Robert E. Northrip

1939 - 2024

Robert E. Northrip

February 12, 2024

Mission Hills, Kansas - Robert (Bob) Earl Northrip, 84, of Mission Hills, KS, passed away on February 12, 2024.

Bob was born May 8, 1939 on his family's farm a few miles from Sleeper, Missouri. He was fortunate to have two wonderful and loving parents--his father Novel (Paddy) Northrip and mother Jessie Northrip. Bob was an only child. He said that, because he did not have any brothers or sisters, his parents treated him far better than he deserved. Bob attended grade and high school in the Stoutland consolidated school. He became a sports fan at a young age listening to radio broadcasts of the St. Louis Cardinals and Missouri Tigers. Though farming had run in the family for generations, Bob's experience working the farm during his youth inspired and motivated him to find a different career. After high school he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree at Southwest Missouri State College (now Missouri State University) in Springfield, Missouri. He then obtained a Masters of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina.

After two years as an infantry officer in the United States Army where he served in Korea and at Fort Leonard Wood, he entered law school at the University of Missouri-Columbia. While attending law school at Mizzou, he met the love of his life, Linda Kay Francis. In 1968, Bob graduated from law school, married Linda, and started working in Kansas City at a law firm which became Shook, Hardy & Bacon. He became a partner in the firm in 1973 and played a significant role in the growth of the firm.

Bob long considered his decision to marry Linda to be the best decision of his life. Together they had four sons-Robert Earl Jr. (of Overland Park, KS), William (of Glenview, IL), Darryl (of Overland Park, KS), and David (of Leawood, KS)-who brought him great joy. He had two daughters-in-law-Natalya (William) and Iryna (David)-who he was immensely proud of, and four grandchildren-granddaughters Emily and Alexis (both of Glenview, IL) and grandsons Alexander and Zachary (both of Leawood, KS)-who he treasured and doted on.

In the law Bob found his calling, litigating complex cases throughout the US and the world. He had a sharp mind, was a tireless worker, and a careful planner. His partners have said that Bob was always the smartest and kindest person in the room. Though Bob spent most of his time working out of Shook's Kansas City office, he traveled extensively for his work. He spent time in Japan, Australia, Switzerland, Israel and for several years was the managing partner of Shook's London office. Bob and Linda both cherished their time in London-especially Linda. He mentored numerous young lawyers, including sons William and David and daughters-in-law Natalya and Iryna. The legacy he built at Shook endures today. His Shook family feels fortunate to have known him and deeply miss him.

After an illustrious career spanning 40 years, Bob retired from Shook in January of 2009. He loved his work as an attorney, and had many fond memories of friends and colleagues at the firm. However, he enjoyed retirement even more. Bob had many pursuits that kept him surprisingly busy during retirement. He enjoyed spending time with family and attending his grandchildren's sporting events and concerts. He frequented Tiger Club events and could be found socializing over lunch and dinner at Cafe Provence, Jasper's, or Third Coast Pizza. He became a passionate student of religion and the origins of mankind and the universe. He enjoyed vacationing with family in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Oregon, and South Carolina. Finally, he continued his sports fandom, and took great pleasure following Mizzou, the Royals, and the Chiefs-diversions that have been particularly rewarding over the last 10 years. True to form, he spent his last day doing what he loved, having two of his sons over for dinner and to watch the Chiefs win Super Bowl LVIII.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law Darryl Robert Francis, mother-in-law Florence Loretta (Smyth) Francis, and his brother-in-law Frederick William Obermiller. He is survived by his beloved wife, sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren, as well as his brother in law Darryl Robert Francis Jr. (Dale Holsted), sister-in-law Marilyn Francis Obermiller (Chuck Vanderziel), nieces Jennifer Obermiller Bennett (Rob) and Kathryn Obermiller Schuehle (Scott), great-nieces Vivian and Drew Kate Bennett and great-nephews Sawyer and James Schuehle. He was dearly loved by his family and friends, and will be profoundly missed. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and the many friends who had the good fortune to know him.

Visitation will be on February 19 at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at St. Ann's Church in Prairie Village, KS. Burial services with military honors will take place at the Leavenworth National Cemetery on February 20 at 10 a.m. Condolences may be left online at www.porterfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to The National World War I Museum and Memorial or The Wornall Majors House Museums.