Robert Glenn Estell

Robert Glenn Estell died Monday, October 26, 2020 at the University of Kansas Medical Center - where he met the love of his life, Brenda, in 1988. He was born at home in Rosedale to Janie and Stone Estell. He was the eighth of nine children. He was reunited in heaven with his parents, his sisters, Shay and Dorothy, Beverly Simpson, his brother, Mike, and his in-laws, Tom and Betty, with whom they all shared a great love.

Like Steve Martin in The Jerk, Rob "was born a poor black child." Our standard joke, but it was true. Rob had no idea how poor they were since his parents and siblings, nephews and nieces surrounded each other with love and laughter and a great sense of community. He was truly blessed. He often said  that he was the black George Bailey - he had a wonderful life.

Rob attended J.C. Harmon before beginning at Donnelly College. While there, he toured Avila College where he viewed it as the most beautiful campus he'd ever seen. The next fall he began at Avila. He knew no one there and at that time was the first Estell to attend college. He felt isolated until Joey, Z and JP asked him to join them at a party. The rest is history. People were drawn to his joyous personality, great sense of humor and his laugh that started at his toes and ran through his legs, gaining speed in his belly and then out through his beautiful smile into a hearty, loud, wonderful laugh. His best friends, MB and Tina (and others), would grab Rob and he happily joined them on the dance floor almost every weekend.

In 1996, he graduated with honors from Kansas University with his Master's in Social Welfare. Robert had a brilliant mind and a heart that directed his every move. He received several academic awards from KU. At his graduation, Mother Betty made a cap and gown for Maddie so they could graduate together.

As a social worker and administrator, he worked for Johnson County Mental Health, Kansas University School of Social Welfare - where he also taught and recruited BA, MBA and PhD students, Desoto School district and retired after 7 years as the Regional Director for the Department for Children and Families in Topeka. He changed lives, mentored youth and teens and impacted more people than his family even realized. He was humble and selfless in his work.

Rob met Brenda on the softball field playing on rival teams with KUMed. They joined up playing co-ed softball for years with a wonderful team - champions for years. They also played volleyball and even mud volleyball tournaments which was the hardest sport they'd ever competed in. They took 2nd!

Robert and Brenda were married in April of 1993 surrounded by dear friends and family. Their relationship with Christ and their church family was central. They were involved in Bible studies and Rob participated in a men's group and led several Bible studies in their home. He was baptised by submersion in 1992 which was an ordeal because he had a fear of water!

Rob shared a tremendous love of music with Maddie and Michael. From singing to Rick Springfield’s Jesse's Girl with Michael in his truck to the whole family blaring Queen, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, and Dean Martin. You couldn’t put Rob in a box.

He was passionate about KU basketball and the Super Bowl Champion, KC Chiefs. He held season tickets until Maddie was born so he could spend home games with her! He was a very proud father. Going to all of Michael's soccer, basketball, baseball and football practices and games. He would spend time at Maddie's gymnastics practice and clear his schedule for all her meets. He loved his children from the moment he laid eyes on them. Even struggles or set backs would never alter his unyielding love for his family. He worked hard to provide for his family and spoiled them with not just gifts but with memories, laughter and with life lessons and wisdom. He was a man of integrity, loyal and faithful to all who knew and loved him. You could count on him.

Robert is greatly missed by his wife, Brenda McAleer Estell, daughter, Madison and future son-in-law, Cameron, son, Michael and his long-time girlfriend, Courtney, brothers, Wil and Kenny, sisters, Joyce and Jackie, many nieces and nephews, countless friends, and innumerable people whose lives were brightened and enriched by knowing him.

Isaiah 57

1Good people pass away;

the godly often die before their time.

But no one seems to care or wonder why.

No one seems to understand

that God is protecting them from the evil to come.

2For those who follow godly paths

will rest in peace when they die.

As soon as the pandemic is over and all of our family can be present, we will have a giant celebration of an incredible life. No tears, just great stories that will be repeated again and again and thunderous laughter.

Heaven's gain is our loss.

Thank you to Friends of Robert, who have put together a Go Fund Me page. If you are interested in donating, the site is https://gf.me/u/y6vnxb.