Robert Dean “Bob” Moore, 80, of McPherson, KS, peacefully passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Pine Village in Moundridge.
Bob was born on January 4, 1944, in Adams, KS, the son of Donald Ross and Joyce Arlene (Lear) Moore. He graduated from Arlington High School in 1962 and from Hutchinson Junior College in 1963. He then went on to serve in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War from July 16, 1963 to April 17, 1967. While overseas, he was deployed in the Philippines, Vietnam, and Japan. Because of his military occupational specialty, he was given Top Secret security clearance.
Bob was united in marriage to Lois Ann Hermesch on January 18, 1969, in Kelly, KS. Bob and Lois have made McPherson their home since 1970.
Bob was a former McPherson City Commissioner (two terms), a restauranteur, real estate broker, and auctioneer. He is most known for Sir Robert’s Restaurant & Catering, which he and Lois owned and operated for many years. They also had a cafeteria in McPherson called the Downtowner.
Over the years, Bob has been very active in the community. He has been a trustee of McPherson Elks Lodge and director of Kansas Restaurant Association, served on the State of Kansas Commission on Travel and Tourism, and has held numerous positions for the McPherson Chamber of Commerce including being Past President and Past Chair and being involved in the Men’s Trip Committee, Housing Committee, McPherson Main Street Economic Reconstructing Committee, and was Chairman for Brush Up Mac. He served on the All-Schools Day Committee from 1971 to 2006 and was the General Chair in 1979. Bob was also a graduate of Leadership McPherson in 2004.
Other organizations Bob was involved with were the McPherson Masonic Lodge #172, Masonic Building Committee, ISIS Shrine Temple, where he was a member of the Camel Herders, Topless Travelers, and the Royal Order of Jesters. He also was past president for the McPherson Shrine Club. He was a member of Mac Area Cruisers, McPherson Zoning Board and McPherson Optimist Club. He served on the American Red Cross Board, McPherson Board of Realtors, and McPherson MLS Committee. He also was a member and chair person for the McPherson Landlord’s Association. Bob was a life member of V.F.W. Post #2715 and life member of American Legion Post #24.
Bob was an avid car enthusiast and had quite a number of classic collector cars over the years. He loved entering the vehicles in the area car shows and received many awards for his meticulously restored vehicles. Bob was among the first students to go through the auto restoration program at McPherson College and, through the years, employed a number of students to assist him with his auto restoration projects.
Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years, Lois; niece, Dinelle Hunsberger (Gavin); brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law, Donna Baker (Roy McGinley), Mark Hermesch (Betty), Kenny Hermesch (Colette), Roger Hermesch (Janet), Sam Hermesch (Debbie), Janet Baggett (Del), and Sandy Olberding; and other numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Donna Lehner.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Michael Kerschen officiating with Rosary following at 7:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM, Thursday, February 8, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial with Military Honors will follow at McPherson Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Shriners Hospitals for Children, or McPherson County Food Bank in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.stockhamfamily.com.