Robert G. "Bob" Kocour

Robert G. "Bob" Kocour, 74, lifelong resident and Atchison businessman passed away Monday, July 16, 2012 at his residence surrounded by family.

Mass of Christian burial will be Friday, July 20, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Benedict's Church with Rev. Gerard Senecal, OSB as celebrant. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A parish wake service will be held Thursday, July 19th at 7:OO P.M. in the chapel of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with visitation to follow until 8:30 P.M. Memorial contributions are suggested to Benedictine Sisters, Atchison Catholic Elementary School or Maur Hill-Mount Academy and may be left in care of the funeral home.

Bob was born February 22, 1938, in Atchison, Kansas, the son of Albert B. and Marguerite Hayes Kocour. He attended St. Benedict's grade school, Maur Hill Prep and St. Benedict's College. Upon graduation in 1961 Bob served active duty with the Army at Ft. Ord, California.

Following his military service, Bob returned to Atchison where he went to work for the Urban Renewal agency helping to oversee the rebuilding of Atchison after the devastating flood of 1958. In 1967 he left the Urban Renewal agency to become the first Executive Director of the Atchison Housing Authority where his responsibilities included securing options for land purchases and the design, development, construction and management of 200 housing units including Mall Towers. In 1976 Bob resigned from the Atchison Housing Authority, and received recognition for serving with pride and integrity in pursuing the best interest of the Atchison Community. He went on to become a partner in Commerce Investment Co., a local real estate agency, Commerce Abstract and Title Co. and H&R Block. In 1981 he became sole proprietor of Commerce Realty and Commerce Abstract & Title Co. until selling the company to his son Michael in 2008. Bob remained as a consultant with the company until his passing.

Throughout the years Bob enjoyed playing golf, slow pitch softball, card games, fishing, and being with friends. Later in life he and his wife Julie rejoiced in and supported their grandchildren's many activities cheering them on win or lose. Bob also enjoyed his personal "bonding" time with the boys at the "V". He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and past member of the Elks Club, Bellevue Country Club, Pineview Country Club, Fellowship Club, Maur Hill 500 Club, St. Benedict's Parish Council and many years coached little league sports. Bob always lived and taught his children and grandchildren to have complete faith in God, devotion to family, and belief in oneself.

Survivors include his wife, Julie Kocour of the couples home, two sons, Robert G. Kocour, II, Atchison, KS, Michael (Julie M.) Kocour, Atchison, KS, two sisters Mary Jo Park, Kansas City, MO, Sister Gabrielle Kocour, OSB, Atchison, KS and a brother, Albert B. "Bud" (Barbara J.) Kocour, Jr., Atchison, KS, eight grandchildren, Broc, TJ, Brad, Alec, Tobin, Betsy, Colten and Tyler. He also leaves behind many nieces nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Helen Jean Maggard.