Robert Royden Laing Jr.

Robert Royden Laing Jr., known to most as Bob and to many as Bobby or Bob, Jr., passed away peacefully at home in Bonner Springs, Kansas, on March 9, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply. Born on April 5, 1958, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Robert and Norma Laing, he spent his early years between Chicago and Bonner Springs before the family lived briefly at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. It was there that Bob began playing football for the Bears with his father as one of his coaches, igniting a lifelong passion for sports that stayed with him from little league through college.

Bob grew up in Bonner Springs as the eldest of four siblings. He graduated from Bonner Springs High School in 1976, where he competed in football, wrestling, and track and field, excelling in the discus and shot put for the Bonner Braves. He continued his athletic career on football scholarships at Dodge City Community College and Idaho State University before earning a Bachelor of Business Administration from Washburn University in 1980. He later received his law degree from Washburn and a Master’s in Tax Law from Southern Methodist University. A respected attorney, Bob practiced in many areas including family law, business and corporate law, and general civic practice. He was a member of both the Kansas and Missouri Bar Associations, known for his knowledge, calm demeanor, and steady counsel.

Deeply committed to his community, Bob served on the Bonner Springs City Council and the Lake of the Forest Board of Directors. Sports remained a constant joy throughout his life. A dedicated Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan, he held season tickets for many years and attended multiple NCAA tournaments. He was a loyal Kansas City Royals and Chiefs supporter, celebrated with the tradition of ringing the bell whenever his teams scored. Bob also loved riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle on countless trips with his “motorcycle gang,” and he found great peace in the outdoors as an avid hunter of ducks, geese, pheasant, dove, and turkey. In 1999 he became a founding member of the Napier Hunt Club in Holt County, Missouri, where he formed lasting friendships and enjoyed memorable hunting trips, including one to Argentina. For 35 years he hosted friends in Chamberlain, South Dakota, for annual pheasant hunts filled with camaraderie and storytelling.

Above all, Bob cherished his family. He was a devoted husband to Jennifer Cloud, a loving father to his daughter Lauren Patrice Laing, and a steady, encouraging presence to his mother Norma, his siblings Sheryl Laing, Julie Holland (Rob), and Rich Laing (Kristi), and his many nephews, niece, great-nephews, aunt, cousins, and friends. With a mellow character and a wonderfully dry sense of humor, he brought laughter and mischief to every family gathering. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Laing Sr., his grandparents, several aunts and uncles, and many beloved dogs. He is survived by his wife Jennifer, daughter Lauren, mother Norma, siblings, extended family, his loyal dog Drake, and countless cherished friends.