Robert James “Bob” Nowlin, a lifelong resident of WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2014, at the age of 87 at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital.

He was born on December 19, 1926, to Cleo and Louise (Buchholz) Nowlin in WaKeeney.

Robert proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II aboard a destroyer, the USS Washington and a mine sweeper, YDG-6.  He was employed by the railroad for approximately 10 years, worked several years for Dr. Phillips who was a veterinarian, and the Trego County highway department for about 36 years before retiring. 

Robert was a member of the American Legion and the VFW for many years.  He was an avid hunter and enjoyed playing pool and playing cards with the guys, spending time with his grandchildren, and in his spare time he could be found watching a good old western on the television. (Especially if it was a John Wayne movie.)  Gardening was a favorite past-time for Robert too. His onions won a blue ribbon at the 2013 Trego County Fair.

Survivors include: son, Don Nowlin and his wife Betty of Perry KS; son Dennis Nowlin of Ellis KS; son Les Nowlin and his wife Dana of Cleveland, OK; 6 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister Betty Rodie of Wauneta NE; and brother David Nowlin of WaKeeney KS.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Cleo Nowlin and Louise (Buchholz) Nowlin; son, Robert Charles “Chuck” Nowlin; brother, Charles Delay Nowlin; and sister, Vera Johnson.

Services for Robert will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, September 12, 2014 at Schmitt Funeral Home with burial service in the WaKeeney City Cemetery.
Visitation will be Friday, September 12, 2014 from noon to 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.  Checks made to the organization may be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.