Bob Kiser passed peacefully from this earth on Friday, July 3, 2026 at the age of 102. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, adventure, optimism, curiosity and unconditional love.

Born on May 27, 1924, Bob lived through more than a century of history, but he never simply watched life pass by. He embraced every day as another opportunity to learn, to serve and to travel. He sure did love to travel, whether by car, boat, airplane or his favorite way to travel…by bicycle.

His daughter Jane recalled a story from a two-week bicycle tour that she was able to enjoy with her dad several years ago. The story illustrates many of the traits of his character. The group of about 30 cyclists had spent the night sleeping in a local church. When they stepped outside the next morning, they were greeted by gray skies, steady rain, and a long day of riding ahead. Most of the riders groaned at the weather. Jane admits she was one of them.

But not Bob.

He looked toward the clouds, smiled, and began singing, "Oh, what a beautiful mornin'..." For just a moment, it irritated his daughter. Then it taught her one of the greatest lessons of her life.

Bob wasn't pretending the rain wasn't falling. He simply chose not to let the rain determine his joy.

That was Bob Kiser, born in Marion, Indiana to Nelson and Pansy Kiser. As a young man, Bob answered his country's call by serving in the United States Army during World War II. Stationed in the China-Burma-India Theater, he served on a pipeline crew that supplied fuel to Allied forces. Bob was discharged from the Army in December 1945. The experience shaped the rest of his life and ultimately led him to a distinguished 31-year career as an electrical engineer with Exxon. He retired in 1986, leaving behind a career marked by excellence and dedication.

Exxon also opened the door to one of Bob's greatest passions—seeing the world. Together with his beloved wife, Marna, he lived in Venezuela for 19 years, Australia for five years, and Malaysia for three. They embraced every assignment as a new adventure, building lifelong friendships and experiencing cultures that enriched their lives forever. He retired from Exxon in 1986.

Bob and Marna were married on April 5, 1953 and shared 54 wonderful years together, building a home filled with faith, love, laughter, and unforgettable experiences. During the final years of her life, as she battled a serious illness, Bob lovingly cared for her with extraordinary patience, tenderness, and unwavering devotion. His faithful care became one of the greatest lessons he ever taught his children and grandchildren—a living example of what it means to love someone "for better or for worse."

Adventure was woven into Bob's DNA. An avid cyclist, he completed five cross-country bicycle rides across the United States with the Wandering Wheels cycling group. His bicycle also carried him across parts of Russia, South Africa, Vietnam, New Zealand, and many other countries. Every trip was another opportunity to experience God's creation and meet people whose lives became part of his own story.

One of Bob's most remarkable qualities—and one his family believes contributed to his extraordinary longevity—was his endless curiosity. He genuinely loved people. Whether standing in line at the grocery store, sitting beside someone on an airplane, or meeting a complete stranger on the street, Bob could strike up a conversation within moments. He never met a stranger, only someone whose story he hadn't heard yet. His warmth, kindness, and sincere interest in others made him a favorite among friends, neighbors, relatives, and countless people whose paths he crossed.

Bob was a man of faith. He loved the Lord, and faithfully served through his church for many years. He participated in numerous mission trips. His quiet acts of service, generous spirit, and Christ-like love touched lives around the world.

Bob cherished his family. He is survived by his three children, Jane Steadman, her husband Bill; Kurt Kiser, his wife Carolyn, and Karl Kiser; his grandsons, Chris, his wife Becky, Jason, his wife Lexi, Billy, his wife Holli, Colton and Brian; along with his eight great-grandchildren: Karis, Moriah, Chandler, Ty, Barrett, Walker, Hendrix, and Isabel. Bob is also survived by his bonus granddaughter Callie, her husband, Chad, and bonus great grandchildren, Harlin, and Quinn. Whether they knew him as “Dad,” “Uncle Bob,” or “Paw Paw,” Bob always made sure that each member of his family felt loved, supported, and heard.

His family will forever smile when they remember the expressions that became part of everyday life. If someone lingered in bed too long, Bob would grin and say, "You don't score any points in bed." He believed life was meant to be lived and often reminded everyone, "To rest is not to conquer.” When something unexpected happened, his trademark response was "Horses!" And whenever he was pleasantly surprised or delighted, you could count on hearing, "Great day in the morning!"

Bob also had another legendary family trait—he could fall asleep almost anywhere.

One family favorite happened when his twin grandsons, Chris and Jason, just seven years old at the time, were with Paw Paw when he was driving them to school. Paw Paw nodded off at a stoplight. The light cycled from red to green and back to red before the boys finally woke him up. More than three decades later, the story still brings laughter to family gatherings.

Church was another place where Bob occasionally enjoyed an unexpected nap. If someone nudged him awake during the sermon, he'd respond without missing a beat, "Don't bother me... I'm praying."

Those stories, along with countless others, remind us that Bob possessed a wonderful sense of humor and never took himself too seriously.

Bob belonged to what has often been called the Greatest Generation, but what made him truly great wasn't simply the era in which he lived. It was the way he lived—with faith instead of fear, optimism instead of complaint, curiosity instead of complacency, and service instead of self-interest.

Memorial services will be held in Lubbock at 10:00 am (CST), Friday, July 17, 2026 at Victory Life Church.

The family will be taking Bob back home to Marion, Indiana. A Memorial Gathering is planned for 9:00 am (EST), Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Home, 1341 N Baldwin Ave in Marion.

The family wishes to thank Raider Ranch, their staff and caregivers for the love and care provided to Bob over the last several years.

Bob's family believes his greatest lesson wasn't delivered in words but in a rainy parking lot outside a small church. While others focused on the storm, Bob looked toward heaven and sang, "Oh, what a beautiful mornin'." That simple moment captured the way he lived all 102 years of his life. And whenever the skies turn gray, they may just find themselves smiling and hearing Paw Paw's voice singing: "Oh, what a beautiful mornin'."

Bob's life was marked by faithful service, patriotism, and a love for others. The Patriot Guard Riders of Lubbock honor the families of our fallen military veterans and first responders, so in honor of Bob's life, the family requests that memorial donations be made to them: https://lubbockpgr.org/donation/ or 4806 55th Street, Lubbock, Texas 79414.