Robert N. Bob McNiel

McNiel, Robert N., 80, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 28, 2014. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, February 8, 2014, at Crestview Country Club. Bob, as he was known, was born in Piggott, AR March 6, 1933 to C.G. and Mae McNiel. After his only brother Charles was born, they moved to Maryville, TN; with later moves to Charlotte, NC, Royal Oak, MI, and Billings, MT. After graduating from Billings Senior High, he obtained his Business Administration degree from the University of Colorado. He served in the US Army as 1st lieutenant and was stationed in Korea. Upon his return he married his college sweetheart, Rae Cochrane in 1957. They raised 4 sons, Mark, Mike, Alan and Brian and moved frequently during Bobs sales career - living in Milwaukee, WS, Baltimore, MD, and Rochester, NY before settling in Wichita in 1968. Bobs life was filled with great loves, beginning with a love for his country. He was a true patriot and served this country not only in the Army but also in various organizations over the years. Bob loved his wife and family. Throughout his life he always had a camera ready to capture everything his family did so no moment was forgotten. He coached baseball and was commissioner of the Greater Wichita Junior Football League. Bob developed his love for dogs at a young age, and raised several of his own through the years. And he loved sports. He was an avid golfer and would be found on weekends taking in whatever sporting event was on TV. As a sales professional, Bob spent 37 years with Alcoa before finishing his career at Beechcraft. Finally, Bob loved the Lord Jesus Christ, his mens fellowship and serving in the church. Bob invites you to know his Lord. Bob and Rae spent over 10 years retired together and enjoyed travel, their boys large families including 12 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Survivors include: son, Mark (children, Sarah (husband, Chris), David (wife, Jenn, daughters, Macy, and expecting identical twins), Hannah); son, Mike and his wife, Cindy (children, Kadie (husband, Andrew), and twins Maggie and Jacob (fiance, Kelly); son, Alan and his wife, Lisa (children, Anna-Marie (husband, Daniel), Max, and Alex; son, Brian and his wife, Frances (children, Collin, Landon Clark “LC”, and Cara). Bob will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, and patriot. A memorial has been established with Gallant Few, Inc., P.O. Box 1157, Roanoke, TX 76262 (www.gallantfew.org). Downing Lahey East Mortuary.