Roger Lawrence Cobb, “Pops,” age 66, of Leawood, KS, passed away peacefully at home on January 14, 2020.
Roger was born in Great Bend, KS, to Grover and Fan Cobb. He was the third of eight children.
The son of a homemaker and a broadcaster, Roger attended Great Bend High School. While attending the University of Kansas, he met Cynthia (Cindy) Ann O’Neill, the fourth child of Marge and Jack O’Neill of Prairie Village, KS.
Shortly after their first date, Roger told a close friend that he had just met “the girl I’m going to marry.” After graduation and their wedding in 1975 they settled in Prairie Village, KS. Married for 44 years, they raised four children and welcomed nine grandchildren, with a tenth on the way. Roger’s children and his grandchildren known as the “Cousin Crew” were the light of his life.
A sales and marketing professional by trade, Roger’s foremost commitments in life were to family and friends. His love languages were fun and laughter, and there has never been a more devoted and generous husband, father, Pops, sibling, friend, uncle, in-law, coach or teacher than he. His unique combination of humor and kindness will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. He was a highly creative practical joker and typically the funniest person in every room he entered. He was a lover of gadgets and technology and a consummate handyman.
Roger enjoyed playing sports and creating music with his family. He was a coach for his children’s teams and delighted in getting to know all of the kids who participated. Annual Fourth of July parties at the Cobb home showcased his homemade barbecue and the One Nation Under God Band, a three-generation family group featuring Roger on guitar.
Roger loved to travel, and he, Cindy and the kids enjoyed many memorable vacations together to Fiji, Bora Bora, Aitutaki, Ireland and their beloved Bull Shoals Lake in the Ozark Mountains, where the kids and Cousin Crew earned their fishing chops.
Roger is survived by his wife Cindy, his children Roger Cobb, Jr., Wyatt Cobb (Natalie), Molly Schapker (Tim) and Maggie Zahner (Joe), his grandchildren Walker, Caroline and Grace Cobb, Martin and Simon Schapker, and Tulie, Colin, Molly Scarlett and Brady Zahner, his siblings Ty Cobb (Leigh), Randy Cobb, Susan Cobb (Kate Shea), Betsy Leonard (Larry), Phillip Cobb and Julie Budreau (Danny), his sister-in-law Jeannine Herrera, his brother-in-law Kevin O’Neill (Liz), and dozens of Cobb and O’Neill nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews whom Roger adored.
Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 18th at St. Ann Catholic Church, 7231 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS 66208. Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 a.m.
A special thank you to Roger’s medical team, friends, and neighbors who provided invaluable love and support.
In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to:
AdventHealth Foundation Shawnee Mission https://www.foundationforsmmc.org/make-a-gift (913) 676-2055
Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC.
Roger lives on in his incredible family
We will all miss you deeply, Rog! Such a wonderful brother.
Incredible Man, Incredible Family, Incredible life! Thank you Roger & the entire Cobb family for always being there, especially when we needed you most. We love the Cobb Family!!
Devastating news to hear that such a well-centered and vibrant member of our hometown alumni passes at such a young age; Roger had a welcome presence and boundless energy that we all strive to match – – he always had a kind smile and a thoughtful remark; truly a kindred spirit. I lift up fervent pray for his family that their’s might be a true celebration with cleansing grief that dissolves easily. God will rush to shake hands with Roger. God Blessings to all.
God bless you my friend. Never a dull moment with you around. You have your wings. JP Postlethwaite
Gone too soon. Such a man of integrity. May God comfort his family with all the fond memories and the legacy he’s leaving behind.
He will truly be missed at the GBHS class of 71 reunions. We’re going to miss his smiling face and friendly conversations. RIP Roger. Till we all meet again.
John and Peggy Bartholomew
He was one of a kind…he will be tremendously missed??
Wow!! I’m heartbroken … he was such a beautiful person ❤️Sending a ton of love and prayers to your beautiful family ❤️
Cindy and kids – What a wonderful, selfless man! My heart grieves for you all but so thankful for the incredible memories Roger created for you all together. I hope you remember these special times and they warm your heart even while it’s still breaking. I’m so glad to have known him and the legacy he created with your amazing kids and grandkids.
So very sorry I remember all of you from First Presbyterian church
So deeply sorry to hear this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. His infectious smile and vibrant personality will be remembered always.
Roger will be greatly missed by many. May the loving arms of God and Jesus hold all of his family and comfort them. Great memories from our growing up at First Presbyterian in Great Bend and all of our Class of 1971 reunions. May he Rest In Peace. Prayers for all that love Roger.
