becoming a troop leader and enjoying his camping experiences. Bob also served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves during the Korean War.

His final challenge was as he aged and his strong body was failing him. He was still planning trips and adventures to the very end.

Today, he is in Heaven, rejoicing with his Savior, his daughter, and a host of relatives.

Memorials are suggested to the Overland Park Baptist Temple, 11648 Antioch Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210.