Distinguished Person of Honor

(Aug. 1, 1928 — Sept. 7, 2024)

Although Bob touched many people’s lives with his music, in the Olathe area he is known as a high school guidance counselor who listened to students as he helped them create their own path in life. Whether they sought input on which courses to take, whether to get into the military, or some other personal issues, Bob dedicated his professional life to helping adolescents with their questions. He’s been described as patient, positive and intuitive; valuable characteristics in the field of education. Bob’s career in education began as a music teacher and band leader in other districts in Missouri and Colorado, but changed course in 1959 when he earned a master’s degree in counseling from Northeast Missouri State Teacher’s College (now Truman State). He served as counselor at Olathe High School and later Olathe North High School from 1961 until his retirement in 1990. He was part of a counseling team that visited area universities to meet with Olathe alums during their first year of college.