Robert "Staff" Forbes ,Sr.

Robert Stafford Forbes, Sr. ("Staff") passed away July, 26,2017 at his home in Overland Park after a brief illness. Robert was born June 13, 1922 in Kansas City, MO to Robert M. and Louella Forbes. He graduated from Southwest High School in 1939, where he was editor of the school newspaper. Furthering his education he attended KC Junior College and graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He also served 3 years in the US Army during WWII, serving in both Europe and the Pacific. Robert was a lifelong mechanical engineer, working for four local companies. He was a member of Sixth Church of Christ, Scientist and First Church of Christ, Scientist Overland Park. Robert had many hobbies including skiing and traveling the world. He was a prolific oil painter with 250 canvases to his credit. Robert was also an avid reader and member of his book club for 50 years. He accomplished his goal of reading the works of the top 100 authors of all time in only twelve short years. Robert is preceded in death by his parents and his first love and wife of 45 years, Joan McKinney Forbes. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Vivian Helms Forbes; his children, Robert Forbes Jr. (Linda), Richard Forbes (Linda), Linda La Piana Trask (Michael), Thomas Graf Helms; grandchildren, Sam La Piana (Nichole), Thomas La Piana (Jessica), Daniel Forbes (Laura), Randy Forbes (Lisa), Lisa Forbes (fiancé Chris Cardello); great -grandchildren, Lucas La Piana, Christian and Kellan Forbes, Giovanni Forbes-Cardello; brother, Jim Forbes (Marabel); and many nieces and nephews. Robert led a long and happy life, blessed with his family, and friends too numerous to count. A memorial visitation will be held at the Overland Park Chapel on Sunday, July 30th, from 2:30-4:30pm.

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