January 25, 1943 - November 15, 2021

Bob passed away surrounded by loving family at KU hospital under hospice care.

Bob was born in Lakewood, Ohio, graduated from Lakewood High School and earned a BS at Northwestern University where he was a Kappa Sigma. He received his MBA at Indiana University before beginning his career at Eastern Central Motor Carriers Association which took him to Stow, Ohio. An opportunity at Yellow Freight Corporation brought him to Kansas City in 1980 where he has resided ever since.

Bob is survived by Sandra “Sandy” Rodgers Burdick, his wife of 38 years, his daughters Kathy (Sean) Griffin, Karen (Dan) Root, and Laura (Tony) Southard, and his grandchildren, Madeline, Emma, Kyle, Annie, and Rowan, as well as half siblings Margaret, Nancy, Christy and Paul; brother in law Ray (Susan) Rodgers and cousin Bonnie Peavy. He is preceded in death by his mother Virginia P. Burdick, father Joseph B. Burdick, and son Matthew W. Boggan. 

Bob’s proclivity for humming, singing, and the occasional accompanying dance step was evident early on. He was in A Cappella Choir in high school and also played the trombone.  If someone were to mention Gilbert & Sullivan, he would immediately break into "I am the very model of a modern Major General,” and describe his role as a police officer in the Lakewood High School musical. Music was a constant theme throughout Bob's life:  active in the Stow UMC Choir, Diminished Four Barbershop Quartet, Village Presbyterian Church choir, and the Heart of America Barbershop Chorus throughout his 78 years. Bob's musical talents were not his only gifts—puns and "Dad jokes" were right up there too.   

As an annual ticket holder to Missouri Repertory Theater and Starlight Theater, Bob took advantage of the wonderful shows and concerts that would come through Kansas City every year. Whenever possible the children were included, instilling a lifetime love of musical theater that has extended to the third generation. 

Bob is perhaps best known for his problem solving, communication, and business skills.  He excelled professionally in the transportation industry, where he spent the majority of his career and retired as a Senior Vice President with Yellow Freight. The years at Yellow Freight also provided wonderful opportunities for Bob and Sandy to travel the world, a passion they both shared throughout their life together. Vacations to Europe, Alaska, many trips to visit their grandchildren, and an annual trip to the National Barbershop Competition were travel highlights. Bob and Sandy also enjoyed their condominium at the Lake of the Ozarks and their annual pilgrimage to Naples, Florida where their rounds of golf were only outnumbered by their social engagements with lifelong friends and loved ones. 

After retirement Bob could be seen in his natural habitat—Indian Hills Country Club golf course—several times a week.  A true sports aficionado, Bob enjoyed watching all sports—Royals and Chiefs, college football and basketball, golf and tennis. If you saw Bob on a Friday, Sunday, or even a Monday you could bet he had on a red Chiefs shirt.  Sports and community service have been an integral part of Bob and Sandy’s relationship—after all, they met on the tennis courts. They have both been very involved members of the Village Presbyterian Church and especially enjoyed volunteering at the food pantry together since it opened.

An accidental fall in 2015 may have limited his activities, but not his heart. He continued to find joy in laughter with family and friends until the very end. His legacy will be that of a kind and wonderful husband, father, Grandad, friend, and community servant. He and Sandy appreciate the love and support of friends and caregivers that they have received over these years.  Special thanks to LaShonda, George, Marya, Derek, and Seth who spent many hours helping Bob.

Keep The Whole World Singing - Barbershop Harmony Society Motto and Theme Song

Words, Music and Arrangement by Willis A Diekema

Keep the whole world singing all day long

Watch goodwill come a-winging on a song

Smile the while you are singing

Oh, carry, carry your part

Keep a melody ringing in your heart

A celebration of life is scheduled for December 4th, 2021 at 3pm at Village Presbyterian Church. The service will be available to view live online. Use this link:  https://www.villagepres.org/online.html

In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to:

Village Presbyterian Church Food Pantry - send to:  Bob Sperry / Director of Giving and Endowment / Village Presbyterian Church / 6641 Mission Road / Prairie Village, KS 66208 / 913-671-2325

OR

Heart of America Barbershop Chorus - send to: Harvey Shapiro / 1117 SW Pacific Dr / Lee’s Summit, MO 64081