Roger was one of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever met. I will always be so thankful for his support and love- I hope he’s enjoying tea with my grandparents, his sister Jennifer and his father up in Heaven as I type. Sending all my love to his siblings and Cindy- they’ve been nothing but gracious to me and mine for the longest time, and I hope all the Cobbs can find peace and comfort despite this huge loss.
I met Roger while I was doing a focus group facilitation and he was one of the participants. His presence in the group was that of a negotiator and truly kind spirit. He wanted to help build consensus in the room. I broke the rules and ended up meeting with him afterwards because I was so impressed. You could tell he created great vibes no matter what room he was in. I’m so so sorry to hear of this news.
I saw the paper this morning and I saw a friend I haven’t had contact with for about 40 years. We were introduced by a mutual friend and played softball for a while,” The Ball Park Franks”, where every jersey had the name Frank on the back. Roger and Cindy were fun people to be around and those were good days. I send my condolences to Cindy, the kids and the grandchildren as they have lost a great and a good man in their life.
My deepest sympathy to the whole Cobb family. You have all been very special in my life. Planned on coming to the service, but since the weather isn’t cooperating will not be able to. Will keep you all in my prayers. May God bless all of you. Renee Phillips
We are all praying for you mightily and fondly remember Roger as the most kind and vivacious man, especially rooting for his SME basketball team. Love you all.
Roger, Wyatt Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family. Roger Sr. built a platform that extends well beyond 66 short years… Sorry for your loss… Tom & Linda
One great brother. Always had a smile on his face. He never met a stranger. Treated everyone like they were his best friend. I will miss him terribly. Love you Rog.
My sympathies to all of you with the loss of Roger. May you all feel the loving arms of God surrounding you with support , strength and His love.
Hi Betsy from Bitsy. Hearts are breaking so sorry to hear this. Sweet thoughts for the Cobb family.
Roger’s infectious smile, sparkling eyes, and wicked wit never failed to brighten my day. I feel lucky to have known him as a friend; but, more fortunate to have had a role in his medical care. To face what he had to deal with while maintaining a sense of humor is one of the strongest demonstrations of courage I know. He was able to do it because his heart was so big. See you later, Roger!
Roger was a great coach at Prairie and a better man. I have some very fond memories of the time we had together. Sending lots of love to the Cobb family!!
Very sorry to hear that Roger died. Thoughts and prayers for the entire extended Cobb family.
All my love to the magnificent Cobb clan – I’m glad I got to meet Roger.
I hope everyone feels better soon.
I didn’t know Roger. I am a GBHS classmate of Ty Cobb. My sister in law, Karen Sanders , told me of Rogers passing. Bob and Karen can’t say enough kind words about their good friend.
My sincere condolences to the entire clan. Especially to Ty Cobb.
I would like to have Ty’s contact info as we recently moved to Summerville SC to be with our kids and grandkids
Peace Be With You
So many fun memories watching our girls play basketball together. You will be truly missed. Prayers to your family!
Linda and Jim Miller
We are so sorry to hear of this news. Had we known at the time, we would have celebrated Roger’s life with your family at his memorial service. Roger was a great light. We always enjoyed our time spent around him. Many condolences to your family. He will be sorely missed.
Shocked and saddened about your loss. I have very fond memories of working with Roger in the mid seventies at Ride On. Lost touch over the years but I never forgot his unique personality. Rodger and Cindy were always so pleasant to be around. My sincere condolences to Cindy and family and to all who knew him.
So sorry to hear of Roger’s passing! Lots of fond memories as kids living on Cleveland in Great Bend. (Bitsy’s family moved into our house when we moved to Kansas City.). In reading these remembrances it is clear that Roger’s legacy is truly one of love and happiness!
Roger was my fellow high school class-mate from Great Bend Senior High in 1971. Although we knew of each other and respected each other during that time, it wasn’t until 7.5 years ago that Roger and I rekindled an old high school acquaintance into a late middle-age friendship. I too am an incurable prostate cancer patient. And it was upon this that our fates are tied and a friendship grew. Roger checked on me a lot, and I also checked in with him. He was my go to source for the latest information about our struggle. He gave me hope when things seem hopeless. I last saw him personally at our high school reunion, and he was glad to see me also. I last spoke with him right before Christmas 2019. I am grateful to the Creator and the Universe that Roger’s path and mine have crossed. My life was made better for it. So, I continue to fight on with Roger’s memory and spirit as a guide. Face adversity with Love. That is the lesson I learned from Roger. Godspeed to you, Roger Cobb.