Robert Paul “Bob” Wilson age 75 of Leawood, KS, passed from this life on November 19, 2020, due to complications of Covid-19.
Bob was born on February 22, 1945, in Denver, CO, the oldest child of Lyle J and Marian (Chisham) Wilson. After moving frequently as a child, he attended high school in Paradise Valley AZ and Valley Center KS where he graduated in 1963 after earning varsity letters in football and music. He attended Wichita State University where he played trombone and studied music education, receiving his bachelor’s degree in January 1969.
After college, he earned his teaching certificate and taught instrumental and vocal music in Colorado and the Kansas City area for five years before moving into band instrument sales and service. He spent the latter half of his working life in the insurance industry. He retired after many years as a professional trainer for Overland Solutions, Inc. teaching others how to become insurance adjusters. He was a dedicated employee who was well-respected by those he worked with and mentored.
He was an integral part of the Overland Park Municipal Orchestra for decades as principal trombone. He also played in several dance bands in the area. He loved to share his passion for music with everyone, and especially looked forward to the annual performance of The Nutcracker at Christmas time.
As a faithful follower of Christ, he was an active member of the Hope Alive congregation in Overland Park, KS. He attended worship regularly and counted his church friends among his family. Over the years, he volunteered in the nursery, taught Sunday School and lead many adult Bible study groups.
Known to be somewhat of a goofball, he was famous for telling awful “dad jokes” and dressing in silly costumes and loud shirts. He always had a welcome smile and a hug for just about anyone. He was a dedicated sports fan who enjoyed attending Royals baseball games, watching the Chiefs play football and cheering on his alma mater the WSU Shockers. He always knew where to find the best Mexican restaurant in any part of town and had a fondness for BBQ and good cigars. He will be dearly missed.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Aline S Wilson; younger sister Beverly (Dave) Marsh of Wichita KS, daughters Andrea (Jerry) Branchcomb of Ankeny IA and Kathy Wilson (Thomas Younce) of Pleasant Hill MO; stepdaughters Lucille (Gerard) McAleese of Portland OR, Liz Ahloe of Leawood KS, Barbara (Richard) Wiens of Leawood KS, Tina (Tony) Holden of Tulsa OK and Amy Kingsbury of Hood River OR; eleven grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held at a later date.
I remember Bob playing and joking around in the Overland Park Orchestra. So sorry for your loss . My thoughts and prayers go your friends and family.
I remember Bob as my favorite friend and fellow musician in the OP Orchestra. My numerous memories of seeing him in front of my tympani at the rehearsals and performances are special to me. He and I would joke and talk at the breaks and concert intermissions. We formed a musical bond knowing that when he played, I should be playing too. I rarely got lost at the performances because of Bob. I will always treasure these precious memories of Bob.
I played in the Overland Park Orchestra with Bob. Being in, first, the trumpet section, and then later with the horns. I worked closely with him for a couple of decades or so and enjoyed his work on the trombone. I remember I sat close to him in the Nutcracker Performances of 2019 in the pit orchestra at Yardley Hall. He always had a smile for me and friendly words. He called me “Danny,” which I had given up for the more grown up sounding “Dan” years ago — but it seemed a way to show his friendliness and felt just right coming from him. Sometimes he would help me evaluate instruments and mouthpieces, as he did between shows in this last Nutcracker production. He showed both interest and insight, with a bright smile and encouraging comments. I want to express my sorrow for the family’s loss, and I will miss him too.