Robert “Gene” Grogan, 87, passed away in the presence of family at his home on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, in Lawrence, Kansas.
Born on January 27, 1939, Gene grew up on a family farm near Grogan, Missouri in Texas County. He was the son of the late Hazel Odessa (Summers) Grogan and James Robert Grogan.
After graduating from Summersville High School, Gene enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Bad Hersfeld, Germany where he met a local woman, Lisa Habermehl. Two years later they would marry on September 22, 1962 in Eunice, Missouri.
Together they made their first home in Willow Springs, Missouri and a son, Andreas was born in 1964. A few years later, Gene moved his family to West Plains, Missouri where he became a member of the First Baptist Church and was active in the choir and served as a deacon for many years. Gene worked at District 9 of MDOT until his retirement in 2001. Concurrently, Gene was a member of the 1138th MP Company Missouri Army National Guard and as such, completed 20 years of proud military service.
Gene purchased some land in Howell County near Pomona, Missouri where he, along with the aid of his family created a hobby farm of a few cows, rabbits, and an abundant garden. While seeming to have few other hobbies, Gene, nevertheless, learned to play the guitar. After retirement, he would apply this musical talent along with his singing to entertain at the West Plains senior center. While he enjoyed listening to ‘old country’ music, his performing genre was gospel. It was one of the ways of sharing his love for the Lord.
In 2009, Gene and Lisa moved from southern Missouri to Lawrence, Kansas to be nearer their three ‘newly acquired’ granddaughters – Jessie, Jamie, and Josie. Gene took the term ‘Grandpa’ with ease and pride.
Gene was a devoted reader of the Bible. He joined the church family of First Southern Baptist Church in Lawrence and particularly enjoyed the fellowship of his Sunday school class.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Maria Smith.
He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 64 years, Lisa M. Grogan and son, Andreas Grogan of Lawrence, Kansas.
No memorial services are planned. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery in Pomona, Missouri at a later date.
Andreas, we are so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Our prayers are with you and the family.