Robert Leo "Bob" Willmeth, Sr., 96, completed his earthly journey on March 19, 2026, at Marquis Place in Concordia, Kansas. Bob was born on January 10, 1930, at his family home on the Jewell County line to Earl and Anna (Nichols) Willmeth.

Known affectionately by the nickname "Country," Bob attended Star Country School before graduating from Jewell Rural High School. He continued his education at Kansas State University and later earned his master's degree from Emporia State Teachers College.

On February 21, 1952, Bob married the love of his life, Patricia L. "Pat" Berry, in her family home in Jewell, Kansas. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service. Their first daughter, Barbara Ann, was born at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. Shortly after, Bob was commissioned as an Air Force Lieutenant during the Korean War and served in Japan. During his time overseas, their son, Robert Leo Willmeth, Jr., was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Following his military service, Bob returned home to Jewell during the drought years of the 1950s and began his career in education, teaching and coaching in Ionia, Kansas. During this time, their second daughter, Jeanne Denise, was born in Beloit, Kansas.

In 1960, Bob and Pat moved to Topeka, where he continued his teaching career. While living in Topeka, Bob and Pat generously opened their home to others, sponsoring two exchange students—Anna Rosa Perado of Bolivia and Charles van Megan of the Netherlands—and welcoming a foster son, James Schweizer, into their family.

In 1977, they later return to Jewell to help with the family farm where they were extremely active in their grandkid's lives and their church, the Trinity Methodist Church.

In 2022, Bob and Pat moved to Minneapolis, Kansas, where they enjoyed their retirement and made more great friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his oldest brother, Francis; his sister, Eva (Willmeth) Ward; his youngest brother, Richard; his son Robert Leo Jr.; and son-n-law, Roger Clark Oplinger.

Bob is survived by his wife of 74 years, Pat Willmeth; his daughters, Barbara Oplinger and Jeanne (Bill) Konicek; his foster son, Jim Schweizer (Melody and family). He was a proud grandfather to 10 grandchildren and a great-grandfather to 19 great-grandchildren.

Bob will be remembered for his dedication to education, his service to his country, his voice in the Barber Shop chorus, his generosity of spirit, and his deep love for his family.

Condolences and memorial contributions (donor's choice) may be sent to: Wilson Family Funeral Home, Attn: Bob Willmeth Family, P.O. Box 166, Minneapolis, KS 67467.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.