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.
