Robert Paul Waechter

1948 - 2025

Robert "Bob" Paul Waechter, 76, of Kansas City, passed away February 13, 2025 in the comfort of home after a series of health complications. Born March 22, 1948 in Buffalo, New York, Bob's life touched a network of people across the country, particularly in Kansas City, where he spent the majority of his life. After graduating Bartlett High School (Bartlett, Tennessee) in 1966, Bob enlisted in the Marine Corps, and later received his B.S. from Memphis State in 1973, M.A. in Clinical Psychology from University of Missouri, Kansas City in 1976, and a Master's in Public Administration from Park University in 1990.

During his service, of which he spent 28 months in Vietnam, Bob earned the National Defense Service, Vietnamese Service (decorated), and Vietnamese Campaign (decorated) Medals, as well as the Combat Action Ribbon and Navy Achievement with Valor Medal for combat bravery. In 1987, he received the Truman Foundation Philip Pistilli Silver Veterans Medal. His life was decorated with countless awards and recognitions of his philanthropy, not to exclude Bob Waechter Day, April 22, 1987, declared by the mayor of Kansas City, MO. He also received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Marine Corp for commendable performance reflecting the highest traditions of the Marine Corp and the United States Naval Service. His dedication and commitment to fellow Veterans extended beyond his time as a Marine into a lifelong pursuit to promote, foster, and provide support to all Veterans with nearly 40 years of work with the Vet Center. His commitment to honoring and caring for Veterans was on public display, as he helped secure the K.C. Vietnam Veterans Memorial and as co-founder of the Heart of America Stand Down which contributed to the lives of thousands of Veterans annually over the span of its 25 years. Bob was an active board member of St. Michael's Veterans Center, and was honored with the inaugural Bob Waechter Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025 before his passing.

Bob was preceded in death by sister Sandy Allman, and is survived by brother Ron Driscoll, sister Amber Driscoll, brother in arms Art Fillmore, wife Cassy Kelly, step-daughters Thresa Kelly, Morrison Kelly, daughters Katherine Waechter, Roxanne Wells, Mackenzie Waechter, their mother Judy Waechter, and his granddaughter, Genevieve.

A celebration of life, achievement, and service will be held at Heritage by Bo Lings in K.C., MO on April 22, 2025 from 5-8 p.m. Remembrance donations to the upkeep and preservation of the K.C. Vietnam Veterans Memorial can be made to: KCVVMF 3606 West 75th St. Prairie Village, KS 66208.

Remember: Peace, always, and be kind to a stranger.