Robert Franklin Grant Jr. passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025, at the age of 87. A steadfast sailor, devoted husband, and cherished patriarch, Bob lived a life full of adventure, laughter, grit, and unwavering love.
Born in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Bob grew up in Junction City. It was there, in 1954, that he met the love of his life, Naomi “Ruth” Fisher, at a soda shop. Young and smitten, the two eloped to Rolling Fork, Mississippi in 1955—fibbing about their ages (17 and 16) to make it official. That bold beginning set the tone for nearly 70 years of devotion and shared adventures.
Bob served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, including time aboard the USS Midway during the Vietnam War. Rising to the rank of Chief Petty Officer, he commanded over 250 men—a testament to his leadership, integrity, and unshakable resolve. He retired in 1974 with honors as a disabled veteran, having earned the respect of his peers and the enduring gratitude of his country. He and Ruth raised six children—Bob III, Randy, Cathy, Jeff, Kenny, and Sherri. They resided throughout California, before eventually settling in Salina, Kansas in 1976.
Bob had a fierce love for motorcycles and the open road. He famously rode “The Widowmaker”—a notoriously fast and dangerous bike that few dared to tame. Coast-to-coast road trips were nothing for him; the roar of the engine and the wind in his face were his idea of freedom. His passion for riding was as much about daring as it was about the journey.
A fiercely determined and resilient man, Bob met life’s challenges with grit, humor, and heart. He had a reputation for strength—earning the nickname “Vice Grips” for a handshake that could bring a grown man to his knees. “A handshake tells you a lot about a man,” he’d often say. His hands were more than strong—they were tools in themselves, especially when fixing cars.
Bob had a fighter’s spirit. He didn’t seek trouble, but he never backed down—especially when it came to defending women. He was known to end a fight with the first punch, and the story of him standing his ground against three Samoans at a bar has become family legend.
Yet beneath his tough exterior was a softer, joyful soul. He loved to cuddle, sing along to Johnny Cash, and share a cold beer or a glass of wine. Bob could drink all day, come home, and cap it off with a gallon of vin rosé. He got away with things you just can't get away with today, and he did it all with unforgettable charm.
He had a lifelong love for country and 1950s music. In his prime, he was known to dip and twirl Ruth across the dance floor with ease and style. Even after dancing became a memory, his devotion to her never missed a beat.
Bob was as tough as they come—witty, loyal, tender-hearted, and larger than life. His family remembers him as funny, fiercely loving, and unshakably strong in all the ways that mattered most.
He is preceded in death by his father, Robert F. Grant Sr., his mother, Lou Grant Cunningham, his sister, Marcie Semeraro, brother-in-law, Bart Semeraro, sister, Betty Blust, and beloved daughter, Bobbi Ruth. He is survived by his sister, Robb Deschryver; his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Ruth; their six children; 13 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and 17 great-great-grandchildren. Though his time on this earth has come to a close, the echoes of his laughter, lessons, and love will live on—woven into the fabric of the family he helped build. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.
The funeral will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday May 10, 2025, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St., Salina, KS 67401, followed by a burial at The Abilene Cemetery, 513 NW 14th St, Abilene, KS 67410.
The visitation will be 5-8 p.m. on Friday May 9, 2025, at Ryan Mortuary. Memorials may be made to the family in care of Ryan Mortuary.