Robert Hugh Hein

Robert Hugh Hein, 78 of Topeka, formerly from Derby, Wichita and Marion, passed away peacefully with his family at his side last Saturday, May 30, 2009. Bob is survived by his wife and best friend Sue, daughter Melinda Fish and husband Gary, granddaughter Carly and grandson Briggs of Lawrence and son Scot and wife Julia and granddaughter Mary of Vancouver, Canada.
Bob was born in Hillsboro, Kansas and enjoyed a happy childhood in Marion with his parents, Anna and Jake and big brother Allen, where he excelled academically, at track and in choir. His small town boyhood experiences, and developing work ethic, would serve him well in his adult life. He attended the University of Kansas in 1949 as a Battenfeld Scholar, track athlete and Glee Club member. Bob was, as Anna would say, "called by Uncle Sam" to support the Korean conflict where he served with the 82nd Airborne Division as a Regimental Training Officer and with the Army Reserves as a Commander. Following his military service, Bob joined the Boeing Company in Wichita where he fell for Sue, his wife of 54 years. Bob provided for a rich and fulfilling family life in East Wichita where they raised their two children while advancing professionally and contributing to his community. During this time, Bob also enjoyed singing with the Wichita Chapter of the barbershop organization S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A. Bob and his family moved to Derby in 1970 where he was a dedicated member of the school board and most notably, recognized as the town Santa Claus. In addition to his appearance in the annual Christmas parade, Bob would be visited by hundreds of young families at his highly illuminated Brook Forest home where he would hand out candy canes and offer seasonal good cheer. Police were often necessary to manage traffic congestion given Santa's popularity.
Over his career, Bob contributed greatly to the Boeing Company where he was recognized and respected as a senior business manager and as the "go to guy" for the most difficult of negotiations and problem solving. He was very active in the community and with charities including United Way and Junior Achievement. He was also president of the Boeing Credit Union. He travelled extensively during these times which informed his world view and great appreciation for history. He retired from the Boeing Company in 1995 after 42 years.
Bob and Sue continued to enjoy their retirement years with their many good friends at Lake Sherwood in Topeka while boating, reading, cooking, playing bridge and cribbage. In later years they greatly enjoyed their walks on the beaches of Padre Island during the winter months.
Bob will be fondly remembered for his Jayhawk passion, bar-b-que prowess, love of aviation and undying patriotism (he would annoy the neighbors with a very loud rendition of Kate Smith's "God Bless America" each 4th of July morning). He was the perfect partner in life, father and grandfather who was loved so dearly.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 4 at the Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka followed by burial at the Marion, Kansas Municipal Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. Mr. Hein will lie in state at the funeral home 3:00 p.m. with a visitation from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3. In lieu of flowers, donations may be contributed to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Breast Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 780294, Wichita, KS 67278-0294 or to The Bob Hein Marion Park Fund for a special memorial to be planned for the Municipal Park, c/o Core First Bank and Trust, 3035 S Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS 66611.

Dad, we miss you so much.