Robert M. Kinloch

The service was recorded and can be viewed here.

Robert Milton Kinloch, 90, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away Monday, February 9, 2026, after a long life and brief illness.

Bob was born October 10, 1935, in Springfield, Missouri, to Milton and Kathryn (Powell) Kinloch. He was the oldest of three children, followed by his brother, John, and sister, Kathryn "Kate."

Bob was a lifelong Springfieldian who graduated from Central High School in 1953. He went on to attend Missouri State and Friends University, where he studied, played football, and made friendships and memories he would later describe as the best seven years of his life.

Bob enlisted in the Marine Corps and was later drafted into the United States Army, proudly earning the rank of Private First Class. By what he always described as a little divine intervention, Bob was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles and played one season in the minor leagues-an accomplishment he never missed an opportunity to mention, usually with a grin and a great story to go along with it.

While he enjoyed athletics, Bob's true calling was teaching and coaching. He returned to his alma mater, Central High School, in 1962 and spent more than 40 years doing what he loved most: telling stories, sharing a little harmless gossip, coaching, and teaching (in that order, as he liked to say). Coach Kinloch had a gift for connecting with students and athletes, and he was deeply committed to their success both on and off the field.

Over the course of his career, Bob coached golf, football, track, baseball, and wrestling. In 1966, he started the wrestling program at Central High School and played a key role in growing the sport throughout Springfield Public Schools. More than 20 years ago, Springfield Public Schools honored his lasting impact by renaming the annual holiday wrestling tournament the Kinloch Classic, a recognition that remained one of his proudest accomplishments.

Bob's dedication to sports and education earned him induction into the Springfield Sports Hall of Fame in 2008, the Lifetime Service Award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2020, and induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.

Outside of school and sports, Bob was a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan who rarely missed a chance to cheer them on or debate a lineup decision. He was also a legendary storyteller. Whether recounting his coaching days, his time in the service, or his brief but beloved baseball career, Bob had a way of turning everyday moments into unforgettable stories. His humor, quick wit, and ability to keep a room entertained will be remembered by all who knew him.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, John Kinloch; his sister, Kate Baldi; and his daughter, Kathy Newton.

He is survived by his daughter, Karla Ryan, from his first marriage; his daughter, Valory (Christopher) Edwards and their children, Abigail, Emily, Isabel, and Jackson; his daughter, Tori (Greg) Kubik and their children, Graham, Gwen, and Cora; and his grandchildren, Kathryn Dawn Kinloch and Alexander Kinloch, children of his oldest daughter who passed away at a young age. Bob played an instrumental role in Dawn and Alex's early lives and took great pride in their accomplishments. He is also survived by his longtime companion, Janice Duncan; sister-in-law, Colleen Kinloch and her family; and the Baldi family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Robert Kinloch's name to benefit the Central High School wrestling and golf programs at the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, 1610 E. Sunshine St., Building 242, Springfield, Missouri 65804, or online at www.supportsps.org

Visitation will be Tuesday, February 17, 2026 from 12:00-2:00 pm with a memorial service at 2:00 pm at Gorman Scharpf Funeral Home. Private burial will be at Eastlawn Cemetery.