Robert "Bob" Hazeltine

Robert “Bob” Edwin Hazeltine, 94, died peacefully October 28, 2021.  He was born March 15, 1927, in Wetmore, KS to Della and Frank Hazeltine.  Bob married the love of his life, Thelma Jean Fry in November 1952, enjoying almost 69 years of marriage.  He graduated from Wichita East High School in 1945 and attended the University of Wichita (now Wichita State University) from 1949 to 1951.  Bob was accepted in the US Army Air Corps, however the program was cancelled, and he was then accepted in the United States Navy Electronics Program in 1945 and served our country proudly as a communications specialist until 1949.  He began work at AT&T Long Lines in 1953 and was promoted and transferred to supervisor in Dodge City, KS, Plant Manager in Fairview, KS and Senior Engineer in Kansas City, MO before taking positions with Western Electric International in Riyadh and Yanbu Saudi Arabia.  Bob took early retirement from AT&T in 1982.  He then served as a telecommunications consultant for several years.  He was a member of Heritage United Methodist Church where he constructed the church’s lectern, pulpit, baptismal font, shelving, classroom cabinetry and numerous projects and served as a trustee for many years.  Wood and metalworking were passions.  Bob used these skills to build the family home in Dodge City (except foundation and plumbing) working evenings and weekends while employed at AT&T.  Bob loved hunting, camping, backpacking, canoeing and being in the outdoors.  He was an active Boy Scout leader for over 50 years.  He served as Explorer Advisor, Chartered Org. Rep., Assistant Scoutmaster, Committee Member, and District Camping Chair.  Bob received scouting’s highest local honor, the Silver Beaver Award in 2003.  He started Klondike Derby winter camping events in Johnson County and chaired that event for 16 years.  He was a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and the Order of the Arrow honor camping societies.  He cared deeply about his family and thoroughly loved helping others.  Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Della Mae and his brothers Charles and Vernon.  He is survived by his wife, Thelma Hazeltine of Overland Park, KS; daughter, Marcia Chenoweth (Mike) of Bonner Springs; son, Gary Hazeltine of Olathe, KS; son, Bruce Hazeltine (Judy) of Missoula, MT; grandchildren Brian Hazeltine of Parkville, MO; Tara Tramel (Kurtis) of Chattanooga, TN; and Tyler Hazeltine of Missoula, MT.  Bob has been cremated and a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 11 at Heritage United Methodist Church, Overland Park, KS.  Visitation will be held the evening before at the church from 6 to 8 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob Hazeltine’s memory to Boy Scout Troop 425 or Heritage United Methodist Church .  Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.JohnsonCountyChapel.com.