Robert Lee Bob Vincent

Robert “Bob” Lee Vincent 87, died on Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at St. Teresa’s Hospital in Wichita, Kansas, following a short illness. Bob was born at St. John’s Hospital in Salina, KS, to Harold Benjamin and Luella Victoria (Nelson) Vincent. Growing up, he lived in Salina, Concordia, and Marysville, KS, and Omaha, NE. He graduated from Marysville High School in 1950. On June 8, 1952, he married JoAnne McMahon in Marysville, KS. Bob and JoAnne have three children, Linda, Brad, and Eric. After high school, he went to work for the Kansas Dept. of Transportation. While working for the Dept. of Transportation, Bob attended Kansas State University and graduated in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. Following graduation, he was a geologist for the Dept. of Transportation, working on the design of the first completed section of the Eisenhower Interstate System (I-70). In 1956, he completed his active duty obligation in the U.S. Army at Fort Bliss, El Paso, TX. He was honorably discharged as a corporal in 1957. He served as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve 89th Division from 1957 through 1968, attaining the rank of Captain. Following active duty with the U.S. Army, Mr. Vincent returned to the Kansas Dept. of Transportation until he began his career with Layne-Western Company, Inc. in Wichita, KS, as a Sales Engineer and Geologist. In 1969, he moved to Garden City, KS, as District Manager and Geologist for Layne-Western. In 1979, he moved to Woodland, CA, as District Manager and Geologist for Layne-Western, and in 1983, returned to Wichita as District Geologist-Hydrologist for Layne-Western. In July of 1985, he founded Ground Water Associates, Inc. in Wichita, KS, as President and Chief Hydrogeologist. His work included more than 60 years in ground water development, including aquifer location, well design, construction, and operation in Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, New Mexico, Texas, Wyoming, Arizona, Nevada, and California. He was acknowledged as the preeminent expert in ground water in Kansas and surrounding states, consulting with government entities, corporations, and individuals to solve water needs and concerns. Mr. Vincent was a Certified Professional Geologist, a Certified Professional Hydrogeologist, and a Registered Professional Geologist in Kansas, Arkansas, and Nebraska. He was a member of the American Institute of Hydrology (past president Kansas section), American Institute of Professional Geologists, Association of Engineering Geologists (past vice-president and secretary of the Kansas City-Omaha section), Kansas Geological Society, American Water Works Association (past chair of the Water Resources Committee Kansas section), National Ground Water Association, and the Kansas Ground Water Association (past president). Over his years of service to these organizations, he received too many awards to mention here. He served on the Advisory Committee to the Geology Department of Kansas State University. He also served on the Kansas Department of Health and Environment committee to rewrite regulations concerning ground water supplies. In addition to his service to his country and to the ground water community, he was a deacon of Metropolitan Baptist Church. He was on the board of directors for the Boy Scouts of American Quivira Council and advised the Girl Scouts Golden Plains Council on their facilities. Bob leaves behind his wife, JoAnne, daughter Linda L. Vincent-Smith (Bradford Smith), Olathe, KS, son Brad C. (Alexis), Goddard, KS, and son Eric N. (Lisa), Woodland, CA. He leaves six grandchildren: Ashley D. Glisson (Kevin), Olathe, Andrew L. and Adam M. Vincent, Goddard, David L., Douglas A., and Conor J. Vincent, Woodland, CA, and one great-granddaughter, Melissa R. Glisson, Olathe. He is also survived by his two brothers Ray O. (Jackie) Vincent, Dover, KS, and Dale E. (Merry) Vincent, Bella Vista, AR. He leaves numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews across the United States. His many friends and family both mourn his passing and celebrate his new life with his savior Jesus Christ. Services are scheduled for Monday, March 25th at 3:00 pm at the Downing & Lahey West Chapel, 10515 W. Maple, Wichita. Visitation is scheduled from 1:00 to 2:30 pm preceding the service at the chapel. A private family internment will take place in at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Concordia, KS, at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Metropolitan Baptist Church, 525 W. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67213.