Robert James Curtin

Bob was born on January 28, 1941, in Kansas City, Missouri, to James and Nellie (Nelson) Curtin. He grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, attended parochial schools, and proudly graduated from Boys Town in 1958—a community and legacy he would remain deeply connected to throughout his life.

After moving to the Kansas City area, Bob lived with his Aunt Gladys and Uncle Frank. During that time, he met Ruby Olsted, and they were married on January 2, 1960. They began their life together in Lenexa, Kansas, and had four children—Christine, Ron, Terry, and Jackie. Following the heartbreaking loss of their son Terry at the age of three, they moved to Osawatomie, Kansas, where they raised Christine, Ron, and Jackie on a small farm. Bob especially enjoyed spending time outdoors and tinkering around the property.

Bob later married Glenna (Shoaf) VanVleck on April 28, 1987. They shared many happy years traveling across the United States and spending time with family before Glenna’s passing in 2008.

On April 28, 2015, Bob married Sharon (Munter) Creech. Together, they treasured time at their lake house at the Lake of the Ozarks, traveling, cheering on their grandchildren at sporting events, and relaxing with late-night movies and sports.

In his younger years, Bob was active in the Boy Scouts, loved riding his bike, and had a mischievous streak when it came to antagonizing his younger sisters, Bette and Mary.

Professionally, Bob worked as a union pressman in the printing industry. He was especially proud of printing game programs for the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Kings. He also enjoyed float trips with friends and long horseback trail rides, including 40-mile rides to benefit the National Kidney Foundation.

A lifelong supporter of his alma mater, Bob was very active in the Boys Town Alumni Association, serving multiple terms on its board. In recognition of his dedication, he was inducted into the Boys Town Hall of History in 2011.

Bob is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughter Christine and husband Rick Waddell; son Ron and wife Donna Curtin; daughter Jackie and husband Mike Brown; stepdaughter Cindy and husband Brian Soukup; sister Mary Tompsett; ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son Terry; sisters Dorothy Lazio and Bette Curtin; and grandsons Matthew VanVleck and Todd Brown.

Services are scheduled for November 8th, 2025 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11300 103rd, Overland Park, Kansas 66214. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Boys Town Alumni Association, 14188 Mother Teresa Lane, Boystown, NE 68010