Robert L. “Bob” English, 96, of Warrensburg, Missouri, died Tuesday, Dec. 22, at the Warrensburg Veterans Home.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, at Williams Funeral Chapel in Warrensburg with the Rev. Francis O’Donnell officiating. Interment will follow in Liberty Cemetery north of Warrensburg with military graveside honors. Pallbearers will be Jacob Stockton, Jarod Stockton, Clint Weigand, Danny Weigand, Wade Minor and Chad Weigand. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Stockton, Al Maddox, Mike Stahl and Ron Mueller.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral chapel.

Bob was born Dec. 6, 1919, in the family home north of Warrensburg, the son of Forrest Allen English and Jessie B. (Martin) English. He graduated from Farmers High School in 1937. He attended the University of Missouri in Columbia for one year where he studied veterinary medicine. He worked at the University Book Store where he learned all about fountain pens and fell in love with the office products industry. During this time, he met Rayda M. “Jane” Holladay and the couple was married on Dec. 7, 1940. The couple moved to Kansas City where Bob worked at Schooley Office Supply. In 1943, he enlisted in the United States Navy, having served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II where he was storekeeper second class. He was discharged from active duty in 1945 and, shortly after, he returned to Schooley Office Supply for a time. Bob eventually went to work for Federal Office Products in Kansas City where he was a Kansas territorial salesman. In 1955, the couple moved to Topeka.

They returned to Kansas City in 1960 where he owned and operated Cardinal Office Supply. Next, he was employed with Cole Steel Distribution Center where he was a branch manager. Bob met Leora Janice “Lee” Bell and the couple married on Nov. 3, 1967, in Kansas City, Kansas. In 1968, Bob and Leora started Office Suppliers in Warrensburg and ran it for the next 20 years. They eventually sold the business and started Trash & Treasures Flea Market in Warrensburg. More recently, the couple owned and operated Country Office Supply until retiring. Bob was active in Junior Achievement in years past as well as a Boy Scout Leader. He was on the Liberty Cemetery Board for many years. Bob enjoyed raising cattle on their farm and also loved music, fishing and nature.

Survivors include a son, Greg English, and wife, Nancy, of Cameron, Missouri; two daughters, Susan English, of Blue Springs, Missouri; and Christina Wieland and husband, Tim, of Warrensburg; five grandchildren, Carie Roy, Tracie Sussman, Angie Ayers, Ethan Wieland and Zane Wieland; and three great-grandchildren, Raziah Ayers, Sophia Roy and Olivia Sussman. He was preceded in death by his wife, Leora, on June 26, 2006; and three sisters, Dorothy Stockton Sims, Nadine Minor and Florence Twohey.

 

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Veteran’s Assistance League at the Warrensburg Veterans Home.

Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfuneralchapel.net.