Robert "Bob" William Lusby, Jr.

Robert (Bob) William Lusby Jr. of Independence passed away on January 30, 2026.  Bob passed peacefully in his home.  He was preceded in death by his father, Robert William Lusby Sr. and his mother, Wanda Haynes Lusby.  He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joan Kay Lusby: his sisters Judith Jarvis, Sheri Lusby, and Tammy (Randy) Kastelic; his daughter Melissa (Jack) Fruean and his son Robert (Jessica) Lusby III; his grandchildren, Caitlynn, Clayton, Cayden, Rachael, Halle, Demerick, and Madison; two great grandchildren, Triston and Tavae; and numerous nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.  

Bob was born in Kansas City, MO and graduated from Northeast High School in 1968.  After graduation, Bob joined the National Guard.  He was a steel brake operator at Tompkins Industries for 28 years.  When the plant moved to Detroit, Bob started a roofing and foundation company.  Later in life, he started a landscaping business.  He continued this line of work until he was no longer able to work.  

Bob was a helper.  He was skilled in many areas around the house and was always willing to help family and friends.  For those that truly knew Bob, you know how shy he was.  If you were lucky enough to get him to open up, you know how funny he could be.  He loved life and loved to laugh.  But most of all, he loved his family and friends.  Bob was a lifelong Chiefs and Royals fan.  He loved to sit on his front porch and listen to Royals games.  

After Bob was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, we witnessed a different side of him.  He was more talkative and less shy.  He was lucky enough to have an enormous amount of family and friends to support him throughout this incredibly tragic disease progression.  There are two people that witnessed his decline in person, every day.  His wife, Joan and his granddaughter, Caitlynn.  Because of them, Bob was able to stay home throughout all stages of dementia and died peacefully with the ones he loved.  

Our family would like to thank Kansas City Hospice and Wilson’s Funeral home in Wellsville, KS for their compassion and professionalism during one of the most difficult times of our lives.

Bob’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, February 28th from 2-5 at the VFW Post 1000 (1002 E. US 24 Hwy, Independence 64050).  In lieu of flowers, we encourage people to donate to the Dementia Society to help find a cure for this heartbreaking disease.  

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