Obituary of Robert W. Kingsolver
Robert W. Kingsolver, age 90, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, November 16, 2016, at his home.
Bob was the second of four children born to John H. and O. Roberta (Buhrle) Kingsolver. He was born on July 17, 1926, in Independence, Missouri. Bob grew up in Independence, Missouri, attending school there and graduating from Northeast High School in Kansas City, Missouri. Following high school, he served in the U.S. Navy. Bob was a veteran of WWII, serving on the USS Colorado in the Pacific Theatre. Following the war, he returned to Kansas City where he earned his degree from the University of Kansas City School of Pharmacy in 1950. Robert was united in marriage to Frances L. Poston on August 6, 1948, in Independence, Missouri. This union was blessed with one daughter, Billie.
He began his career as a Pharmacist at Muir’s Pharmacy in Raytown, Missouri, working there until later taking a job at Brown’s Pharmacy in Independence, Missouri. In 1961 Bob purchased Graves Drug Store in Garnett. He owned and operated Kingsolver Drugs until 1992.
Over the years Bob enjoyed many activities, including, horseback riding, waterskiing, earning his pilot’s license, riding his motorcycle and driving his Corvette. Their daughter, Billie, was included in most all of Bob’s activities. Bob took up motorcycling at the age of 69 with the encouragement of Frances. They even made a trip to California, with Bob on the motorcycle and Frances following in the SUV with the trailer. Bob enjoyed his guns, trap shooting and target practice. In his retirement Bob always remained busy with his yard and his farm. Bob was a devoted husband, caring for Frances throughout her declining health and after she was unable to remain at home, he continued taking her for rides around the area and visiting her daily.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John H. Kingsolver and Roberta Kingsolver Miller; his wife, Frances Kingsolver on January 13, 2013; two brothers, Glenn H. and John M. Kingsolver, Sr.; three nephews, David H. Kingsolver, Donald L. Quakenbush, and J. Keith Quakenbush.
Robert is survived by his daughter, Billie Kingsolver of Olathe, Kansas; sister, Velma Haden and husband, Ron, of San Diego, California; sister-in-law, Louise Kingsolver of Ozark, Missouri; nieces and nephews, John M. Jr. and Ann Kingsolver, Steven and Pam Kingsolver, Christine and Paul Knick; cousins, Cheryl Walton and Vince Walton; great nieces and nephews John Miles and Sarah Kingsolver, Travis Kingsolver, Jason and Amanda Kingsolver, Emily and Kyle Meisner, Steven Kingsolver and Paul Knick; great great nieces and nephews, Lily, Charlotte and Myles Kingsolver, Henry and Myra Kingsolver.