Obituary
Bob Mace passed away September 8, 2026, in Lees Summit, Mo. He was born in October of 1932 near Edgar Springs MO to John and Beatrice Mace. He was the 7th of 8 children. He lived his childhood life in and around Rolla, MO. He graduated from Rolla High School in 1951. He was invited to join the army in 1953 and spent 2 years serving his country. Following his service in the army he worked a short time at Fort Leonard Wood. Following that he worked for Defense Mapping Agency in Kansas City for over 30 years. He was well respected as a cartographer.
He was married to his bride for 65 years and had two children. As a family they were very active in the Church of Christ. Bob was a deacon, and then an elder in the Church and always ready to help anyone in need. As a family, they worked with Little Blue Bible Camp for many years. They served God in many ways with dedication and love.
Bob enjoyed sports of all kinds, especially if a ball was involved. As a short stop he would give Bobby Witt Jr. a run for his money. He played in numerous softball and bowling leagues over the years and coached Little League Baseball. He loved deer and quail hunting and fishing. He especially loved watching the success of his family in outdoor sports. He (of course) was a Royals and Chiefs fan.
His greatest love in earthly life was his wife, Mary. They were married for 65 years. They did everything together from changing lightbulbs to building garages, finishing basements or managing all sorts of different church or camp projects. They led a life of service and were a great example to all they were around.
His biggest joy was spending time with his family, wife, kids, grandkids and great grandkids. After retiring from DMA in 1988 he spent 15 years working with his son as his rodman in the surveying field, laying out many of the subdivisions in Lee’s Summit and the surrounding areas. He took such pride in his part of those projects. After retiring from the survey field, he helped his daughter and her husband in their business, always eager to run errands and help maintain their workplace in any way he could.
Living in a cul-de-sac with his son’s family next door, and his daughter’s family across the street, he was a part of his grandkids’ daily lives as they grew up. Their adventures, projects, and activities were his adventures, projects and activities. His involvement with his great grandkids was equally rewarding for him. Shortly before his death he was teaching great grandchildren to play checkers.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, 7 siblings and 1 great granddaughter. He was heartbroken at the loss of his first great grandchild, Charlotte.
He is survived by his wife Mary of the home, daughter Kimberly Ryan (Paul), son Kent Mace (Linda); 6 grandchildren Nick (Emily), Jacob (Bailie), Nate (Jacqueline), Danny, Andrea (Andrew), and Alexxa. He is also survived by 10 great grandchildren.
He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. In lieu of flowers, consider doing a quiet act of kindness for someone as a tribute to Bob’s humble spirit of service to others.
A private family burial will be held at Floral Hills East Memorial Gardens, in Lee’s Summit Missouri.
Bob will no doubt be greatly missed. I have so many fond memories of time spent working with him in the early nineties on surveying crews with G.F. Pierce & Assoc. and later R.K.Mace & Assoc. during that time I taught Bob how to properly eat a sunflower seed. I enjoyed many donuts and cups of coffee with him and enjoyed his story’s and prized the times I could make him laugh. I never saw him wear a pair of shorts no matter how hot it was. I knew him to be was a wonderful Christian, Father, Husband, Friend and fast pitch softball pitcher. He will be missed! My thoughts and prayers are with his family in this time of loss… God Bless
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Mary, as well as your family. We share in your loss and hope you will draw strength from the many precious memories shared together as a family throughout the years. Bob was a very special part of many lives through the years and will be missed by all who were blessed by his life.
Bob leaves an incredible legacy, of faith, service, and kindness. Kay and I have many wonderful memories of Bob and Mary and learned a lot about what a marriage and family should look like by watching their example. May God grant his family peace and comfort at this time.
I met Bob when his daughter, Kim, married my brother, Paul, in 1988. From the very beginning, I was impressed with his strong faith and great love for his family. He immediately treated me like one of the family and our respect and love for one another grew over time.
I am saddened by his passing but confident that Bob is in the presence of our Lord for an eternity, and that one day we will meet again.
Thinking of the family as you tell this wonderful man your final goodbyes.
To the gentle giant of kindness. The example of kindness, generosity, and positivity.
To the family love, peace and fulfillment in The Lord God faithfulness.