Robert W. Dell

Dr. Reverend Robert (Bob) W. Dell went to be with God two days after his 81st birthday, early afternoon on January 16, 2020. He was surrounded by his wife and children and other loved ones. Bob will be remembered by all as a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a gentle servant of the Lord and shared his gifts with many throughout his years as teacher and pastor.

Bob was born January 14, 1939, to Samuel Milton (S.M.) and Miriam Dell and raised in McPherson, KS. Bob’s parents both worked at McPherson College for a combined 83 years so it was no surprise that he chose to attend McPherson College. Bob graduated with highest honors with a degree in Philosophy and Religion. He married Emilie Rowland, from Hutchinson, KS, June 19, 1961. The first few years of their marriage were filled with more education. Bob was awarded his Master of Divinity from Bethany Seminary in Chicago. He moved with Emilie to Madison, New Jersey to attend graduate school and begin his Ph.D studies at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. Bob then attended Phillips University in Marburg, Germany while working on his dissertation.

Bob continued in the education field and moved his family to Manchester, IN where he taught Philosophy and Religion for seven years at Manchester College. They then moved to Bremen, IN with their four children in 1975 where he served as a pastor for the Church of the Brethren for 13 years. He continued to pastor after moving to Pennsylvania as Senior Pastor at Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren, an interim at York First Church of the Brethren, an interim at Red Lion United Church of Christ, and the Codorus Church of the Brethren where he served as Senior Pastor until his retirement in 2006.

Bob and Emilie retired back to his home town of McPherson, KS. Since returning to Kansas, has spent many hours expanding and sharing his hobby of photography. He has continued to serve in many ways within his local church and the district. He will be remembered within the Church of the Brethren as having been a faithful and loving servant for many, many years.

Even in death, Bob will continue to give. His family was blessed that through Midwest Transplant Network, Bob was able to donate his liver to another family in need.

He leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Emilie; his sisters, Leona Ikenberry, MaryJo Christy; children, Krista (Bruce) Wine, Jay (Heather) Dell, Melia (Kevin) Jones, Sean (Jane) Dell; grandchildren, Dinae (Stephen) Chichester, Micah (Annie) Wine, Adrian Wine, Camden Wine, Bryson Wine, Miranda Jones, Keenan Wine, Chloe Dell, Kirsten Wine, Noah Jones, Sophie Dell; great-grandchildren, Brittany Chichester, Reuben Chichester, Mycaiah Chichester, Simeon Chichester, Kristiana Chichester, Solomon Chichester, Izzibella Wine, Evangeline Chichester, Malichi Wine, Jonathon Chichester, Michael Wine.

Robert W. Dell will be greatly missed by all. He said it best himself: “(I) hope, of course, that there will have been some lasting impact from (my) work here, but rejoice even more that the most significant legacy that (I) share with you is the powerful good news of Christ, continuing to work …as you seek to “love as Jesus has loved you”. “

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, January 24, 2020, at McPherson Church of the Brethren.

The family suggests that should you feel led, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be given to the Haiti Water Project (through the McPherson Church of the Brethren) in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Robert W. Dell please visit our Sympathy Store.