Robert Conroy, M.D.

Dr. Robert Warren Conroy, “Dr. Bob,” 87, Topeka, Kansas, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and faithful Catholic, peacefully passed away after a brief illness on June 29, 2026, with his loved ones by his side. Bob was born on September 27, 1938, in Syracuse, New York. His loving parents, John W. and Mary E. Conroy, took him to St. Therese Catholic Church to be baptized on October 30, 1938. In his well-worn prayer book, Bob always carried a copy of his Baptismal Certificate which he called, “My ticket to Heaven.” The family moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1944 and Bob attended Most Holy Trinity School in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. He loved his teachers, the Benedictine Sisters, and maintained contact with the Sisters until his passing. As a 5th and 6th grader, Bob was a participant in a competitive radio program on KSTP, the local NBC affiliate, called “Catechism Comes To Life.” He placed in the top three positions for 18 Sundays, thereby continuing as a contestant. He attended and graduated from De La Salle Catholic High School in Minneapolis, located on Nicollet Island, giving him the honor of being called an “Islander.” He graduated cum laude from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, with a degree in chemistry and biology. One of the joys of his life was completing his M.D. degree at the University of Minnesota. While a medical student, he was engaged in research working toward suppressing the immune response for successful organ transplantation. Dr. Bob completed his internship at William Beaumont General Hospital in El Paso, Texas, followed by a residency in psychiatry at Walter Reed General Hospital in Washington, D.C. He served seven years as a medical officer in the Army, followed by a long career with the Menninger Foundation in Topeka, Kansas. After retirement, he served at the Colmery-O'Neil Veteran's Hospital. His training and psychiatric experience with the military, Veteran’s Administration, and the world-renowned Menninger Clinic resulted in an exciting career filled with many surprises and adventures. While at Menninger, in addition to his clinical duties, Dr. Bob directed the Menninger Leadership Center, a business and consulting group. He was a diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. On September 5, 1959, Bob and Beverly Joan Huney were married and celebrated 45 years together before her death on September 24, 2004. Dr. Bob was a writer with numerous publications to his credit in both the scientific and lay press. His publications include a novel, The Shattered Curtain, 365 daily meditations entitled Points on The Compass, a rosary booklet, Garland of Grace, The Holy Rosary and a collection of short stories, Thoughts Along the Way, A Compendium of Short Stories. Dr. Bob was member of Corpus Christi Catholic Parish in Lawrence, Kansas, the Knights of Columbus Council No. 12960 and James W. Gibbons Fourth Degree Assembly. He also served as a volunteer companion for Midland Care. He was a member of Men of Grace book club for many years, a weekly Bible study at Christ the King Catholic Church and the Empty Nesters group at Corpus Christi Catholic Parish. Bob and Carolyn Clement were married on May 3, 2008, and enjoyed and cherished a wonderful and loving married life. Every trip to family in San Diego, La Crescenta, Tahoe and Olathe always created wonderful and loving memories. As well as numerous family trips, Bob and Carolyn reveled in their world travels, from 30 days in the South Pacific to Germany, Estonia, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, the United Kingdom, as well as Russia and many points in between. Bob had two wives whom he loved dearly, as well as his blended family and in return, they loved him dearly. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; three sons from his marriage to Beverly, Father Robert Conroy, M.C., Dr. Steven Conroy (Maria) and Andrew Conroy (Lyn); four grandchildren, Michael, Christopher, AJ and Beverly; two stepdaughters, Chrissy Manning (Mike) and Lisa Van Prooyen (Peter); five step-grandchildren, Adam, Matthew, and Andrew, McKenzie (Phillip) and Cole; and one step-great-grandson, Crew. Visitation will be on Friday, July 10, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. when the Rosary will be prayed. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., all at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 6001 Bob Billings Pkwy, Lawrence, KS 66049. Burial with military honors will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Topeka. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Missionaries of Charity Fathers or to Corpus Christi Catholic Parish, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Robert Conroy, M.D.

September 27, 1938 - June 29, 2026