Robert Joseph Valencia

Robert Joseph Valencia, born on May 24 1939 (on his Mother's 20th Birthday) on loan to us for 78 years, take n back to Heaven on November 24 at 11 pm.

His official death will be recorded as Nov. 25 at 00:24.

The celebration of life service will be at the Overbrook United Methodist Church, 1005 N Maple St, Overbrook KS at 2 pm, a cookie reception will follow immediately after the service.

Bob died at home with his family around him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Mary, his brothers Manuel, Jr. & Christopher and 1 sister before and after Robert, Guadalupe and Genevieve, this could explain why he always said he was his Mother's favorite.

Bob wanted to be at home during his illness and I was able to make this happen with the help of Julie, Patrick and Crystal sharing the responsibility. Hospice at home began September 19. His nurse, Chris was a saint, coming whenever he needed her. She made sure we had everything we needed to keep him comfortable. She even taught Bob and us fun tricks; like if you have trouble swallowing turn your head to the left and it will open your throat!

Mickie his social worker came twice a month to track his progress and get any additional items we may need to make the house safer. He enjoyed talking to both and they listened to his stories sometimes more than once but never showing it. I couldn't have done it without them and the support of the Vesting Nurses.

Bob leaves his wife, Emily, his son Patrick and Crystal of the home. Daughter Julie, Iowa. Granddaughter Baya and grandson Quinn. And his beloved dog, Hawke.

His son Michael (Diane), granddaughters; Sarah (Sophia, Eva, Maya), Molly (Maggie) and grandson Michael (Diane).

His son Mitchell, grandsons: Ryan (Cassie) (Parker, Bella, Meadow, Roco and Roman) Tony (Sherry) (Anthony, Michael & Henry and a daughter on the way) and granddaughter Stephanie (Mike) (Maggie)

His daughter Victoria (Dale), granddaughters: Katie (Chad) (Vincent, Paige and Caiden) Andrea (Andy) (Avery and Joshua), grandson Danny (Jamie) (Chance, Ethan)

His daughter Jenifer, granddaughters: Rachel (Josh) (Braddix) Judith (Darrin) (Elliott, Emmet, Melanie) grandson Robert (Cooper)

His son Bobby (Debbie); grandchildren Ike and Maddie.

He leaves his sisters: Sally O'Bryant, Susan White, Pat (Donnie) Woods & Angela Felix.

His brothers: Greg (Ania), Vincent (Mary Beth), Steve (Judy) and Bill (Lisa), and many nephews and nieces.

Robert made a point to call his brother Greg and pass on what his father told him to do when he died, knowing the time was getting close. He told Brother Greg, "Now you are the protector of the Valencia family." Bob was born in St. Joseph Missouri to Mary and Manual Valencia. He was one of 13 children living in the household. He is his father's son, so said his mother to me many times. She told me Robert would walk into a fight when the rest would go around. He was the protector of his family to a fault. She was very proud of him.

He loved athletics and tried all sports. His favorite was basketball and boxing. He became a Golden Glove Champion but did not continue in boxing at the request of his father. Entering the catholic school system he was a frequent visitor at the nunnery completing his homework before walking home. Sister Felicia encouraged him and made sure she told him he was smart and needed to let people know he was. He never forget her and always talked about her with love and admiration.

Bob obtained his height and weight while he was in Junior high school which the coaches loved. He loved sports and participating in sports. Running was a passion for him. Bob played football, basketball and being on the basketball junior varsity and varsity teams he was able to bring the trophies home.

To this day he still holds records in St. Joe for his sports accomplishments. He would tell me stories about suiting up for jv or the freshman game (depending on where he was needed) and then coming back out with the varsity team.

He went to high school at Christian Brothers in St. Joe but left before graduating, he received his GED but was always considered a part of the 1958 graduating class at Christian Brothers. Bob married Judy Carnes and started creating a family of 5. Michael came first and Bob always spoke of what a great artist he was. He could draw pictures that would make you stare in awe.

Mitchell was next and he was the one taking everything apart, not necessarily putting it back together. After that came Bob's two girls Victoria was the first girl with Jenifer following right behind, Bob was so proud of his daughters. Last was Bobby, I remember early on we were talking about Bobby and what a great police officer he was and how he was working with a task force, Bob was very proud of him and then on the news there he was knocking down a door to a drug house.

We laughed about that one for years. Bob made sure he was at every sports practice and game. He loved his children and provided and cared for them with all of his energy, hanging with them until they were all grown and had families of their own.

