Robert Dean Yunker, 83, passed away at the Medical Lodges in Goddard, KS. Robert was born on Wednesday, October 28, 1942 in Salina, Kansas to Lydia (Staab) and Martin Yunker.
Bob began his education at Sacred Heart Grade School in Salina, continuing at Jefferson when the family moved back to Hays in the early 1950’s. He graduated from Hays High School in 1960 where his activities included band and football. Known for his work ethic, Bob became the first of the largest group of brothers (six) to deliver the Hays Daily News. Employed at the Hays Creamery during his last two years of high school and his first year of college, Bob spent a year in Denver installing carpet before joining the US Navy.
His military service included graduating from the Navy’s Electronic Technician (Radar) school at Treasure Island, CA followed by assignments onboard the USS Gunston Hall (LSD 5) and USS Thomaston (LSD 28). It is believed Bob contracted Parkinson’s disease through exposure to Agent Orange while serving onboard the Thomaston during numerous Marine Corps landings and operations in Vietnam and its inland waterways.
His military awards included the Combat Action Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
After his Honorable Discharge, Bob returned to Fort Hays State University earning a Masters in Business and Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. Throughout college he worked at his uncle’s tavern, the Blue Moon, followed by a number of years at Travenol, prior to accepting the position as Business Manager and later as Superintendent of the Kansas Soldiers Home at Fort Dodge. After returning to Hays, he was employed by the US Postal Service until he retired.
Bob married Kathy L. Smith of Agra, KS in 1969. They later divorced remaining friends until her passing in 2019. His interests included managing his investments and real estate properties, all Fort Hays State University and Kansas City sports, antique and special interest vehicles, and raised pigeons for years. He was a Life Member of American Legion Post 173 in Hays, and served as the Commander and Adjutant of Post 107 at Ft. Dodge.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Martin Jr., David, and Thomas, nephew Matthew Yunker, former wife Kathy Yunker, and brother-in-law David Weed.
Bob is survived by sons Rob (Aaron) of Wichita, James (Kelli) and Jason of Hays, 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Brothers Charles of Tecumseh, KS, James (Shirley) of Hays, KS, Daniel (Joan) of Andover, KS; sisters Mary Alice Weed of Salina, KS, Janice Koshiol of Hays, KS; sisters-in-law Karen Yunker Fountain, CO and Lois Yunker of Munjor, KS, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of life will be planned for the spring of 2026.