Bob Storey

Bob W. Storey, 89, Topeka, Kansas, distinguished attorney and former legislator, passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 5, 2024, with his daughter, Jennifer, by his side. Born September 5, 1934, in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, the son of Jess and Nina Feaster Story, Bob grew up mostly in Winfield, Kansas. (Later Bob’s mother changed the spelling of their last name from Story to Storey.) He excelled in basketball, tennis and football while a student at Winfield High School and received scholarships to Independence Junior College, where he was captain of the basketball team, and to Washburn University in Topeka. Hard work never bothered Bob who was always industrious. He grew up working many different jobs, including setting bowling pins, working in the wheat fields, working on the railroad, and selling sewing machines at Sears, where he was nearly fired for selling the floor model. While attending Washburn University, he worked at the Dutch Goose on 10th Street, cleaning up at night, at Ray Beers Men’s Wear and Posez Clothing. Bob earned a BBA degree and Juris Doctor of Law from Washburn University. He married Patricia Moon in 1958 and to this union two children, Brad and Jennifer, were born. The couple later divorced but remained life-long friends. His illustrious career as a practicing attorney spanned 60 years. Much of that time was in private practice. Bob won his first jury trial winning a grand total of $2500 for his client. A great deal of his experience was in the areas of litigation, contracts, business law, oil and gas, utility law and insurance law. These last six years, he was with Elizabeth Baker and David Watson. In 1968, Bob entered politics representing District 20 in the City of Topeka in the Kansas State Senate. During his eight-year tenure, Bob served in many leadership roles including Chairman of Transportation and Utilities, Senate Ways and Means and Senate Judiciary Committees, and was a candidate for Attorney General for the State of Kansas. He distinguished himself further during the next 49 years in numerous ways. He served as General Counsel and member of the Board of Directors of many insurance companies, represented Lloyd’s of London as legal representative in the State of Kansas and was an approved mediator by the Kansas Supreme Court. He was past Director of the Topeka Chamber of Commerce and Director and General Council for the Better Business Bureau of Northeast Kansas. On June 30, 1987, in San Francisco, Bob and Kerry Onstott were united in marriage. Over the years, Bob and Kerry enjoyed traveling extensively including a wonderful trip to Europe. They always enjoyed the company of several furry friends that brought great joy and were excellent traveling companions. Golf had been one of Bob’s favorite pastimes. On December 31, 1999, at Big Horn Golf Course in Palm Desert, California, Bob shot an elusive hole in one. He and his buddies took many golf trips of which many a tale is told. He enjoyed an Appleton Estate Rum with Pepsi, Ketel 1 Vodka on the rocks, or a dirty martini. Bob wanted to be remembered as a good lawyer, a good friend and a good guy. He loved his family and his many dogs. Grateful to have shared Bob’s life are his beloved family, his wife, Kerry; son, Brad; daughter, Jennifer; five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and two furry pups, Kelsie and Kenzie. According to Bob’s wishes cremation is planned. A memorial service celebrating his life will be Monday, June 17 at 1 p.m. at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Bob’s service will be livestreamed on the funeral home Facebook page. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Midland Hospice, Topeka Rescue Mission or Helping Hands Humane Society, and sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Bob Storey

September 5, 1934 - June 5, 2024