Robert Q. Lewis  died July 30, 2019, at Littleton, CO, care facility.  He moved to that area from his longtime home in Independence, MO, to be near a niece.

Bob’s parents were so proud that he won a baby contest when he was quite small and his photograph appeared in the local newspaper.  He was born July 16, 1928, at Topeka, Kansas, the son of Raymond and Virginia Short Lewis.

The family moved often while he was growing up which meant changing schools many times, but he graduated from Central High School in Kansas City in three years.  He played trumpet in the band, carrying on the Lewis family musical tradition.  He was a copy boy at the Associated Press before going to the Army, training at Ft. McClellan, Alabama.  After being dispatched to Korea, he performed guard duty near the 38th parallel as a member of the occupation forces.  He has vivid memories of freezing cold weather!  Discharged from the Army in 1948, he attended the University of Kansas for three years, studying pre-engineering.  After working at Westinghouse and Bendix Aviation, he lost his job, along with many other people in that field, and entered the trucking business through a friend.  Trucking became his life work and he was associated with Armour Truck Lines, Phillips Petroleum, and the Becker Corporation in Minnesota, Texas and Kansas City, as well as working in the oil patch with Phillips.  A dock accident forced him to retire at the age of 66.  H enjoyed wine and food testing events, traveling, reading, and following the stock market.  Traveling included World Travelers trips to the Caribbean, Acapulco, Nassau, the Bahamas, Las Vegas, the Super Bowl, and the Indianapolis Races.    At one time he was president of the singles group from Second Presbyterian Church of Kansas City.  He ‘surprised’ his sister’s family in Denver every Christmas with a huge box of steaks and other delicious foods, sometimes too much to fit in her freezer, but greatly appreciated.  At the age of 80 Bob underwent open heart surgery, including a triple by-pass and valve replacement.  He amazed everyone by returning home in less than a month, even with stairs to climb in his townhouse!

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister Jean Frudeger.

Survivors include, nephew John Frudeger, niece Jan Barreth (Ric), great-nephews Josh and Mitch Barreth, all of Colorado.

Graveside services planned for 11 a.m. Thursday, August 8, at the Powhattan Cemetery.  Military honors will be a courtesy of the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com