Bobbie (Bob) Russel Grainger, 87, left his earthly home August 10, 2022, at Western Missouri Medical Center in Warrensburg. His wife, Norma Jean (Kennedy) Grainger, was by his side, as she has been for almost 68 years of marriage. Son Gene Grainger predeceased Bob in 2019.

Bob was born in 1934, a Depression-era baby, to Russel Jacob Grainger and Ila Zee (Park) Grainger. When he was in fourth grade at Leeton Elementary School, he met Norma Jean Kennedy, who was in third grade. Thus began a relationship that spanned almost 80 years.

While attending Leeton High School, Bob excelled at his Future Farmers of America (FFA) class, under the tutelage of Pap Wolfe. He also received an American Farm Degree through the FFA organization.

After high school, Bob and Norma Jean married and moved to Texas and Pennsylvania to fulfill his service in the Army. They then relocated back to Missouri where Bob and his father partnered in farming. These two generations of Grainger farmers helped comprise the years that resulted in the Century Farm honor.

The noble occupation of farming required both Bob and Norma Jean to weather many storms. Hogs with cholera; a roller-coaster grain market; and floods, fire, and drought were just a few of the hazards faced. Bob's life work was a study in perseverance, and he excelled at it.

He also excelled at spirited discussions about Republican politics and enjoyed attending NASCAR races at Kansas Speedway, sitting in the "Grainger Farm"-labeled seats. His hallmark, however, was raising magnificent black Angus cattle.

Bob's family includes wife Norma Jean Grainger, of the home; daughter Pamela (Bob) Tilson; sister Shirley (Don) See; sister-in-law Jody Shepard; daughter-in-law Donna Grainger; grandchildren Wade (Olivia) Grainger; Nathan Grainger; Emily (Drew) Bratcher; and Andy (Lissy) Halonen. Six great-grandchildren complete the treasured circle.

The funeral service for Bob will be on Saturday, August 20, at 3 p.m. at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home, Warrensburg. Graveside services will follow. His eternal rest will be at Sunset Hill Cemetery, Warrensburg. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Children's Mercy Hospital at Kansas City.