Robert “Bob” Gittinger

Robert “Bob” Gittinger, 83, died Friday, May 9, 2014 at Kansas Medical Center in Andover.

He was born January 31, 1931 in Manning to Elmer and Ida (Peterson) Gittinger.

He married Irene Gebhards on Aug. 15, 1954 in Weskan. She survives,

They lived in Goodland where he was a machinist at LJ Messers, a volunteer firefighter, and a member of the VFW.

In 1973 the family moved to Kismet, Ks, and he began his teaching career at the Liberal Area Vo-Tech. He soon became a respected instructor and was instrumental in developing the automotive machine shop program.

He served his country in the army from 1951-1953 during the Korean War. He was a true patriot who continued to serve through civic leadership and community activism.

He served on the Kismet City Council, the Kismet Little World’s Fair, the Lion’s Club, and the Seward County Council on Aging.

Robert was a collector of many things, most importantly the hearts of those who’s lives he touched.

Survivors include three sons: Kendall Gittinger and wife Marilyn, Goodland, Bob Gittinger and wife Catina, Goodland, and Kurt Gittinger and wife Susan, Overland Park; daughter, Mona Gittinger, Coffeyville; brothers, John Gittinger and wife Carolyn, Odessa, Mo., and Ralph Gittinger and wife Ruth, Odessa, Mo.; eight grandchildren: Amanda Tibbits and husband Tim, Hays, Tim Gittinger and wife Jessica, Goodland, Arron Gittinger and wife Lacy, Bartlesville, Okla., Jamie Gittinger, Hays, Dakota Rine, Coffeyville, Rachel Gittinger, Washington, D.C., Anne Gittinger, Overland Park and Abbie Gittinger, Overland Park; and great-grandchild Aiden Gittinger

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister-Kathryn Ford.

• Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 14 at the Kismet United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Larry Myers presiding.

Burial will be at 3:30 pm (MTN), in Sharon Springs Cemetery in Sharon Springs with Pastor Keith Anglemyer presiding.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Brenneman Funeral Home.

Memorials are suggested to the Kismet Senior Center, Kismet Library, or the donor’s choice in care of Brenneman Funeral Home – 1212 W. 2nd – Liberal, Ks 67901

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.brennemanfuneralhome.com