Robert "Bob"

Robert R. "Bob" Coe, 80, of McPherson passed away Friday, January 20, 2012, at Via Christi-St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Wichita.

He was born January 5, 1932, in Salina, Kansas, the son of C.L. "Cotton" and Dorothy (Rea) Coe. In 1954, he married Marlene Myers from Abilene. She preceded him in death in 1979. Bob was also preceded in death by his parents.

Later, in 1981, Bob married the former Linda Bender from Russell.

Bob was a Certified Public Accountant and the owner of the Robert R. Coe, CPA accounting firm in McPherson. He was a life member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts, a life member and former board member of the Kansas Society of Certified Public Accountants, and a member of the Central Kansas Chapter of Certified Public Accountants. He has chaired and served on various Kansas CPA committees. He was also the business manager of Isis Shrine Temple in Salina for a few years and worked part-time for Lacy-Regehr Motors.

He was a member of McPherson Masonic Lodge #172, the Salina Scottish Rite, and York Rite Bodies, and the Isis Shrine Temple. He was a former member of the Isis Shrine Oriental Band and, since 1968, has been a member of the Isis Clowns, serving as their President in 1983. He enjoyed taking part in the parades and doing appearances at hospitals and nursing homes as a "D'Lion" with the tail. Bob also was a member and Past President of McPherson Shrine Club.

Bob belonged to the Boy Scouts of American for over 50 years and was an Eagle Scout, Scoutmaster, and Santa Fe District Chairman for the Quivira Council for three years. Additionally, he served as executive and advisory board member of the Quivira Council (Wichita) and received the Distinguished Service Award in 1980 and the Silver Beaver Award in 1982.

Bob was a Past President of the First United Methodist Church Board for two years, was a member, past board member, and officer of McPherson Country Club, a former member of the United Way Board, a member of the Elks Lodge, American Legion, V.F.W., and past member of the Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Coe was a graduate of Kansas State University, where he belonged to the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He was a member of the KSU Ahearn Club, President's Club, and Emeritus Member of the Foundation's Board of trustees, as well as a life member of the Alumni Association. He was known to frequently wear the purple and white colors and enjoyed attending KSU athletic events and hosting many tailgate functions over the years at home football games.

Bob was a veteran of the U.S. Army Finance Corps and served in Germany from 1954 to 1956 at Germany's version of Annapolis, located by the North Sea.

Survivors include: his wife, Linda of the home; a son Robert W. Coe of Sacramento, CA; a daughter, Caren Ann Sparks and husband, Buster, of Overland Park, KS; and granddaughter, Kelsie Marie Coe, who is a pre-med student at the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, January 24, at First United Methodist Church. Pastor Karen Rice Ratzlaff will officiate the service. Burial, with Military Honors and Masonic Rites, will be in McPherson Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:00 PM Monday at Stockham Family Funeral Home, with the family receiving friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

Memorial donations may be given to the Isis Shrine Hospital Travel Fund or the Kansas State University Ahearn Club Athletic Fund. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Robert "Bob" please visit our Sympathy Store.