Robert “Bob” Bolin, of Excelsior Springs, passed away because of Alzheimer’s Disease at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond on Oct. 16, 2020.

Bob was born on March 13, 1935, the third child of Merl Virgil Bolin and Gladys Cynthia (Dixson) Bolin.

Bob spent his youth playing in the countryside of Randolph County and following his older siblings around to the local schoolhouse until his father was called to war in 1945. At that time, his mother moved Bob and his six siblings to the city of Moberly, where he and his beloved sister, Betty Jo, spent their time bicycling, swimming in a watering hole near the local train station and making it their home until Bob’s graduation in 1954 from Moberly Area Community College.

Following graduation, Bob moved to Kansas City to pursue a career in the metal industry, working for several well-known companies until finally settling in as salesman for the Ryerson Tull, Inc., from where he would eventually retire.

While in Kansas City, Bob met and married his first wife, Dottie Beadles. Born to that marriage were three children, Robert Keith Bolin, Gary Lee (Kelly) Bolin and Cheryl Ann (John) Eagles.

In June of 1991, five years after Bob and Dottie had parted ways, Bob found love again after being set up on a blind date by his older sister, Betty Jo; and in June of 1992, Bob married C. Racene Bolin.

Bob was known as a selfless man with a huge heart that was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was a good friend to all and dedicated to his family, always emphasizing the importance of education and always doing what he could to ensure his family was taken care of.

He enjoyed boating, working on John Deere tractors, ice cream and coffee. He was a member of the U.S. Army Reserve and a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church of Excelsior Springs and the United Methodist Men’s group. Bob was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, son and brother.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Donald, Larry and Lester; brother-in-law, Roy Gibler; and his sister, Betty Jo.

He is survived by his wife, Racene; his sisters, Mary Ann Gibler, Janet (Raymond) Dailey and Patsy Kay Bailey; and his three children. He also is survived by his 10 beloved grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Services were held Saturday, Oct.17, 2020.

Donations in Bob’s name may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Excelsior Springs.

Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.