Robert William “Bob” Exline,91, born on April 3, 1932, at St. Johns Hospital in Salina, KS, passed away early Tuesday morning at Presbyterian Manor on May 30, 2023. He was the beloved son of C. Wm. Exline and Inez Lorenz Exline. As a young boy, Bob enjoyed his early years in Kipp, KS until 1943 when his family relocated to Salina following a destructive tornado. He attended Kipp Elementary until the 5th grade and continued his education at Franklin Grade School, Roosevelt-Lincoln Junior High, and Salina High School, where he graduated in 1951.
In pursuit of his passion for Industrial Technology, Bob earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State University in 1956. He was even nominated as the “St. Pat” candidate in the College of Engineering. Bob’s dedication to serving his country was evident through his service in the Naval Air Reserve from 1949 to 1954 and his time in the US Army, where he was stationed at Fort Bliss, El Paso, TX, from 1956 to 1958.
On August 14, 1955, Bob married Mary Margaret Hannaford at the First Presbyterian Church in Marion, Kansas. They welcomed three children into their lives: Robert W. Exline, Jr. (born in 1957, in El Paso), David Eric Exline (born in 1959, in Salina), and Jean Elizabeth Exline (born in 1961, in Salina).
Bob’s professional journey led him to join as the fourth generation member of the family business Exline Diesel Engine Works in Salina upon his return in 1958. Eventually, he became the President of Exline, Inc., and served in that position from 1972 to 1993, totaling thirty-five successful years of contribution to the company. His dedication took him across all states and many foreign countries. His remarkable leadership and contributions to the company led to its success. Bob retired in 1993, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and innovation.
Throughout his life, Bob actively served his community and various organizations. He was a past member of the Salina School Board, served as President of the Salina United Way, the Salina Chamber of Commerce, and the Salina Rotary Club. Bob also held leadership roles as the President of the Associate Members Board of the Southern Gas Association and served on the Molokai Electric Board of Directors in Hawaii. His dedication extended to his involvement in various groups such as the 32 Degree Mason, Isis Shrine, Jester, and Gridiron. He was a past president of the KSU Engineering Advisory Council and a member of the KSU Foundation. Bob was honored with induction into the Kansas State University Engineering Hall of Fame and received the KSU Distinguished Service Award. He also served as a member of the UMB Bank Board of Directors, the Presbyterian Manor Advisory Council, and faithfully served many roles at the First Presbyterian Church of Salina.
Bob’s family was a source of great joy and pride. He cherished his role as a father to his children, Robert Jr. and his wife Kelli, David and his partner Amos Bracero, and Jean with her partner Glenn Stroer. In later years he also took delight in the lives of his grandchildren, Scott and Tom Fredrickson, Robert William “Will” III and his wife Anne, and Carolyn with her husband Dylan Smith.
In his leisure time, Bob pursued his passions. After retirement, he dedicated countless hours to building RC Scale airplanes and crafting graphite and bamboo fly fishing rods. Bob was an avid member of the First Presbyterian Church in Salina since 1943. He had a keen interest in cooking and delighted in preparing delicious dishes such as smoked ribs, brisket, and turkey. Bob had a knack for discovering tasty recipes in the numerous food magazines to which he subscribed, with his favorite soups being chicken and leek, beef borscht, and chili. He became well known within the community for his special spaghetti sauce. As he grew older, he developed a voracious appetite for reading, particularly WWII nonfiction and fiction, expanding his knowledge and passion for history. He had a keen sense of early memories and loved sharing stories of childhood adventures, travels around the world, and humorous self deprecating anecdotes about his life.
Bob Exline will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His dedication, leadership, and love for his family and community leave an enduring legacy. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary; his three children and their families; his brothers Jerry, Doug, and their wives.
A visitation with family is planned for Sunday, June 4, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth Street, Salina. The Celebration of Life Services will be held Monday, June 5, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at First Presbyterian Church of Salina, 308 S. Eighth Street, Salina. Immediately following the service will be a luncheon reception in Blair Hall at the Presbyterian Church.
Memorial gifts can be made to First Presbyterian Church of Salina through the church’s website: www.fpcsalina.org ; or the Exline, Inc. Employee Charitable Fund at the Greater Salina Community Foundation website: https://bit.ly/Exline-Employee-Charitable-Fund , which provides numerous and substantial donations annually to various non-profit organizations throughout the community.