Robert George (Bob) Bolin went to be with Jesus peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on January 12, 2024.
Bob was born in St. Joseph, MO, August 22, 1943, to James Harold and Naomi Marie (Sipes) Bolin. He graduated from Central High School in 1961 and married his high school sweetheart, Laura Jane Horner, that same year. They raised three rambunctious sons (Rob, Mike, and Chip) while sharing 62 wonderful years of marriage.
Bob was raised in the Baptist church and gave his heart to Jesus Christ as a young boy. He and his family were very active at Wyatt Park Baptist Church where Bob served as a deacon and deacon chairman for many years. At his passing he was a member of Green Valley Baptist Church. Bob was also a 3rd generation member of the Masonic Lodge.
Bob believed in supporting his community and helping others. Following in the footsteps of his father, he was past president of the St. Joseph Host Lions Club. Bob's love for trains led him to take a keen interest in the preservation of the locomotive in Patee Park (South of Downtown St. Joseph). In time, he spearheaded many improvements to the historical site, which included the metal covering over the locomotive; the protective fence; the brick walkway; the train signs; and other railroad artifacts. Due to his efforts, he received the 2005 Mayor’s Award for the Arts in the Arts Project Category.
Bolin Automotive Supply was started in 1951 by Bob's father Harold Bolin. Bob started working there out of high school and eventually became the second-generation owner. He grew the business substantially and transitioned it to heavy equipment as Bolin Auto & Truck Parts, retiring in 2004. Bob served on local and state boards, putting in many long hours and working hard to serve the industry.
After retirement, Bob and Jane spent summers in Colorado and winters in Arizona. The two loved to travel and enjoyed wonderful trips with great friends and family, but his favorite place was his porch at Lake Viking.
Bob loved Jesus, Jane, his sons, the USA, along with trains, the mountains, John Wayne, and Lonesome Dove (both the book and the movies). His pride and joy were his grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Patty Bolin Roach. He leaves behind to mourn his passing and cherish his memory: his wife Jane, sons, Rob (Sue), Mike, Chip (Karey). Grandchildren Mallory Seisser (Tim), Jake Bolin, Ben Bolin, C.C. Bolin, and Libby Bolin. Brother, Jim Bolin (Marge), brothers-in-law; Jim Roach, John Horner (Connie), David Horner (Tania), sisters-in-law; Janet Hardy (Mike), Carol Davis (Alan), along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful friends.
Under the direction of Heaton Bowman Smith:
Visitation is from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16 at Heaton Bowman Smith.
Services are at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 17 at Heaton Bowman Smith with lunch to follow at Green Valley Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your local community in time and/or in monetary assistance.
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