Graveside services with military honors for Robert E. Thiry, 81, Lawrence, will be 11:00 am, Monday, May 21, 2018, at Hubbel Hill Cemetery, Tonganoxie. Visitation will be from 3:00-5:00 pm, Sunday, May 20 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
He died Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at his home.
Robert was born August 26, 1936, in rural Lawrence, the son of Clifford Hughes and Evelyn Lola Hayden Thiry. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1955.
After High School he was drafted into the United States Army and served from 1959 to 1961. He later worked for Southwest Ornamental Iron in Bonner Springs from 1962-1968. In 1968 he became a Carpenter/Millwright and was part of the local unions 2279 and 1445. In 1978 Robert became the Director of Carpenter Apprenticeship in Topeka and Lawrence. He was named the state director in 1984. He was named to the Kansas Council on Vocational Education and State Apprenticeship Council in 1987. Robert retired in August of 1998.
Robert loved classic cars, could fix just about anything, and was always the first to volunteer his time or expertise. He enjoyed being in the senior bowling league and was a member of the Oldsmobile Club of America.
Robert married Shirley Ann Willits on September 10, 1961, in McLouth, Kansas, she survives of the home.
Other survivors include his son, Michael Thiry, Lawrence; daughter Lori White, Lawrence; sister Neva Leo, Lee’s Summit, MO; grandchildren Madeline White, Waylon Banks(Alison), Ashley Flaskerud.
He is preceded in death by his sister, Alwilna Stoltenberg, brothers, Willard, Herbert and Donald Thiry.
Memorial contributions may be made to Douglas County Visiting Nurses/Hospice, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
YOU are in our thoughts and prayers We are sorry for your loss
Shirley, sorry to see this kind of news in the local paper, had no idea Bob was having trouble, will miss you both at Taco Bell on 6th St. each Monday during winter bowl league. R.I.P
Shirley & family:
Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Shirley, sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. He was a great guy. You are in my thoughts.
Shirley & Family,
I was sorry to read of Bob’s passing. You lived in the upstairs of our house when you were first married. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Shirley, I am so very sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. You are in my prayers. Dianna (Yost) Hetrick..