Robert William Findley, age 70, of Fort Scott, KS, passed away February 11th surrounded by his family. The son of Eldon and Ula (Carr) Findley, Robert was born in Fort Scott, at Mercy Hospital, on January 10th, 1949. In his youth Robert helped his father on the family farm. While in school Robert was active in 4H & FFA. He graduated from Fort Scott High school in 1967.
Robert married the love of his life, Linda S. Rhynerson on May 28th, 1970, in a private ceremony in Miami, OK. Robert & Linda started a family in 1975 with the birth of their daughter Brenda. Robert was fortunate enough to make a career out of one of his favorite hobbies and Findley Body Repair was opened in 1975. It has been going strong ever since. Anyone who had the chance to visit the body shop could count on a friendly greeting from not only Robert but also his beloved weenie dogs. Robert took great pride in his business and worked right up until his accident on February 7th.
Robert began giving back to his community at young age. He enjoyed his membership in various philanthropic and civic organizations. Joining in 1977, he was a lifetime member of The Elks Lodge B.P.O.E 579. During his time with The Elks he served as a district deputy and a state Vice President. He truly enjoyed delivering Christmas baskets every year and spent several years as a hoop shoot coordinator. Robert was also a member of the Shriners Mounted Patrol. He was active in the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce for many years.
In his younger days Robert could be found racing cars at the Mo-Kan speedway, participating in demolition derby’s as well as tractor pulls. Later in life he traded in racing cars for watching NASCAR. Jimmy Johnson was his favorite driver. When he wasn’t watching NASCAR, he was enjoying reruns of The Rifleman & Gunsmoke. John Wayne was one of his favorites. Robert also enjoyed hunting & fishing. He would participate in fishing tournaments every year. For over a decade now Robert has found joy in taking trips to Cloud 9 ranch to ride his ATV alongside his friends. The muddier the better!
Robert loved sightseeing and a good Diner. His love for life was contagious and those who knew him all agreed that he was always a happy man. His desire to make others laugh and to forever be the better prankster new few limits. As did his generosity towards others. Robert didn’t know a stranger & he was well known not only for his wit & zingy one liners but also for his kindness towards his fellow man.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents Eldon & Ula Findley; his sisters, Rose Mary Findley, Doris Query, and Helen Hixon; and 2 brothers, John Findley and Floyd Findley. He is survived by his wife of 48 years Linda Findley; their daughter, Brenda Findley Tapp (Mountain Home, ID) and her husband David & his 3 grandchildren, who he adored, Lauren, Aubrey & Pierce; a brother, Donald Findley; and 2 sisters, Rita Findley & Janice (Rollin) Camp. Robert is also survived by countless nieces & nephews including a very special nephew, Von Jason Findley and his family; wife Tiffany & their 2 children, Tyler & Megan.
There was cremation. A public Celebration of Life will be held at The Elks Lodge starting at 3:00 PM on Saturday, February 23rd. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Care to Share, and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
