October 19, 1930 – May 3, 2020
The Reverend Robert Turrell Pattie, father of four, youngest child of five, husband, grandfather, accomplished whistler and bird caller, frustrated golfer, table napkin doodler, amateur landscaper, never-ending basement finisher, almost pro deck builder, piano player by ear, and the all-encompassing sports enthusiast, passed away at the age of 89 on Sunday morning, May 3, 2020.
Robert, or Bob, or Bobby if you are a close family member, loved life and loved people. Those who knew him often described him as supportive and encouraging, gentle and wise, and always the calm presence in a storm. Those that knew Bob will never forget him and his “never met a stranger” attitude towards life.
He was born on October 19, 1930 in Williamsburg, Kan., in the home where he grew up. He was the youngest of five children born to Luke Turrell and Grace Permilia (Harlan) Pattie. Upon graduating from high school, he attended Washburn University with a football scholarship and majored in graphic art. After college, Bob decided to join the Air Force until 1957 when he changed his profession and entered the Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City. He graduated in May 1960 and continued studying a two-year residency in chaplaincy and clinical pastoral education in Houston, Texas. Bob was a highly respected chaplain for many years in different venues following his training in Houston working in Detroit, Mich., Hays, Kan., Newton, Kan., and Topeka, Kan. Bob eventually retired from chaplaincy work and retired in Lawrence, Kan.
While in college at Washburn, Bob’s attention turned to (in his own words) “a Doris Day look-alike with pretty blonde hair and a beautiful smile.” Carlene Cheryll Howell and Bob were married on August 12, 1951 in the First Congregational Church of Topeka, Kan. Carlene preceded Bob in death on February 4, 2005.
Bob is survived by four children who will miss him dearly: Julie Ann Mead and her husband Lynn, Janelle Ione Hood and her husband Steve, Joshua Turrell Pattie and Joel Carlston Pattie. He enjoyed spending time with his four grandchildren, Nicole Mead Ploger, Dustin Mead, Elizabeth Pattie and Aidan Hood. Bob was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Jaxon Ploger and Jemma Ploger.
Bob is also survived by his partner, Dory Rogers, Indianapolis, one sister, Joan Carey, Lawrence, Kan., and several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held in Williamsburg, Kan., at a date to be determined later. A celebration of life service will be held this summer in Lawrence, Kan.
Memorials in Bob Pattie’s honor may be given to Williamsburg Cemetery Fund Mt. Hope, P.O. Box 17 Williamsburg, KS 66095, or the Alzheimer’s Association. All are encouraged to leave a condolence or to sign The Rev. Pattie’s guestbook at fisherfunerals.com. Fisher Family Funeral Services is honored to serve the Pattie Family.