Robert William Webb

Robert “Bob” Webb, 81, of Independence, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at Centerpoint Hospital. He had spent the day attending church, going to lunch with friends and relaxing at home. A heart attack sent him to the hospital that evening, where he passed away.

Bob was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, to Robert “Bob” and Fern Duvall Webb. He grew up with his older sister Marilyn and their parents in Jonesboro and graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1960. He enjoyed playing the trumpet in the marching and pep bands, and being in 4-H.

He went to Ouachita Baptist College in Arkadelphia where he met his wife, Deana Marie Hodgin Webb in 1963. In February 1964, he was ordained to the ministry at Union Valley Baptist Church in Beebe, Ark. He graduated Ouachita in May 1964 and pastored at Union Valley through 1965.

Bob and Deana were married on June 6, 1964, in Mexico, Missouri, at the First Baptist Church. After living in Jonesboro while Deana finished college at Arkansas State, they moved to Kansas City where he studied at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Their daughter, Laura, was born in October 1966. Bob finished his Master of Divinity in May 1969 while serving as pastor of Calvary Baptist in Lenexa, and son Joey was born in July 1969.

He was then called to Southern Hills Baptist Church that fall. He served there until 1974 when he received the call to First Baptist in Maryville. Son Matt was born in September 1974. Bob and Deana were blessed to live and serve in Maryville for 19 years, as pastor and Deana as an elementary school teacher. Their kids graduated from Maryville High School. Bob was a Rotary member and an active Spoofhound booster, band parent, and Little League coach.

In 1993, he was called to pastor at Memorial Baptist Church in Columbia. He and Deana became avid MU Tiger fans and football season ticket holders. He completed his Doctor of Ministry from Midwestern in 1995. They enjoyed 16 years in the church and many milestones in ministry before his retirement in 2009. Bob was also honored to be the Coordinating Council Moderator for CBF of Missouri, a William Jewell College trustee and a Walter Pope Binns fellow.

After retirement, they moved to Independence to be closer to their kids and their young families in the Kansas City area. They joined First Baptist Lee’s Summit where Joey and his family also attend. Bob served there as Deacon Homebound Ministry Coordinator and a Sunday School class leader. In retirement he also served at Wyatt Park Baptist in St. Joseph and Gracepoint Baptist in Kansas City, and as a chaplain with NKC Hospital and Kansas City Hospice.

Bob was a devoted husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend. He and Deana made many friends in all the churches and communities they served and cherish those dear relationships. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, reading, woodworking, travelling, walking and biking. He was always there to support his family and recently enjoyed going to his granddaughters’ concerts, recitals, sporting events, art shows and other honors. He enjoyed being a lifelong learner and growing and evolving in his religious faith through his experiences and his studies.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother, father, sister, and brothers-in-law Ray and Davy. Bob leaves behind to cherish his memory, wife Deana, daughter Laura (Gary) of Liberty; son Joey of Lee’s Summit; and son Matt (Amy) of Maryville; grandchildren Maggie, Kylie, Sara, Mollie, Emma, Halle, Harmony and Brian; sisters- and brother-in-law, and nephews, nieces and cousins.

As a gifted pastor, Bob was there for his church members as they experienced all the happy and sad moments of life. His authentic, inclusive and caring spirit helped him relate to everyone. His sense of humor and creativity helped him bring special events and opportunities for service to his churches. So many have shared their memories and impressions he made as their pastor, and we are so very thankful for those sentiments.