Robert Figgins passed away peacefully Sunday, November 30, at Atrium at Serenity Pointe in Hot Springs, Ark. He was 89 years old.
Christmas Day 1935, in Colorado Springs, Colo., his parents, Ennis and Marian Figgins, received a special Christmas present - a baby boy whom they named Robert Lee Figgins. Robert’s life began in the winding mountains of Victor, Colo., where his father was working in the gold mines.
The family moved to Kansas in 1944 and settled on a farm west of Johnson, Kan. Robert went to Manter Grade School and graduated from Manter High School in 1954. He played basketball, and even at age 85, he could still make shots from anywhere on the court.
After graduating, Rob was drafted into the Army in 1957. Following boot camp at Fort Carson, Colo., he spent two years at Schofield Barracks in Honolulu, Hawaii, an experience he wouldn’t trade for anything.
Robert married Mary Lou Walkemeyer June 3, 1961, at the Bethel Friends Church near Hugoton, Kan. They recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary.
To begin their life together, they moved into Robert’s family home, located just two miles east of their present home. In 1969, they built a family home, where they raised two daughters: Janet and Candi. Their home became a gathering place for both family and friends.
Farming wasn’t just his livelihood… it was his passion, his purpose, and the place where he felt most at home. He also took great pride in being a part of the Manter farming community. Robert also loved flying and fulfilled his dream of becoming a licensed pilot. He owned several airplanes and served on the Stanton County Airport Board.
Robert and Mary Lou moved to Hot Springs, Ark., in July 2024, to be closer to their daughters. However, their farm was always considered their “home”.
Above all, Robert loved his family most of all. He was a dearly loved husband, dad, grandpa, and papa. He will be remembered for his kindness, his patience, and the quiet, unwavering love he gave so freely to his family. His legacy blooms in every wheat crop he tended, echoes in every song he loved, and lives on most beautifully in the family he treasured above all else.
Robert is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Figgins; daughter Janet Dickinson (John), Hot Springs, Ark., daughter Candi Copley (Dan), Hot Springs, Ark.; grandchildren: Liza Zavoianu, Hot Springs, Ark.; Anna Cerney, Savanna, Ga.; Twila Smedley, Jacksonville, Fla.; Alosha Cerney, Bryant, Ark.; and David Smedley, Haviland, Kan.; great-grandchildren: Tangela Babcock (Nicholas), Devon Cerney, and Naylia Dickinson; great-great grandchild, Jacob Babcock; brothers: Orville Figgins (Faye), Johnson Kan., Richard Figgins (Diane), Vilas, Colo., and Russell Figgins (Jackie), Pueblo, Colo., as well as sister-in-law, Judy Figgins, Ulysses; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by brother Jay Figgins; and sister, Barbara Smith.
Visitation was from 2-8 p.m., Friday, December 12, at Garnand Funeral Home in Johnson.
Funeral service was at 1 p.m., Saturday, December 13, at Fields Memorial Wesleyan Church in Johnson, Kan. The service was livestreamed on Garnand Funeral Home Facebook page.
Interment followed at Stanton County Cemetery with military honors.
Arrangements were in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 715, Johnson, KS 67855.
Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.