Bob's career started during the early years, his Uncle Gus got him a job at the Water District of Johnson County. Bob loved working with his Uncle. He began in April of 1960 and retired after 41 years. He quickly made Foreman and then Asst. Supt. of Maintenance. When Roger Fairbanks passed away in 1988, Bob became Superintendent of Construction and Maintenance until he retired. He was a good leader and well respected by his crews and others. He was an engaged supervisor taking care of his 83 employees as he did his children.

I knew Bob from the Water District and admired him for the respect and authority he commanded at the office. Even though, he was unaware of the presence he carried. Byron Johnson depended on him to schedule the winter out days as his crews were the ones on the road. When he retired, the WaterOne office was a lonelier place as he had always brought humor and laughter to the service center with his antics.

Bob and I married on August 28, 1993 in Las Vegas NV. He was not having us wait as he said, " I am not losing you to someone else". We told no one and had a family wedding on June 25, 1994. From the first day we were married we knew we were meant to be. He would finish my sentences and I would say what he was thinking.

Bob fell in love with the strength and compassion Julie had and was honored when she changed her name to honor the father he was to her. She learned about always having a generous heart from Bob and continues to project that gift in her working and family world. When it came to Patrick, Bob thought he would intimidate him but Pat did not back down and the two built a strong bond quickly. Within a year Bob made the decision to adopt Patrick as his own and Patrick was honored as Bob provided the stability and rock he needed in his life. Bob was not only my rock and anchor he was that for Julie and Patrick too.

Mary's cancer came back at the time in our life where I was fortunate to be able to quit work and take care of her for Bob. He was so excited to come home every day from work and have his mother at the house to visit with. She stayed under our care until God called her home. That was one of the best times for Bob because he loved having his mother close.

Our move to Iowa came soon after, Bob had to have another back surgery, and this one was not a not a good one. He was in the hospital for more than a week and had to have surgery 3 times before all was corrected. This surgery ended his Water One career as he was placed on disability. He always hoped to go back, because he loved his work and his employees and friends at the district. Instead we moved to Iowa and bought the farm he always wanted. His only wish was for his Mom and Dad to have been able to come to the farm. He knew his dad would of loved it and his Mom could fish anytime in the pond.

He was at peace there on the acreage with his animals and there were many. Within the first couple months, he, Julie and Patrick filled all 10 animal buildings. We had red Angus steer in the pasture and chickens, guineas, goats, pigs, peacocks, golden pheasants in the buildings, geese and ducks for the pond. He loved and enjoyed every animal, feeding and tending to them all. He especially loved the piglets. They were fun and goofy but when they reached the 240 weight class we became pig wranglers and off to the butcher they went.

He bought new steers every year and loved working with them. But the last 2 years he stopped having steers. The disease was getting worse and starting to drain him of his energy. It was a tough decision but we decided to move back to KC to be closer to his children and family.

We found a great ranch in Overbrook Ks. A small town where he could get around and not get lost easily. He enjoyed the community and having neighbors again. There was not a person walking down the street that he did not talk to. But alas, the MSA was going to put a stop to our new found fun. Soon Patrick and Crystal came home to live to help with his need for increasing care. Bob enjoyed having them here and he was able to show Patrick all the tools and visit about life in general.

We were able to make a lot of memories with Bob during the final months of his life. He knew what was coming and had made some peace with it but wanted more years with us. He was unhappy about missing Maddie's graduation, watching Baya grow up and the new grandson coming in March. He will be missed by us every day and we will talk about him every day so he is never forgotten.

Bob's Favorite Girls

Our Mexico trip was so much fun. Bob was so honored that his Uncle Leo would ask him to take him to the Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe. I am so glad we did because he has so much fun with his Uncle and visiting Mexico.

He was so taken with the picture of Jesus and his father we brought home a statue of this picture.

Patrick and Bob on the day of the feast with the dancers at the shrine. There were thousands of people in a very tight space.

The Week Baya and Julie were down Bob was able to be a "supervisor" again. Helping his little construction worker roll playdough in to all kids of shapes.

This young man could put a smile on his pap's face just by smacking down the quarterback. Or working his zone on the basketball floor. He loved going to his games, sometimes riding in the car for 3 hours or more sitting for 3 hours or more and then heading back home to Iowa.

One of last pictures taken with Bob was a selfie of him and Julie. She came every weekend when she found out hospice was taking over. Spending as much time with her dad as possible. Even taking a week off so he and Baya could make some more memories. The love and respect those two had was genuine, even though she was not his by birth she was his by choice.