Cover photo for Robert L. Umbarger's Obituary
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1931 Robert 2021

Robert L. Umbarger

June 16, 1931 — June 22, 2021

Robert "Bob" L. Umbarger, age 90, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at Olathe Medical Center, Olathe, Kansas.

He was born on June 16, 1931, in Cave City, Kentucky, the son of William T. and Mildred Ruby (Swisher) Umbarger. They moved to Garnett when he was six and made their home just outside of Garnett. Bob graduated from Garnett High School and thereafter joined the United States Navy in 1950 and served through 1954, including a tour in the Korean War. Upon his return, he attended Emporia State Teacher's College and graduated with a B.S. in Education and a Master of Science Degree.

Bob married Donna Hodgson on June 28, 1953, in Garnett, Kansas, at the First United Methodist Church. They moved to southern California, where they taught for six years. They returned to Garnett in 1963 to raise their two sons and operate Hodgson-Umbarger John Deere Implement Company as co-owners. Upon his retirement in 1994, Bob and Donna enjoyed traveling, spending their winters on the Gulf in Rockport, Texas.

He was a Master woodworker, creating projects ranging from furniture, lamps, and multitudes of other items. Bob's greatest privilege and joy was raising his two sons, Brian, who achieved a dual degree in physics and engineering and is working for Nokia; Brad, who achieved a Doctor of Medicine with a specialty in anesthesiology and is president of ASBC in Rogers, Arkansas. Bob enjoyed watching his granddaughters grow and excel in their medical pursuits.

Bob was active in several civic organizations, including being President of the following organizations: Racing Association, Jaycees of which he was a charter member, the Anderson County Hospital Board, and the Garnett Optimist Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William T. and Mildred Ruby Umbarger; four brothers, Gary Umbarger, Ronnie Umbarger, Jerry Umbarger, and Bill Umbarger; one sister, Norma Allen.

Robert is survived by his wife, Donna Umbarger, of the home; two sons, Brian Umbarger and wife Deborah of Shawnee, Kansas; Dr. Bradley Umbarger and wife Rebecca of Rogers, Arkansas; three granddaughters, Elise Klumpe and husband Austin, Emma Jennings and husband Mitchell, and Taylor Umbarger; two brothers, Curtis Umbarger and wife Mary Ann of Garnett, Kansas; David Umbarger and wife K.D. of Cortez, Colorado; two sisters, Edith Christy of Garnett, Kansas; Barbara Graham of Pittsburg, Kansas; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 P.M., on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett. The family will greet friends at the Garnett Senior Center, following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Robert Umbarger Memorial Fund to establish a scholarship fund at a later date.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert L. Umbarger, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Celebration of Life

Saturday, June 26, 2021

1:30 - 2:00 pm (Central time)

Feuerborn Family Funeral Service - Garnett

219 South Oak Street, Garnett, KS 66032

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