Robert "Bob" (Butch) Reagan, surrounded by his family, died peacefully in the early hours of September 11 after a 3-year battle with leukemia.  Bob was born in Omaha, Nebraska, December 7, 1948, to Harry and Elizabeth Reagan. He was the youngest of three children: older brother Harry (Joe) and older sister Susan (Susie) Yost, all deceased. He attended Benson High School in Omaha. He had fond memories of Peonie Park, which he and his family frequented. He was a lifeguard at the pool.

When his parents retired, they bought the Blue Ridge Motel in Blue Springs. Bob left Omaha his senior year of high school and graduated from Blue Springs High School in 1967.  He enrolled in the School of Journalism at the University of Missouri, Columbia. Many others his age were being drafted so he made the decision to enlist with a friend. They were sent to Vietnam. He fought in the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles unit. Bob was wounded by shrapnel and received a purple heart for his sacrifice.

After the war he came back to Kansas City and enrolled at UMKC. He majored in English and was a poet. He developed his own degree in a new area of the school focused on Creative Writing. He received his master’s degree. Post college he wrote a book about his experiences in the war called “Freedom Bird.” This book turned into a lifelong work. Just 3 days before he died, he made more revisions and sent it to a new Vietnamese friend, for his personal insights.

In 1975 he married Connie Harkrider. They moved to Prairie Village and had two sons, Sam, and Beech. In 1989 the family moved to Overland Park. Many summers were spent at Cape May, New Jersey with all of Bob’s family. 

He was an avid baseball fan and coach to both his kids when they were young. Bob worked as an editor for the Federal Reserve Bank System in Kansas City for many years. He edited articles and speeches. Bob was proud to be at the inception of the periodical, The Main Street Economist. He felt it was one of his great career achievements. He and Connie divorced.

In 2004 Bob and Jackie Biederman married. They built their retirement home in Oak Grove, Mo, his last residence. In retirement, Bob and Jackie spent years exploring the many park systems in the United States in their funky van camper. Bob enjoyed woodworking and was a talented furniture maker. He enjoyed designing and building things. Working in his yard with a cigar and his dog was a favorite pastime, and this pastime created many beautiful designs around their property for Bob and Jackie to enjoy.

Swimming was a lifetime activity. Reading, writing, photography, music, and KU Jayhawks basketball were passions. Bob was a kind, devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a gentle soul with a great sense of humor and was extremely intelligent.  He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife Jackie Reagan; two sons Samuel Forest Reagan (Lindsay) and Robert Beech Reagan (Whitney); three stepchildren Sarah Blanka (Trace), Brian Koon (Beth) and Aimee Ivancic (Michael); four grandchildren Logan Reagan, Max Reagan, Brooks Reagan and Artie Reagan; six step grandchildren Jonathan Blanka, Owen Blanka, Aidan Koon, Zoe Koon, Clyde Ivancic and Bruce Ivancic. As well as many nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Givenow.lls.org