December 28, 1933 - March 12, 2024
Robert Pottenger Weir Jr. of rural Osawatomie, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Lifecare Center of Osawatomie.
Robert (Bob) Weir was born December 28, 1933, to Bonnie Nadine (Fisher) and Robert P. Weir Sr. in Kansas City, MO. He attended numerous elementary, middle and high schools around the states of Missouri and Illinois.
Bob was drafted into the army in 1953, and served until 1962. During his time stationed in Germany, he corresponded with a girl back in KC, Paula Bruce, a daughter of his mother’s high school friend.
On August 11, 1961, Bob married Paula.
In April 1962, the couple welcomed Lisa (Weir) Benton, followed by Robert (Rob) Weir in September 1965 and Erin Weir in June 1969.
After the army, Bob worked as a stagehand in numerous Kansas City theaters, which provided Bob colorful stories; A family favorite was when Bob would recount helping Florence Henderson off stage. Then Bob followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the automotive parts industry. He enjoyed success as a salesman as he would recall not through his father’s gift of gab, but through the sheer fear of having a young family to support.
Being on the road and separated from Paula and the kids, Bob ventured into building his dream of being an independent businessman. For nearly 40 years, Weir Auto Parts and the Osawatomie community gave Bob stability, friendship and purpose. Whether it was problem solving car difficulties, talking politics or providing a strong cup of coffee, Weir Auto Parts provided Bob friendships that lasted to the end of his life. Bob enjoyed go-cart racing, being on the farm with Paula, and being loved by his dogs and cats.
As a family, we are thankful that the Osawatomie community not only supported Bob and his endeavors, but also Paula, Lisa, Rob, and Erin,
In Bob’s final two months, he found new friendships with the Lifecare staff and the members of the Good Shepherd Hospice group.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife Paula, daughter Erin, parents Robert and Nadine Weir, and sister Judy Ladda.
He is survived by daughter and son-in-law Lisa and Kerry Benton, son and daughter-in-law Rob and Shelly Weir, grandchildren Drew Benton, Amy Benton, Jordan Benton, Nicole Benton, Dylan Weir and Zoe Weir, as well as his sister Betty Dobson.
A celebration of Bob and Paula’s life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to be made to the OZ food pantry and/or Over the Rainbow Community Garden Club c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary-Paola Chapel.