Robert W. Rhuems, 94, went to be with the Lord on March 25, 2024, and passed away peacefully.
Robert was born on April 19, 1929, in Pittsburg, KS, to Howard and Ruth (Pryer) Rhuems who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were his wife, Shirley A. (Hale) Rhuems, and his companion, Mildred Booe, along with brothers, Milton, Orville, Russell, Jim, and Dwain Rhuems all of Pittsburg.
He is survived by his sisters, Ruth Hendrickson of Pittsburg and Marilyn Kae Buchanan (Ron) of Tomball, TX; his brother, Warren Rhuems and wife, Saragene of Frontenac, KS; and sisters-in-law Dodie Rhuems and JoCarol Rhuems of Pittsburg.
He was a resident of Guest Home Estates in Pittsburg, later moving to Galena Nursing Center in Galena, KS.
Robert enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling, and being with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and Family. He also enjoyed "tinkering" in his garage fixing things for family and friends in Pittsburg. He would always say "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
He lived in Muskogee, OK, and worked as a real estate agent and later as an optician in Tahlequah, OK. He then moved to Parsons, KS where he opened Rhuems Optical. Later, he moved to Grove, OK opening Rhuems Optical before retiring and moving back to Pittsburg.
Robert was active in the Mirza Shrine on the director staff for several years. He was an Army veteran, a member of the American Legion Post 64, and a member of the First Baptist Church in Pittsburg.
Robert is survived by four children, Joyce Chancey (Jerry) of
Florissant, MO, Sharon Vandris of Rogers, AR, Kenneth Rhuems (Tina) of Joplin, MO, and Mark Rhuems of Catoosa, OK; seven grandchildren, Lori Bramstedt (Kyle) and Kevin Chancey of Florissant, MO, Brad Vandris of Rogers, AR, Kim Vandris-Chavez of Pea Ridge, AR, Ben Rhuems of Joplin, MO, Jay Rhuems (Crystal) of Oronogo, MO, and Shannon Garrett (Steve) of Joplin, MO; eleven great-grandchildren, Cody Bramstedt, Kayla Chancey, Robert Chancey, Katlyn Wieneke, Avrie Weast, Gray Garrett, Liz and Alexis Rhuems, Lily Thompson, Chloe, and Blake Rhuems; and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside service will be at Ft. Scott National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, KS on April 3, 2024, with services by Ozark Memorial Park Crematory of Joplin and Pastor Rick Bartlett of the First Baptist Church in Pittsburg.
