Robert Lee Neth Sr.

Robert (Bob) Lee Neth, Sr. passed away on November 12, at the age of 82 with his wife and children at his bedside. Bob was born in Gentry, AR on April 12, 1924, to Minnie and Clint Neth. The family later moved to Parsons, KS. Bob enlisted in the Navy in June of 1941, and went to Basic Training at Naval Station Great Lakes, IL. Following aviation machinist mate (AMM) training at NAS Memphis. He served onboard the USS Memphis as an AMM/radioman-tail gunner on an OS2U Kingfisher aircraft. He served in the Atlantic Campaign during WWII. After two years, Bob was selected to attend flight school to become a Navy pilot. He received his gold wings and his commission in November of 1945. On November 11, 1945, Bob married Rosabelle (Rosie) Wolfe in Wichita, KS. They spent the next 16 years in many locations throughout the continental United States, as well as, Alaska and Hawaii. After retiring from the Navy on August 1, 1961, at NAS Olathe, KS, Bob graduated from the University of Kansas. He then began his second career at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He was the Executive Director of Continuing Medical Education until 1980. He then held the same position at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas, TX until 1985. Bob and Rosie left Dallas and retired in Rogers, AR where he served on the Governing Board of St. Mary's Hospital for six years. In 1999, they moved to John Knox Village in Lee's Summit. Bob is survived by his wife Rosie, son and daughter-in-law, Robert L. Neth, Jr. and Katheryn Neth of Milpitas, CA, daughter Debby Neth of Mission, KS, son Richard Neth of Lake Kiowa, TX, granddaughters Megan Gray of Miami, FL and Courtney Gray of Kingston, Ontario, brothers Tom Neth of Wichita, KS and Jerry Neth of Bellevue, WA, and several nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his daughter Kathy Neth Gray. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at a later date. The family suggests donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Heart of America Chapter, 3846 W. 75th St., Prairie Village, KS 66208. Bob requested that his body be donated to the University of Kansas Medical Center; in that vein, Bob would say, "ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK!"