Robert W. Hart

Bob Hart died Sunday morning, January 14, in the home where he grew up, on the farm he loved.

Bob was born in Kansas City, KS on February 12, 1946, to I.N. and Irene Rollins Hart. He graduated from Turner High School in 1964.

He entered politics at the age of 22, when he was elected trustee for Shawnee Township in KCK. In 1972, he was elected Wyandotte County Commissioner, the youngest to ever hold the office. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kansas, he moved to Denver and went into oil and gas publishing with his brother, Don Hart. Bob was a licensed pilot and flew throughout the western oil fields, promoting Hart Publications and selling ads.

In 1984, he returned to KCK and founded the Hart Agency. Over the next 35 years, he used his marketing, photography and creative skills to help clients grow their businesses.

On January 2, 1992, he married Margee Horan. They met the previous year in a direct marketing certification program. It was the third time they’d encountered each other over a span of 20 years. This time sparks flew, and they were married 6 months after their first date.

For nearly 30 years, Bob raised purebred Gelbvieh cattle, selling stock all over the United States and winning numerous awards at the American Royal, Missouri and Kansas state fairs and the National Western Stock Show.

He enjoyed participating in barbecue competitions, winning top awards at the Lenexa Barbecue and the American Royal Barbecue.

Bob and Margee also bred Arabian horses. He often said he loved beautiful horses, beautiful cattle and beautiful women, but not necessarily in that order. He was an avid genealogist, spending hours researching the Hart family tree and culminating in acceptance as a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He was a member of the Saddle & Sirloin Club, Heart of America Gelbvieh Association and the American Gelbvieh Association.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brother Harvey Russell Hart and sister Dorothy Jean Hart Kroh. He is survived by his wife, Margee, brother Don Hart and many nieces and nephews. Thanks to numerous friends, especially Damon Ortiz and nephew Steve Hart, for their kindness and support in helping Bob continue working and enjoying his cattle, even as his health was failing. Heartfelt appreciation to everyone, especially the nurses and support staff, at the KU Cancer Center at Westwood for their care and compassion throughout his illness.

Services will be held on February 1 at Amos Funeral Home, Shawnee, KS. Visitation from 1 to 2 pm, followed by a memorial service with interment immediately afterward. A celebration will be held the same day from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Saddle & Sirloin Club, 14401 Holmes Rd., KCMO. Memorial contributions can be made to the AGF Junior Endowment Association, c/o the American Gelbvieh Foundation, 1001 S. 70th St., Suite 215, Lincoln, NE 68510.

Politician, pilot, photographer, marketer, cattleman, friend, uncle and husband. Bob wore many hats while living a full life, and he wore them all exceedingly well. His passing leaves a void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.