Robert O’Connor

Jul 23, 2020 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2020 | 5 comments

Robert E. O’Connor (76) passed away on July 21, 2020. Bob was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on September 20, 1943 to George and Helen O’Connor. He graduated from St. Louis University High School and then went on to St. Louis University, where he received a degree in Business. After receiving his degree, Bob served in the Navy, reaching the rank Lieutenant. Bob started his career as a sales representative for Honeywell, at that time one of the top 3 computer firms. In the early 1970’s he moved to Kansas City to join United Computing Systems, then a leader in the new field of time-sharing computing. He spent a decade at United Computing in various positions including VP of Human Resources. In 1983 he launched a new management consulting firm, which he ran for the next decade. He later joined the start-up telecom division of Black and Veatch.

Bob married his wife Donna (Becker) after a whirlwind courtship on August 26, 1967. Together they created a beautiful family of five children and 16 grandchildren with many wonderful memories of Colorado family vacations, holiday celebrations and lots of laughter. Their home was always full of love and chaos with their children, grandchildren, children’s friends, and a variety of pets. Bob was an avid soccer player throughout his life, playing for both for his high school and club team. One of his favorite memories to share was his club team’s national championship title where they went 33-0-1. After his playing career ended, Bob went on to share his passion with hundreds of children as he coached his children’s and grandchildren’s youth soccer teams. Bob adored his grandchildren and spent hours attending their events and cheering them on.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, George O’Connor. He is survived by his wife Donna of 52+ years; children Lauren (Darin) Heyen, Beth McMahill, Kate O’Connor, Mike (Erin) O’Connor and Matt (Jen) Gray-O’Connor;grandchildren Kalyn, Madeline, Megan, Danielle, Tommy, Jake, Sean, Sophie, Max, Pete, Grady, Helen, Owen, Fiona, Colin and Avi; sisters Ann (Barry) Stevens, Jackie (Bob) Wall and Mary (Kurt) Sinn; sister-in-law Mary Agnes O’Connor and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life with family and friends will be held on Saturday, July 24, 11:00 at St. Ann Church, 7231 Mission Road, Prairie Village, Ks. Afterwards there will be a luncheon where, in true Bob style, we will share lots of stories and a little bit of blarney. Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC

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Kaler and Eileen

2 years ago

Love you Bob. All the best to your wonderful clan

Chris & Rick Winans

2 years ago

Bob will be sorely missed at our gatherings as he always had a wonderful story to tell – generally around soccer! Our condolences to his wonderful family.

Pat OHAGAN

2 years ago

Bob will be missed for his extraordinary way of making you welcomed whenever we entered his home. A great, son, brother ,husband, father and friend. Rest in peace, dear friend.

Jim Wardein

2 years ago

It was a real pleasure to enjoy 30 years of golf and poker with Bob. He was a true gentleman, and a devoted husband and father. RIP, Bob, you will be missed deeply.

Fran Baker

2 years ago

Donna, I’m so sorry to read of Bob’s passing. I know your family will be a wonderful blessing to you at this time, and always. Hugs, Lady.

Kind Words

Thank you both for the patience and understanding on the logistics of BK's funeral arrangements. It was a pleasure to work with you both. My sister, Julie, couldn't have been more pleased. The services you offer are well thought out and executed with compassion.

MHD

Dad has commented several times since mom's passing how her Celebration of Life was such a nice tribute to her and how grateful he was for that process to be handled so smoothly.

Beth W.

You both have exceeded your calling, and I'm so grateful you were there for me.

Marchia

Thank you so much for all of the care and concern you have given our family. We appreciate all of your help in planning the funeral. You did a wonderful job!

The Abram Family

Words will never be enough to properly express our gratitude...Your care for him and your guidance in our hour of need will never be repaid. Thank you, a million times, for you compassion and respectful service.

Nicole

Thank you so much for your compassionate care of our family. You have answered Dad's call to comfort grieving families, and we are so grateful.

Nancy

"Thank you so much for the wonderful help you have been to our family. You met and exceeded our wishes"

Bukeka and Makeda

"You gave us the personal attention that we needed during the process. Thank you for going the extra step for us"

Cynthia

"A giant THANK YOU for your knowledge, care, concern, suggestions and friendship"

Joyce F.

"Thank you so much for coordinating my mom's funeral. You could not have been more respectful and empathetic"

Amy E.

Thanks for making this an easier experience than I could have imagined.

Bill B.

You made the whole experience of losing my Dad so much more bearable thank I could have imagined. Thank you so much for everything.

Paula H.

Thank you again for all of your help, support and encouragement.

Linda S.

I want to thank you and the friend that is making these wonderful white cloths ... whenever I see it it reminds me of a shroud and brings a very pleasant peace.

thank you dear friend

Elaine

I'm Speechless, you are so kind. You made Richard's celebration of Life and awesome experience. Richard and I shared our life together for 45 years and you have put my life in a happier place.
Most Grateful I am, Robert S.

Robert S.

Your service (and that of the other team members at Signature Funerals) was so helpful to my family throughout the aftermath of my dad's death. Thank you again for your sensitive but wide-ranging help and advice. The service and celebration of his life went smoothly and was cathartic to everyone, due in large part to all of you at Signature Funerals.

Katie C.

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With much gratitude and love,

Vicki and family

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Jill H.

Cathy Boomer has a very calming influence and sense of peacefulness about her, even in the most emotional situations. She handled all the details of my mother's passing and funeral with professional dignity. She was unobtrusive but in control of all the little details and we, as a family, relied on her with immense satisfaction.

Nancy H.

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Ralph F.

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Genanne D.

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Sue and Bernie

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Mark R.

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Eleanor P.

I want to thank you, on behalf of my family, and father in particular, beginning with your presence with us the night of mom's passing in her room. You were a calming presence throughout. Your funeral space is lovely and uplifting. It was, indeed, the perfect space for such a somber, but also celebrated gathering. Thank you for your guidance throughout.

Rebecca B.

"Thanks so much for all you did to make our son's service so beautiful so that we could touch the lives of many through him."

Jim and Leslie

"Thank you so very much for all the work you did for Papa. He was the neatest man and I'm so lucky to have had so much time with him. We are grateful."

Cherlyn

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Holly G.

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Brian O.

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Anne E.

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Debbie Brown

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Mabel B.

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Marta Reber Warren

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Andre Player | Vice President Anthem Media Group