Robert Duane Conroy was born February 21, 1927 at Rural Route 4 in Lecompton, Kansas to Floyd Marshall Conroy and Ida Malora (Higley) Conroy who both preceded him in death. He passed away April 16, 2016 at Clinton Health Care and Rehab where he had resided for the past several years leaving behind numerous friends that had come to love him and will greatly miss him.
His life took several unexpected turns over the last few years. He never complained and would always ask how others were doing. In his last days he kept his sense of humor and you would still get a glimpse of the mischievous way in which he would do the crazy raising of his eyebrows and rolling his eyes! He was an amazing example of accepting what life sometimes sends our way. He was always appreciative of what he did have.
Bob was a World War II Veteran serving in the Coast Guard on the operations around the world, among other duties. He worked briefly with Ford Motor Company, then Lake City Ammunition Plant in Independence, Missouri. While at Lake City, Bob constructed Raccoon Valley Fish Farm. After retiring from Lake City in April 1979 Bob was devoted full time to being “CEO” of the fish farm between Harrisonville and Pleasant Hill, which still exist. He told stories of Clara and him raising a raccoon and his German shepherds. After a few years he sold the fish farm and really retired!
Following the death of his second wife Mildred in 1999, Bob moved from Chilhowee, Missouri to Osceola, Missouri. Wherever he was he made friends, enjoyed dancing, spending time at the Senior Center, fishing, hunting, walnut/pecan picking, observing and relaxing in the surroundings of nature and visiting his many friends. He was thoughtful of others and was there for those who had a need he could fulfill or provide a ride. As long as his health permitted Bob attended Osceola First Baptist Church and enjoyed his church family.
Throughout his life he was an avid fisherman and game hunter, squirrel being one of his favorites. It would not be unusual to open the fridge door and see a skinned squirrel soaking. Fried squirrel with gravy or a mess of crappie was on the top of his menu! If you were to stop by you’d find yourself sitting down at his table to join him. Signs of walnut stains on his hands let you he had been busy picking. To be able to pick walnuts or pecans was a hobby and a greater joy for him was to give them away. He dearly loved chocolate chip cookies with black walnuts and over the years was supplied cookies in return for his gift of nuts! The fisherman’s handshake and his “oke-doke… talk at you later…thanks for coming,” will always be in the back of our minds. A reminder of his gratefulness, but it is us that have been blessed to have been a part of his life. Bob was a 50 year member of Jewel Lodge #480 Af&AM Pleasant Hill, Missouri.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife Clara Rose then later by wife Mildred; 1 infant son and 1 adult son, Robbie; 2 brothers, Floyd and Frank and 2 sisters, Migmon Lodeema and Barbra Jean
Bob is survived by one daughter Ida Holway; 1 granddaughter, Stephanie Guenther and husband Fred; 10 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandsons
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