Robert (Bob) Andrew DeVaughn, 89, passed away Sunday, January 10, 2021 at Parkway Assisted Living, Blue Springs, Missouri.
Bob was born December 12, 1931 in Baltimore, Maryland, the son of Isadore and Thelma (Bossle) DeVaughn.
He is preceded in death by his wife Carol, whom he married on October 1, 1960 in Baltimore, MD. They shared a fabulous 56 years of marriage raising two daughters, Kristen DeVaughn (St. Louis, MO) and Suzie DeVaughn (Kansas City, MO) and shared three wonderful grandchildren, James DeVaughn, Mary and Jack Galkowski.
Bob took great pride faithfully serving in the United States Army during the Korean War and his great love of our country was immeasurable. Following the war, he joined his older brother Gil at Amoco Oil Company where he worked as an accounting supervisor for over 30 years. Their careers afforded them the opportunity to move their families from their hometown of Baltimore to Atlanta in 1972, finally settling in Kansas City in 1979 where he was blessed with early retirement in 1988.
He was a member of St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, Blue Springs, MO, and played golf twice a week with his brother and two special friends for many years. A wise and thrifty man, he always enjoyed his PB&J sandwiches that his wife Carol made him rather than purchasing snacks at the 19th hole.
He was truly a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, uncle, sibling, and friend. He taught his family the value of decency, respect, love of nature, animals, and to just be thankful. He took immense pride in being present in the moment and visiting with his family and friends. He never met a stranger and everyone he met became a good friend.
He had a life-long love affair with baseball, golf, having a nice cold frosty beer (and offering one to anyone who walked in his home, no matter the time of day) and followed most sports, particularly his favorite teams, KC Chiefs and Royals. He relished in sharing memorable sports moments and statistics, dating as far back as the Eisenhower administration.
Bob loved a good meal. Never leaving a crumb on his plate, when he could, he always made certain that 10% was always saved to share with his dogs, whom he adored over the years and their daily walks became a permanent fixture in the neighborhood.
He took fashion cues from no one. His signature every day look was his comfortable grey pants, easy slip on blue crocs, t-shirt and a red cardigan, sometimes paired with a grass-stained Royals or Mizzou baseball cap.
He adored his siblings; his brother Gil and sister Nancy (preceded in death), and his younger siblings Rich and Liz with whom he enjoyed catching up as often as possible.
He spent close to 20 years volunteering in the cafeteria at St John LaLande Catholic School, long after his grandson James graduated.
Survivors include his daughters, Kristy DeVaughn, St. Louis, MO, Suzie DeVaughn, Kansas City, MO, grandsons James DeVaughn, Kansas City, MO, Jack Galkowski, Ballwin, MO, granddaughter Mary Galkowski, Ballwin, MO, brother Richard DeVaughn, Exeter, NH, and sister Elizabeth Gibbons, Baltimore, MD, and many nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly. He is preceded in death by his wife Carol, his parents, Isadore and Thelma DeVaughn, brother Gilbert DeVaughn, Overland Park, MO, and sister Nancy Hofmann, Winston Salem, NC.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Meyers Funeral Chapel, 1600 W. Main St., Blue Springs, MO, 64015. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions in Robert’s name may be given to VA Heartland Network – Kansas City VA Medical Center. Memories of Robert and words of comfort for his family may be shared at www.meyersfuneralchapel.com.
Please take time to view a family tribute to Bob at A Tribute to Robert DeVaughn – YouTube
Our hearts break at the loss of our dear friend, Bob. So many memories to cherish, but one that always makes me smile was when he lovingly introduced me to port. I still hate it!
As “family,” sharing several gatherings, he could comfortably talk to anyone, always with a gleam in how eye and a quick wit. Plus, he appreciated my cooking,, so…
Our family has lost a dear friend, as have so many. Bob will be remembered as a dear man with a good heart. I am comforted that he is at home with his love, Carol, and his precious pups. ❤️
Bob was a wonderful man. We shared a bleacher at so many basketball games and he always had a kind word at St. John LaLande. We are grateful to have known him!
Bob was a fixture at St. John LaLande and will be missed by the many students, teachers, and staff members who affectionately called him Mr. Bob. He was a n outstanding role model
for our students each of whom he greeted with dignity and a smile. Prayers for his friends and family. He will be missed.