Robert Rouse

Robert Wilson Rouse was born on September 27, 1942 to his parents, Kenneth and Elizabeth Rouse in Shattuck, Oklahoma.  Robert had three younger sisters, Rhonda Weaver, Melinda Kimple, and Susan Rouse (Deceased).  Robert married Mary Alice Singular on April 2, 1972.  Robert and Mary Alice were happily married for 48 years. Their marriage was blessed by their son John Rouse, daughter-in-law Rebecca Rouse and two grandchildren, Abigail and Gideon Rouse.

Robert quickly became known as Bob or Bobby to many. Even at a young age, Bob’s wonderful personality began to shine. Bob always loved to tell jokes, which many can attest to.  Bob also enjoyed Kentucky Fried Chicken, ice cream, peanut brittle, basketball, softball, reading, long walks daily, the outdoors, and hunting and fishing.  Bob also served as the area leader for Recovery International for over 20 years to help individuals to gain skills to lead more peaceful and productive lives.

Bob was a life-long learner and had a reputation as a bright and exceptional student.  After graduating from Wichita High School South, Bob attended Friends University on a full ride scholarship where he sang in the Singing Quakers and played baseball.  He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Oklahoma.  Bob then attended Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Shawnee, Kansas where he completed a Master of Divinity.

Bob enjoyed many things in life, but his passion was serving and glorifying his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was co-pastor at Solomon Valley Baptist Parish in North Central Kansas and diligently served during his time there.  He also ministered at First Baptist Church in Wichita, KS for over 23 years impacting lives behind the scenes as a custodian/greeter host.  He deeply loved the church body, praying for others, and had a genuine concern for the hurting and the lost.

Bob’s education and profession was in ministry, but his ministry and impact went far beyond the church walls. Everywhere Bob went, he took his welcoming smile, a repertoire of jokes, and most importantly a genuine heart to encourage others.  He understood that it was very important for him to learn people’s names and remember important things about their lives.  Bob also had a word of encouragement, a message, or a prayer for each of us.  To all of those who have shared in Bob’s earthly journey he would like to leave you with one last thought, “Be certain of one thing, that God loves us”.