Robert "Bob" Dean Bechard

Bob Bechard, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Overland Park, Kansas, on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

 Born in Oakley, Kansas, on April 22, 1941, to Louie and Appie Bechard, Bob grew up alongside his brother, Wayne, and a wide circle of cousins and friends who remained close throughout his life. In 1955, his family moved to Hays, Kansas, where he attended St. Joseph's Military Academy and forged lifelong friendships. After serving in the military, Bob graduated from Fort Hays State University in 1966, where he met Sally, his wife of 58 years. They settled in Overland Park, Kansas, where they found a welcoming community of friends who became like family.

 Bob dedicated his career to the healthcare industry, working at CNA, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, and Mutual of Omaha. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish U.S. X-Ray, a Kansas City mobile x-ray company. Starting from humble beginnings in his basement with just four employees, Bob built it into one of the larger mobile x-ray companies in the region. His remarkable ability to connect with people and lead with a personable and energetic spirit was key to his success. Seventeen years later, upon retiring, Bob sold the business, ensuring his employees retained their positions.

 Bob enjoyed playing tennis and golf with friends, his two sons, and his grandchildren, cherishing especially his memorable golf trips with Tom and Chad. In retirement, he volunteered as a marshal at the Overland Park Golf Club, where he was beloved by players and staff alike.

 He treasured time with friends, from casual Sunday morning breakfasts and simple get-togethers to festive holiday gatherings and theater outings. He enjoyed traveling to new cities and countries and loved hosting parties with Sally. Bob’s joyful personality put everyone at ease, and he had an infectious smile.

 Bob cherished Marge, Tom, Alan, their spouses, and all his nieces and nephews. They made him feel like a true member of the family, and they shared so many wonderful times together.

 Bob’s greatest love was his family: his wife, Sally; his two sons, Tom (and his wife, Jill) and Chad (and his wife, Kristin); and his five adored grandchildren, Jami, Jake, Emily, Molly, and Annie, who affectionately called him "Papa." Bob cherished every moment he spent with them, from spirited games of hide-and-seek and backyard campouts to enthusiastically cheering them on in all their activities.

 One of Bob's special memories was spending the holidays surrounded by his family. Everyone gathered together, sharing laughter and stories, welcoming new members to the family, and looking forward to the future as the family continued to grow.

 His life was a vibrant tapestry woven with fun, love, and laughter, and his absence will leave a void in the hearts of all who knew him. His spirit will live on in the memories he created and the legacy of love and joy he leaves behind.

 A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, Kansas 66206. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the church, preceding the service, with a reception immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to First Tee Greater Kansas City at www.firstteekc.org/donate or sent to 9401 Nall Avenue, Suite 102, Prairie Village, KS 66207, or the Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas at catholiccharitiesks.org.