In Memory

Bob Kim

Robert “Bob” Don Kim

Robert “Bob” Don Kim was born on December 12, 1942 to Arnold and Marie (Regier) Kim in Hutchinson, KS. His early childhood was spent on a rented farm in the Hoffnungsau Community, near Inman, KS. His growing up years would be spent on a family farm on the edge of Hesston, KS. It was there that he would receive his elementary school education. He began his high school education at the Mennonite Academy, in Hesston, and after two years transferred to Newton High School from which he graduated. Bob continued his education by attending the American Business College in Wichita.
It was while a student at American Business College that he met the love of his life and marriage partner, Delta Mae Dooling, with whom he spent 56 wonderful years, until her death on February 22, 2019. They were married on July 21, 1962 in Hominy, OK.
Bob’s vocational career began by pursuing personnel and accountant opportunities. This journey was interrupted when in response to the military draft, Bob served for two years, 1966-1968, in an Alternative Service Assignment at a General Hospital in Evanston, IL. Upon his completion, he returned to Wichita to begin a new career opportunity with King Van Lines, then transferring to Straub Implement, where he worked as an accountant until his retirement.
Following his retirement, Bob expressed an interest in continuing to work, but not for money. He now wanted to serve his Lord by serving the needs of humanity. His new calling was to help others. And serving others he did by volunteering at St. Joseph Hospital, Salvation Army Food Pantry, Lord’s Diner, Union Rescue Mission, Serving Elderly Widows, and last, but certainly not least, maintaining and improving the landscape surrounding GraceFirst Church.
Throughout Bob’s life, the church became a central focus. He was baptized upon the confession of his personal faith in Jesus Christ in June 1957 at the First Mennonite Church in Newton, KS. While living in Wichita Bob enjoyed attending and serving in the Lorraine Mennonite Church, and the GraceFirst, Evangelical Free Church. He always expressed a desire to have others commit to a Faith in Jesus Christ and to serve others through the church.
So what did Bob enjoy when he wasn’t working or serving others? He enjoyed spectator sports. Basketball and Baseball with the Wichita Shockers. And Baseball with the Dodgers, Royals, and Cubs. Just one week before he died he was interested in knowing which teams were playing in the 2022 College World Series in Omaha.
Also on Bob’s to enjoy list were drives around town with Delta and frequently stopping at Jimmie’s Diner, on Rock Road, for a Special Celebration meal.
How will Bob be remembered? The color Red. Gospel Music. Generous, Kind, and Giving Spirit. Committed and Trustworthy. Strong, Honest, Straight Forward, and Precise. Loyal and Faithful.
The journey of a loving husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandpa came to a close on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 in the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice Center, Wichita, following just 30 days of diagnosing and treating a terminal cancer.
Bob is survived in life by a daughter, Deborah; three grandsons, Billy, Kyle, and Aaron; and seven great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his only brother, Marlin and wife Betta of Moundridge, KS, along with a number of nephews and one niece.
Preceding Bob in death were his parents, his wife, and an infant brother.
Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Saturday, July 2, 2022, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Funeral Service will be at 3:00 pm, Sunday, July 3, 2022, at GraceFirst. Graveside Service will be at 11:00 am, Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at Hoffnungsau Cemetery, Inman, KS.
A memorial has been established with GraceFirst, 14725 E. Harry St., Wichita, KS 67230.