Robert Achilles, 91, died Nov. 13, 2014, at the Mennonite Manor, South Hutchinson. He was born July 5, 1924, at Inman, Kan., the son of Herman and Susana Achilles.

He attended Golden Rule Grade School for the first four years and then attended Inman Grade School and graduated from Inman High School in 1942. He graduated from McPherson College in 1949, from Wichita State University with a Master's Degree in 1955, and a Ph.D. in 1968. He served as Director of Speech and Hearing at the Children's Rehabilitation Center, Baltimore, Md., from 1952 to 1953. He returned to Wichita State University as Clinical Supervisor, 1953 to 1958; Director of Wichita Clinical Services 1958 to 1960; Lecturer and Instructor in Department of Communication Disorders 1955 to 1977. He moved to Beaumont, Texas, and was Regents' Professor in the Department of Communication from 1963 until retirement in 1989; and Professor Emeritus of Communication Disorders, November 2004. He was credited with several research publications, listed in Who's Who South and Southeast, American Men of Science, Personalities of the South and Outstanding Educator of America in 1971. He received numerous grants; presented a variety of professional papers, workshops, radio and television programs; served on several committees annually; sponsored student organizations, developed and taught 19 different courses, and served as a consultant to area programs related to the University.

Dr. Achilles and his wife, Toni, moved from Texas to Excelsior; he served as Elder, Deacon, Trustee and Sunday school teacher at Barbie Memorial Presbyterian Church. From there they moved to the Mennonite Manor in South Hutchinson in 2002, and were members of Forest Park Presbyterian Church, serving as an Elder until 2006. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946 and was on active duty in the South Pacific during World War II.

Survivors include: a son, Jackson Todd Achilles, MD and wife Sandra of Beaumont, Texas; daughter, Jeanette Achilles of Colorado; stepsons, Jeff Harper and wife Analisa of Italy, Dr. Brad Harper and wife Robin of Washington; stepdaughter, Coleen Morris and husband Craig of Liberty, Mo.; daughter-in-law, Nancy Harper of California; grandchildren, Jenny Achilles, Todd Achilles, both of Beaumont, Texas, Dennis Harper, Michael Harper, both of California, Dan Morris and wife Kristi of Liberty, Mo., Breegan Harper, Corey Harper and Drew Harper, all of Washington; great-granddaughter, Gracyn Morris; sister-in-law, Patty Achilles of Hutchinson; special nephew and caregiver, Larry Achilles of Hutchinson; and several other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by: his parents; wife, Toni Achilles; brothers, Lloyd and Butch Achilles; nephew, Doug Achilles; sister-in-law, Lee Achilles; and a great-granddaughter, Carly Morris.

Cremation has taken place and services will be at a later date. Memorials may be made to Mennonite Manor, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.