George Robert (Bob) Abbott, 88, of Baxter Springs, died Thursday, September 23, 2021, at his home, with his family by his side. Born March 2, 1933 in Overland Park, Bob was the third child of his parents, Dr. Clarence and Marguerite Abbott.
Bob attended elementary school in Overland Park and graduated from St. John’s Memorial High School in Olathe. Then, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving as a medic in base hospitals on the mainland and Johnson Island in the South Pacific. After active service, he remained in the Air Force Reserves. He spent 33 years in service to his country.
After his service in the Air Force, Bob attended Pittsburg State University where he was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity. He completed his college work with a degree in Mortuary Science from Kansas University.
Bob met his future wife, Phyllis, at Pittsburg State and they were married September 4, 1960. They moved to Baxter Springs in 1964 and opened the Abbott Funeral Home from which he retired in 2008. Bob had a full life of giving back to his community. For over fifty years, he was an active member of the Kiwanis Club where he served as president. He was twice elected to serve as Lt. Governor - Div. III of the Kansas District of Kiwanis International.
Bob also served as an officer and board member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Cherokee County Mental Health Association, and he had a special interest in the Baxter Springs Historical Society. Here, he helped develop the Fort Blair Historic Site and the Route 66 Visitors’ Center and was instrumental in helping to raise money to build the first phase of the present-day museum. Bob also enjoyed membership in the Cherokee County Arts Association, the American Legion and the Baxter Springs Country Club.
Bob was an exceptional sportsman, spending many hours playing golf, tennis, snow skiing, water skiing and much more. He also enjoyed traveling extensively and sharing those special experiences with close friends and family. Most importantly, Bob was a committed Christian. He worked as a member of the First Presbyterian Church and served on the Board of Deacons, the Board of Elders and sang in the church choir for thirty years.
Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years, Phyllis and their three sons Kelly (Shawna), Darren (Andrea) and Marshall (Angela). On many occasions, Bob would proudly say how fortunate he was to have all three boys and their families living within just a few miles. He was also blessed with grandchildren who brought so much joy into his life, Blake, Lauren, Landon, Nicholas, Logan, as well as Ashley (Tyler) and Drew (Kelsey) who gave them four great grandchildren.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held Saturday, October 2, at the First Presbyterian Church at 11 o’clock a.m. The family will receive friends at 10 o’clock during a visitation hour before the service begins. Immediately following the service, the celebration of life will continue at the family home with lunch provided for those who wish to attend.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Bob’s memory to the Baxter Springs Historical Society for development of the new Visitors’ Park downtown.