Robert Philip Diehl

Robert Philip Diehl, 57, peacefully entered into heaven with Jesus on August 16, 2021 after a year long battle with metastatic lung cancer. Bob was born on November 3, 1963 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was the youngest and sixth child of Richard Earl Diehl and Elizabeth J. Platten Diehl. Bob grew up in Salina, Kansas with 4 older sisters and an older brother and was known to say often “I’m not the baby, I’m the youngest.” His siblings say that as a child he was a cute blonde who loved skateboarding, shooting off rockets and running fast. They remember him giving really thoughtful gifts and having an off-beat sense of humor. Bob attended St. Mary’s grade school and Salina South junior high. Bob graduated high school from Salina South where he was heavily involved as a leader in Icthus Christian fellowship group, where he was well known and had his own sense of style wearing an excess amount of polo shirts well beyond the fad. He met many of his lifelong friends during this time who say Bob was an influencer of faith in many of their lives. He was also someone who was known to champion the underdog. Bob graduated from Kansas State University with a double major in Accounting and finance and had multiple accounting jobs over the years. As of late, he was acting CFO of Kansas City Plumbing Company, and acting accountant for Meya Metal Works and BIG T Tents. Bob married Chrissie Diehl in September of 1990 and were married for 24 years before they divorced in January, 2015. By the grace of God and both of their individual prayers, they were able to reconcile their relationship before Bob was diagnosed with cancer in 2020 and Bob lived his last year with his ex-wife and family by his side. Bob will forever be missed by his surviving children; Katherine Elizabeth Hutcherson, age 28, of Waco, Texas (married to Nathan Hutcherson and soon-to-be-born 1st child, Wrenley Eden Hutcherson), Mary Grace Diehl, age 26, of Houston, Texas, Thomas Christopher Diehl, age 23, of Austin, Texas (and girlfriend Becca Cario), and Henry Philip Diehl, age 20, of College Station, Texas. His children reminisce over his goofy dad jokes and phrases, perfected beef tenderloin, scratch-made biscuits and gravy, multiple woodworking projects, sweet squinty eyed-smile, and endless hours of beer and ping pong with Thomas. In this last year of his life, Bob chose to take a quick spontaneous trip to Mexico with the girls and then a planned miracle family vacation to his favorite place in the world, Hanalei Bay, Kauai. Bob was particular and adamant about cooking himself despite his illness and demanded that a frozen beef tenderloin be packed in a suitcase in case he couldn’t find one on the island. Needless to say, Bob once again exceeded all meal expectations. Bob was a very proud Eagle Scout dad of Troop 16 with Henry. He was an honorary Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and a Brotherhood member in the Order of the Arrow. He was a frequent camper both on monthly campouts and summer camps. Bob was instrumental in their annual washer tournament at Bartle Hall and constructed the winner’s trophy that is still passed down year to year. He also constructed many of the wooden camp boxes that Troop 16 Scouts and leaders take to summer camp every year. He was a constant participant in the Boards of Review, and always ready with a thoughtful, but challenging, question. Bob has 4 surviving siblings, sister Nancy Diehl of Overland Park, KS, sister Susie Buddy of Salina, KS (married to Charlie Buddy), sister Joan Diehl Kennedy of Leawood, KS (married to Chris Kennedy), and brother Richard Diehl, III of Littleton, CO (married to Jane Lenzini Diehl). He was preceded in death by both his parents, Richard Earl Diehl and Elizabeth Platten Diehl from Salina, KS and his sister, Sally J. Mascorro from Hutchinson, KS (married to surviving Tony Mascorro). Bob has 14 surviving nieces and nephews and 12 surviving great nieces and nephews. Bob has 2 surviving “other” children, Stanley the iguana and Galadriel the chameleon. They have both found a new home with a young fellow reptile lover. Bob had many deep friendships (you all know who you are), who kept him grounded, walked with him through the good and hard times, and blessed his life beyond measure. He will be remembered for his strong faith in Jesus Christ, his infectious personality and his true fond interest in everyone around him. Bob was the kind of guy who made friends easily and remembered everybody’s name. He was willing to help anyone whenever help was needed, had a constant smile on his face, and had the best witty, sarcastic humor anyone could hope (or not) for. He told very funny dad stories and loved his children passionately. He was a dear friend, a great leader, and his absence will be sorely felt by all who knew him. Memorial donations may be made by check to: Boy Scout Troop 16-c/o St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and mailed to: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church-401 Wornall Terrace, KCMO 64113. Celebration of life services will be updated once baby Wrenley Eden Hutcherson is born and able to attend her grandfather “Buster’s” memorial service.

Robert Philip Diehl

November 3, 1963 - August 16, 2021