Robert Scovel

Robert Keith Scovel, 89, passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2020 at Eagle Estates in his hometown of Independence, Kansas.

Bob was born on December 18, 1930 in Independence to Jay Winn and Gladys Elizabeth (Gall) Scovel. He graduated from local schools. He was particularly close to his father who served as a judge advocate in India during World War II and greatly admired his sacrifice. During the Korean War conflict, he served as a mechanic in the US Air Force, Crew Chief B-29, 98th Bomb Wing, and spent part of his duty stationed in Japan.

Following his honorable discharge, Bob received his bachelor’s and Juris Doctorate degrees at The University of Kansas where he met his wife of 64 years, Marie Innes Wellman of McLouth. They were married June 2, 1956 in Danforth Chapel on the KU campus. They welcomed daughters Susan Elizabeth in 1960 and Sarah Lynn in 1962.

In a career spanning more than 56 years, Bob joined his dad in his law practice which ultimately evolved into the firm Scovel, Emert, Heasty & Chubb.  Bob served as municipal judge and was a member of both Montgomery County and Kansas Bar Associations.

During his lifetime, Bob was affiliated with the Montgomery County Action Council during the successful drive to bring Cessna Aircraft to Independence. He was a member of Mirza Shrine and Masonic Lodge, Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, the Independence Flying Club and was a VFW life member. He was a trustee in session at the church where he was baptized, First United Presbyterian, where he donated the elevator in memory of his and Marie’s parents, Opal and Harry Wellman.

Bob was past president of Rotary Club, a board member of Independence Country Club, Independence Community Chest, Independence Centennial Celebration, Neewollah, Inc. and Meadowlark Girl Scout Council. He was co-owner/director of Quality Motors and Quality Toyota of Independence with Lorne Schlatter and Jim Pollock.  Ownership and management of farms and oil and gas development were his other business interests.

Bob had a passion for politics and was most proud that his father helped found the local Lincoln Day Club, an annual gathering of conservative Republicans. He served as both secretary and treasurer of the organization. He enjoyed golf, tennis, the history of Strategic Air Command and being a proud member of Jayhawk Nation.  In earlier years, he and wife were private pilots.

Survivors include his wife Marie of the home, daughters Susan and Sarah, sister-in-law Marge Castagna, all of Independence; granddaughter Lynn Marie and her fiancée Preston Altree of Los Angeles; niece Janet Roush (Eldon), their daughter Emma and her fiancée, Brian Stiles, all of Overland Park; nephew Jeff Washburn

(Susan) of Wichita, their sons Michael, William and Matthew, Matt’s wife Kelc and their boy Nolan of Lansing, Michigan. He also leaves his beloved cats Roz and Daphne in Marie’s care.

His parents, his brother Thomas Richard Scovel, brother-in-law Norman Castagna, grandson Jared and infant brother Jay Winn, Jr. preceded him in death.

Macular Degeneration stole Bob’s eyesight in his later years, but he never once complained. He was adaptable and content in the most difficult of situations saying more than once, “I’ve had a good life and I’ve done everything I ever wanted to do.”

The family has entrusted Webb-Rodrick Funeral Home with arrangements. Visitation will take place at their chapel on Wednesday, July 8 from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services are at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 9 at First United Presbyterian Church, 201 S. 5th St. in Independence, with Rev. John Wilson officiating.  Following the service, the family will gather privately at the gravesite, with VFW Post 1186 presiding.

Memorial contributions may be mailed to local VFW Post 1186, c/o Commander Ryan York, 113 E. Myrtle Independence, KS, 67301 or left with the funeral home.