Robert Pollock Speer

Robert Pollock Speer, 86, of Norton, Kansas passed away on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025, at the Andbe Home. He was surrounded by the people he loved most, his family.
Bob was born on December 4, 1938 in Denver, Colorado to Robert W. and Helene (Kelly) Speer. After graduating from South High School in Denver, he studied sociology and theology, earning his Master of Divinity in 1966 from Chicago Theological Seminary. With a deep love of learning and helping people, he later earned his master's degree in counseling from Fort Hays State University.
A great devotee of anecdotes and story telling, Bob frequently shared, "a young man once told me that there are two major decisions we make: what we do with our lives and with whom we do it. I got both of them right."
The first of those two decisions was when Bob married "the most beautiful woman I ever saw," and the love of his life, Rita D. Winbolt, on June 9, 1963 in Hastings, Nebraska, with whom he raised three children, Becca, Allison and Matt.
On their lifelong journey together, Bob and Rita worked in their respective ministries in Glenwood, Iowa; Chicago, Illinois; Hudson, Kansas; and Lenora, Kansas before settling down in Norton, Kansas where Bob made the second great decision of his life - working for Valley Hope. He worked there as chaplain, counselor, and in public relations from 1968 until he retired 43 years later in 2011.
During his decades of ministry, he also served various churches as pastor, including several churches in Western Kansas.
Aside from his time with Valley Hope, Bob committed his energy to the people and projects of Norton, serving on various boards, including the Andbe Home and the Norton Library, as well as being a member of the local Lion's Club. In his spare time, he enjoyed a variety of artistic hobbies including reading, writing, photography, painting, and drawing. His favorite pastimes also included deep thinking and philosophical and religious conversations for hours on end. Bob cared deeply for people and in recent years told Rita that he simply wanted to be kind to others.
Robert is survived by his wife Rita of 62 years; daughters, Rebecca (Lance) Arterburn of Brady, Nebraska, and Allison (Brandon) Winzurk of Acworth, Georgia; son, Matthew (Michelle) Speer of Basehor, Kansas; grandchildren: Christian (Jordan) Arterburn and their children, Brooks, Greyson, and Whitlee; Kaleb Arterburn; Madyson (Quinten) Chancellor with their expected baby; Annabella and Lillyanne Speer; Jordan Winzurk and Zac (Aleah) Winzurk and their son Noah; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dick and Terri Winbolt. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Helene Speer.
Mass of Christian burial will be held 10:30 am Friday, December 5, 2025 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Norton with lunch following in the Catholic Parish Hall. A private family inurnment will be held at the Norton Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Valley Hope or Care Beyond the Boulevard and may be sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, Kansas 67654. Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com.
"The angels are welcoming one of the best: Robert Speer. Beloved Pastor and friend." -Nancy Hagman