Robert E. Hencey

1936 - 2018

Robert E. Hencey

Phoenix - Robert E. Hencey, 82, of Phoenix Arizona passed away peacefully on May 22, 2018. Robert (Bob) was born April 21, 1936 in Springfield, MO to Robert and Nadine Hencey. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Naomi (nee Naomi Roll), son Mark (Vicki), daughters Dawn (Jim) and Justine (Bryan), his brother Steve, sisters Reta and Sharon, and grandchildren Travis, Ciara, Alexis and Porter. Bob was the oldest of 4 children and graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1954. He earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree, graduating Phi Kappa Phi, from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He worked as the publications director for a major university in Kansas City, MO, and by the time he retired, was director of communications for the worldwide Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek, MI. He traveled around the world, meeting many prominent people and was sought after by other local and national foundations for his creative input and assistance. During this time he also co-founded an electronics firm in Silicon Valley CA, and wrote and had published a fictional novel, based on real people and events, chronicling the creation and rise of the Kellogg and Post cereal empires. He was an accomplished artist and continued to paint and sell his artwork throughout his career and into retirement. Hundreds of his paintings still hang in businesses and private residences across the United States. Bob was a man who lit up rooms when he entered and people were naturally drawn to him wherever he went. He was an avid fisherman, entrancing story teller and devoted life-long friend to many. He will be remembered most for his amazing talents and creativity, his wonderful sense of humor and quick wit and for his life-long devotion to wife, and inspiration, Naomi. He will be greatly missed.