Dr. Robert “Bob” Cobb died June 7th, 2017, at KU Medical Center. He was born August 22, 1925, in Ashdown, Arkansas, son of Ruth Cowling Cobb and Grover Cobb. He graduated from Baylor University and earned both his Masters and Ph. D. from the University of Michigan. He was a WWII Navy veteran.
Dr. Cobb came to the University of Kansas in 1957 an assistant professor of English and rose through the ranks, from full professor to Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, eventually becoming Executive Vice Chancellor of the University. He helped establish the Nunemaker Program for gifted students. He helped establish a cooperative exchange program with the University of Benin in Lagos, Nigeria. He was instrumental in establishing the African Studies department at the University. He always retained his love of teaching and learning. He also helped establish the Lawrence chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Those wishing to make a contribution in Dr. Cobb’s honor are encouraged to donate to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences through the KU Endowment Association, Plymouth Congregational Church or Habitat for Humanity.
Dr. Cobb married Janice Rogers on August 27, 1949. She survives him, as do their two children and three grandchildren. Dr. Cobb’s only sibling predeceased him by 40 years, and he became the extended family’s patriarch, a role he relished. He will be missed.
Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 14, 2017, at Plymouth Congregational Church.
A family-only inurnment in KU’s Pioneer Cemetery at a later date will permit family from afar to attend.
Dr. Cobb was a dear friend and colleague of my father, Alton Thomas. I remember my father speaking of him often and fondly. Please accept my family’s condolences, thoughts and prayers.
My condolences KC. I know was well loved by all and that you will miss him. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Dr. Cobb was a wonderful, long-time patient and friend. He will be dearly missed by myself and the staff! Our sincerest condolences to the Cobb Family during this difficult time.
Dear Cobb family, So very sorry to hear Bob passed away. He was a kind and special man and his dedication to his wife and family was wonderful. I just saw him a week before he passed away and he was talking about Arizona and the view from where they used to live and about going back there. I know he now has the best view ever. Susan Harrison, CSL
My brother Jeff, above, is absolutely right. My Uncle Bob was for me a tremendous role model. I would never had the aspiration to become an academic if it weren’t for his example. His gentle sense of irony — that disarmingly deadpan delivery of wry comments — was really glorious. I’ve never known anyone like him. My heart goes out to Kathie and Chris, Bob’s amazing kids, and to my Aunt Janice.
Bob was a delightful person to know. As an older person in Wellington, I’ve known the Rogers family for generations, and when he and Janice would come to Wellington, we would engage in a friendly game of golf. He was an exceptional person. God bless Janice and children.
I can’t say how happy I am to see these comments and compliments. I am Bob’s nephew on Janice’s side, and had the great joy to experience Bob’s intellect and humor from my toddler years, now into my 60’s. As a kid, Bob was an English professor at KU, then as an undergrad in the 70’s, he was Dean of Liberal Arts. As I approached him as my guidance counselor, he reminded me that he had capable people who did this sort of thing, then advised me in any event. Amazing that Janice and he were married 68 years, and beyond that were an item for several years before that. For me, he was larger than life. For my younger brother, now an English professor at Yale, he was undoubtedly an inspiration as he absorbed the banter, wit and wisdom at holiday meals and other gatherings.
Bob had various administrative positions in the College (CLAS) and in higher administration and, though we disagreed a few times (he was, after all, an administrator and I a faculty member), I always found him a good person to work with and especially enjoyed his quiet humor. In the all-too-few times we had to chat when he was a neighbor at Presbyterian Manor, that humor was particularly noticeable.
What a privilege it was for my husband and me to get to know and work along side Bob, whether it was community, KU or Habitat for Humanity related. Bob was an absolute gem. He brought light and know-how and patience and caring and humor to whatever the task in front of him. The world is richer for him being in it! My sincere condolences to the family.
Bob was such a kind man. My father always spoke highly of him when I was growing up & when I finally met him after I graduated from KU I realized why. I enjoyed a distant friendship with over the years & he was always so gracious when I would see him.
Bob was one of the most valuable professors we had. He was extremely bright and personable. I knew and esteemed him from his time at Michigan through his long career at KU. He will be sadly missed by all of us. My fondest condolences to the family.
Bob was an admirable person. His considerable contributions to The University of Kansas helped make it the excellent place it is. Sincere condolences to his family from Suzanne Sherr