Robert Vincent McGrath

Robert V. “Bob” McGrath was born on November 16, 1926, in Chicago, IL to Walter B. and Agnes G. McGrath. Bob came to Wichita at the end of World War II with two friends from Chicago. All three had recently been discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1946 and their purpose in coming was to begin classes at Wichita University.Bob had never previously been to Wichita, but perhaps one reason for his attraction to the city was his introduction by a Phi Upsilon Sigma (now Phi Delta Theta) fraternity brother in 1951 to a very pretty and petite coed, June Kelley. The two immediately fell in love and were married on April 25, 1953. From that 70-year union came four active and devoted sons.After graduating from Wichita University, Bob began a 40-year career in banking. His first foray into local banking was with the Kansas State Bank, where he rose to executive vice president. In 1968 he was recruited by founding investors to head up Boulevard State Bank. He served as president and CEO of Boulevard (now Commerce Bank) until 1987. Later, before his final retirement, Bob was Executive Vice President of Wichita Federal Savings & Loan.Bob was an active member of the Wichita community, devoting his time, talent, and treasure to Wichita State Alumni Association, SASO, and Meals on Wheels. Bob and June were active members of The Church of the Magdalen, St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Vincent de Paul. Bob’s recreational passions were golf and tennis, spending many days on the course with June, his boys and good friends, as well as fun tennis matches, partnering with June and friends at Crestview Country Club. Bob was never one to subject his opinions onto others, but his advice on business and other matters was frequently sought by associates, friends and family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife June, and brothers Walter Jr. and Gerald. He is survived by sons, Bob (Pamela), Terry (Teresa) and Tom (Sally), all of Wichita, and Dan (Maureen), of Kansas City. He is also succeeded by grandchildren, Kelley (Brian) Horn, of Leawood, KS, Bryan (Allison Cox) McGrath, of Overland Park; Travis McGrath, Joe McGrath, of Wichita; Lindsay (Cale) Armstrong, Lenexa, KS, Tommy (fiancée Meg Nulton) McGrath of Roeland Park, KS, Jack McGrath and Molly (fiancée Tyler Johnston) McGrath, of Wichita. Also great grandchildren, Hanks, Michael and Mary Kelley Horn of Leawood, and Roman McGrath of Overland Park. The family would like to thank the staff of Traditions Hospice (Erin) and Kiefer Senior Care for their care and compassion for Bob. Memorials established with the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation, 5111 E. 21st St. North, Wichita, KS 67208 and Center of Hope, Inc., P. O. Box 3237, Wichita, KS 67201. Rosary will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. and Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m., both at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church located at 1321 N. Stratford Lane in Wichita, KS. Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.