Robert Manning Rountree, Jr. (known to friends and family as "Bob"), unexpectedly passed away on May 9, 2016. Bob was born on December 28, 1931, in Adrian, Georgia. He was the only child of Robert M. and Jessie (Smith) Rountree.

The family moved to Arlington, Virginia, and lived there many years before moving to Lorton, Virginia, where they established a peach orchard. Later in his adulthood, Bob moved with his mother to Otis, Kansas, to be closer to his (then adult) son. He was an active member for many years in the United Methodist Church of Otis, until his last year, when he moved to Hutchinson.

Bob graduated from Washington and Lee High School, and attended one year at Washington and Lee University. Bob enlisted in the Coast Guard Reserves, and served with them for a few years. Bob then worked as a draftsman for several different companies, including RCA and the Comsat Corporation. After leaving the draftsman work, Bob entered into long-distance trucking. Even after retirement, Bob enjoyed keeping himself busy. He volunteered at the Otis Community Library, was a member of the Local Lions club for many years and operated a side business, selling brooms at local fairs and to Lions Club patrons. Bob was a hard worker, yet it is safe to say that he felt his most important job was that of being a father to his children.

Bob married Patricia Mitchell in 1955, and they had two children, William and Clairlynn. After Bob and Patricia divorced in 1966, though the children lived with Pat, Bob continued to have a very active role in his children's lives. He remained a deeply devoted and supportive father throughout their lives. Clairlynn has many special memories of times spent with her father, including two cross-country motorcycle trips, white water rafting on the Snake River, and a 2013 trip to Georgia to visit relatives. William also enjoyed the support and great times with his father, including Bob helping William with his trucking business.

For those who knew him well, Bob was known to "do it his way." He often was not easily persuaded to do something that wasn't first his own idea. He was also quite a prankster at times, and had a great sense of humor.

His sense of adventure was also intact, and one of his favorite pastimes was to take his Harley Davidson on long road trips. He was a huge fan of the Washington Redskins, and shared love of this team with his daughter, even when they didn't have a winning record.

Bob is survived by: son, William Rountree and wife Lori of Hutchinson; daughter, Clairlynn Rountree and, partner Heather of Union, ME; grandchildren, Carl Rountree and wife Jennifer of Otis, Jason Hardin and wife Nikki of Hutchinson; great-grandchildren, Jayden, McKenna, and Remmi Hardin all of Hutchinson; aunt, Midge Williams of Roswell, Georgia; and many cousins in Georgia, including Bill and Nita Spence of Clarksville, Carolyn Scott of Alpharetta, and Betsy Rabun of Tybee Island. Bob's former daughter-in-law, Candy Demory of Otis, also remained a huge comfort to him. The family also wishes to recognize Bob's longtime friendships with Marilee Paynter and Bob Newton of Otis.

Bob made many new friendships at The Wiley Plaza, and we thank them for their companionship this past year.

A memorial gathering will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at The Wiley Plaza, 2nd Floor Community Room, 1st and Main, Hutchinson.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 23, 2016, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Otis, with Pastor Margaret Gary presiding. Burial will follow in the Otis Methodist Cemetery. Friends may sign the memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson.

Memorial contributions may be made to Otis Community Library, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67502.