Robert Joseph Piller

Piller, Robert Joseph, passed away gently on Thursday night October 7, 2010 with family members near him. Bob Piller was born on November 19, 1924 in Great Bend, Kansas, the son of Leo and Winona Piller. He grew up in Great Bend, Kansas where he attended Great Bend High School. Bob served in the Army in World War II. During that time, he was in the Battle of the Bulge, an event that he often referred to when telling of his experiences in the War. After the War, he attended Kansas University where he graduated with a degree in Business. At KU, Bob was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He married Eileen O'Connor on December 24th 1948, in Wichita, Kansas. They lived in Wichita until the late nineties and then moved to Lawrence, Kansas to be with family and friends. Bob loved athletic competition and supported KU sports, particularly football and basketball. He was an accomplished golfer and enjoyed playing tennis. Bob's career was in business, where he ran the companies started by his father-in-law Joe O'Connor. During his time with O'Connor he began in sales and eventually became President of O'Connor Company, Inc. and J. M. O'Connor, Inc. He was respected by his peers and those who worked for him because of his high ethical standards and ability to listen and provide direction. He served on the Boards of St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas and Douglas County Historical Society in Lawrence. He genuinely enjoyed people and loved conversation. He was much loved by his friends and family and will be missed. Bob is survived by his sons Lynn and Tom, daughters Helen Seymour and Judy Feldner, as well as sisters Catherine, Helen, and Joan. Other survivors are his grandchildren: Tom Seymour, Brooke Patton, Brian Seymour, Kathy and Jim Piller, Michael and David Feldner, and Leo Piller; as well as his Great Grandchildren: Harrison Seymour and John Patton. Arrangements for his Memorial Service will be announced at a later time. (Arrangements: Cremation Society of Ks & Mo, 8837 Roe Ave., Prairie Village, Ks., 66207 (913-383-9888).