Robert "Bob" Thompson

Robert “Bob” Thompson, 76, retired Chief of Public Education for the Wichita Fire Department, died Sunday, December 28, 2025.

Visitation will be from 3:00 – 5:00 pm, Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Funeral Service will be at 10:00 am, Monday, January 5, 2026, at First Evangelical Free Church. A recording of the service is available here.

Bob was born to Georgia May Thompson on February 14, 1949, in West Point, Mississippi. Raised in Junction City, Kansas, Bob grew up working in a family-owned restaurant and boarding house where he developed an appreciation and enjoyment of cooking. He graduated from Junction City High School in 1967.

Bob met his wife, Joyce, in Hutchinson, Kansas while working as an EMT at Grace Hospital where Joyce was a nurse. They were married in 1972 and moved to Wichita in 1975 when he joined the Fire Department.

Bob worked for the Wichita Fire Department for 35 years. He began with the department serving as a Firefighter, and “climbed the ladder” to hold positions of Lieutenant, Captain, and finally, Chief Prevention Officer. In his last position as Chief Prevention Officer, he was responsible for most of the building construction and development in the City of Wichita, making sure that all construction met city ordinances and fire codes. “It was a known fact, that if you built anything in the City of Wichita, you probably needed to talk to Bob.” This phase of his career also included the development of fire prevention programs giving the Wichita Fire Department national recognition and making them one of the top five fire departments in the United States and Canada. Bob became a national advisor and mentor for such programs and served as a consultant and program developer for the Department of Homeland Security where he taught safety programs throughout the United States.

Otherwise known as “Chief” and “Bobby T,” Bob was highly invested in the Wichita community. Community service began in 1981 when he joined the Wichita River Festival as volunteer and held various positions with the Festival until his death. He also held membership in the Sons of The American Legion, served on various director boards and was involved in other community organizations such as United Way, Children’s Miracle Network, Child Care Association, Kansas Children’s Service League, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and NAACP. Joining the Wichita Wagonmaster’s in the early 1990’s, he always participated in the Wagonmaster’s Downtown Chili Cook-off and was proudly named the first Black Admiral Windwagon Smith in 2003.

Bob may have put out fires for safety’s sake, but he was no stranger to starting them for grilling or smoking meats. Passionate about all types of flavors, he enjoyed creating and consuming food. He mastered a recipe of his own smoked Wagyu brisket and proudly shared it with his family and friends. In his retirement, Bob worked for Security 1^st Title as caterer for various sponsored community events and enjoyed traveling around the United States to food and wine festivals and competitions.

Preceded in death by his mother, Georgia May Thompson; parents, John and Mattie Thompson; and brother, James Thompson.

Bob is survived by his wife Joyce Lynn Thompson; daughters and their husbands, Leslie Kathleen (Jon) Garrelts, Jennifer Kristine (Matt) Myers; grandchildren, Corinne Myers, Audie Myers, Cameron Garrelts, Kylie Garrelts and Selah Myers; sisters, Linda Sue Bersch and Linda Rae Nickles; and brother, Freddie Austin.

A memorial has been established with: Youth Horizons, 125 S. Washington, Suite 200, Wichita, KS 67202 or you may contribute to Bob’s grandchildren’s college education through their savings plans at https://www.ugift529.com/

Gift codes:

Corinne Myers P1L-H0R

Audra Myers V6B-S72

Selah Myers J9V-99P

Cameron Garrelts 99J-N8P

Kylie Garrelts P74-L3G