Robert Ivan "Bob" Burks

Robert “Bob” Ivan Burks, 91, of Blue Springs, MO passed away Friday, February 19, 2021 at home. A private graveside service will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at Mount Washington Cemetery in Independence, MO. Bob was born June 1, 1929 in Kansas City, MO to John Ivan and Olive Mildred (Cade) Burks and spent his early life there graduating from Northeast High School, before attending UMKC, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacology. Bob also proudly served as a member of the US Navy Reserves during the Korean War. Bob met the love of his life Barbara Ellen Bowen on a blind date. After some time of dating, being short on money, Bob sold his bicycle to buy Barbara a ring and the two were married, August 5th, 1949, and spent 68 wonderful years together, before Barbara’s passing in 2018. Bob worked as a pharmacist, owning his own pharmacy, before selling and working for the new owner. Bob enjoyed his work for many decades, finally retiring at 62 years of age. He enjoyed fishing trips to Minnesota, spending time and playing cards with his dear friends, “The Card Gang”. Barbara was his favorite “Fishin’ buddy”, whom he did everything with. After retirement Bob went back to golfing which is the one activity he did without Barbara. He was the first on the golf course every weekday morning but reserved weekends for Barbara. Survivors include; a daughter, Terry Lynne & Guy Norris; a son, Daniel Robert & Susan Burks; grandchildren, Kim & Rodney McDonald, Shannon & Abbey Elias, John and Matthew Burks, and Guy Norris Jr.; great-grandchildren, Ethan and Parker McDonald, Roman, Katarina, Jovanny, and Kyra Norris, Remi Elias, and Ali & Cody Ross; great-great grandchildren, Cy and Cal Ross; and sisters-in-law, Lois Irene Bishop and Maureen Bowen. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Barbara; sister, Rev. Donna Lou Hoover; sister-in-law, Thelma Jeanne Way; and brother-in-law, James Kenneth Bowen. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel (816) 252-7900)