Robert L. Fay, 92, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024. Robert, who went by Bob, was born June 24, 1931 in Joplin, Missouri to Carroll and Georgia (Revelle) Fay.
Bob’s father and uncle owned Southwestern Sash and Door in Joplin, Missouri, and Bob spent much of his youth working in various aspects of his father’s business – an experience that would later influence his entrepreneurial pursuits.
Bob attended the University of Missouri where he studied business and was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. When the Korean War began, he felt called to enlist in the Army, where he earned his Combat Infantryman Badge as well as other awards and medals. Bob’s experience in battle taught him many things, including leadership and great respect for his fellow soldiers.
Bob married Susan King on June 30, 1956 and they were partners in life for 65 years. They raised their family — a son, Steve, and daughter, Carol — in St. Joseph, Missouri, a city they called home as a married couple for more than five decades.
Bob and Susan loved their town and worked hard to forge successful businesses and meaningful friendships there. Bob was a successful entrepreneur, owning Bob Fay’s TV & Appliance store for more than 30 years and later operating Bob Fay Finance Companies.
Bob’s parents gave him an appreciation for civic responsibility, and Bob funneled that appreciation into relationships with others who were working to keep the St. Joseph community strong.
As a United Way volunteer for more than 30 years, Bob held a variety of important positions. He led the 1973 fundraising drive, served twice as board president and was the first chairman of the United Way Crystal Circle. In 1987, he was one of 50 national recipients to be presented with the Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award, the United Way’s highest volunteer award. The award was presented by former President Gerald Ford at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Bob served as member and president of the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art and board chairman of Heartland Health Systems. He also donated his time to the boards of the Calla E. Varner Education Foundation, the St. Joseph School Foundation, the YMCA, Head Start, Family Guidance, Salvation Army Advisory Board, Gold Coats of Missouri Western State University, the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce, the St. Joseph School District, the American National Bank, Mercantile Bank and US Bank. Bob also was a supporter of the Pony Express Museum.
Bob was a member of First Presbyterian Church and a 24-year member of the St. Joseph Racquet Club. Bob and Susan were members of the St. Joseph Country Club and the Benton Club.
Bob and Susan were fortunate to be able to travel and explore many countries, their favorite being San Miguel de Allende, Mexico - -a place they visited annually for more than 20 years.
Bob loved his adventures with Susan and took great joy in his long marriage and his children. He was especially proud of the way Steve and Carol raised their own children to be such wonderful young adults.
Bob is survived by his son, Steve and Steve’s wife, Kitty (Kirmil) Fay of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and their sons, Jack (Ari) of Frankfurt, Germany, and Will (Lindsey) of Chicago, Illinois; and by his daughter, Carol Haenisch of Prairie Village, Kansas, and her daughter, Susan Sari Haenisch of Kansas City, Missouri; and his brother, Richard Carroll Fay of Indianapolis, Indiana.
Preceding Bob in death were his wife, Susan; his parents; and brothers, Dr. George Emory Fay and Dr. Jack Revelle Fay.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 3:00 P.M. Friday, March 22, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Inurnment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. following the service. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Susan Fay Art Scholarship Fund at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art, Children’s Discovery Center at Mosaic Life Care, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
