Robert D. McChesney was born November 13, 1932, in Norton, KS to David and Mildred (Rule) McChesney. He passed away September 9, 2022, at the Norton County Hospital at the age of 89.
Bob grew up in the Norton area with two brothers (Richard and Ronald). They all moved to Steamboat Springs, CO when they were kids for a few years and then returned to Norton for the rest of their childhood.
Bob served in the US Army during the Korean War and spent 18 months there. When he returned from Korea, he used his GI Bill to learn the trade of autobody. He was recognized by the Ford Motor company for his skills. Later he taught at Aims Community College in Greeley, CO.
Bob married Eva Lee Weems in 1956 in Norton, KS. They made their home in LaSalle, CO for over 20 years. In 1976, they both returned to Norton to start a dairy. He truly loved his cows and farming. He enjoyed playing in the dirt much better than being in the city.
He married Charlene (Spear) New in 1982.
Bob had many hobbies over the years, while in Korea he bought a camera and learned photography. In his younger years, he hunted with great friends in the Colorado mountains. He was a rockhound which turned in to a family hobby. He received national awards for his work. He enjoyed having family and friends stop by to visit and have a cold beer.
Bob was a member of the VFW in Evans, Co, Norton Eagles Lodge, Harmonson-Redd American Legion Post 63, the Odd Fellows, and he served on the Oronoque Cemetery Board.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Eva Lee in 1981; wife, Charlene in 2000; brother, Ronald McChesney, sister-in-law, Gloria McChesney, and special friend Lottie Wiltfong. He is survived by his son, Ricky McChesney of Norton; daughter, Penny (Bill) Cecil of Greeley, CO; stepchildren: Charla (Loren) Thomas of Stockton, KS and Tom (Debbie) New of Ellsworth, KS; sister-in-law, Terry McChesney of Oberlin, KS; grandchildren: Nick (Amber) Cecil of LaSalle, CO, Brett (Allison) McChesney of Norton, Brandon McChesney of Norton, Jennifer (Nate) Downey of Windsor, CO, and Brock (Megan) McChesney of Hamlet, NE; step grandchildren: Krista (Tyler) Muir of Stockton, KS and Scott (Mary) Thomas of Bella Vista, AR; three great grandchildren, and many other family and friends.
Funeral services will be held 1:00 pm Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at the funeral home. Burial will follow with military honors at the Norton Cemetery. Visitation will be at 12 noon before the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Norton Living History Museum for the Adobe House and sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com