With broken hearts, TLA is sad to announce the passing of W. Robert “Bob” Alderson Jr., 80, of Topeka, Kansas. Bob passed away on Friday, June 5, 2020, from a cerebral hemorrhage. Bob was a mentor to many and a friend to all during his career. Bob served as President of the TLA during the 1999-2000 term, and he held an extremely successful annual meeting at Hilton Head, South Carolina. Bob continued his involvement after his term as President with TLA; often being selected to be a Voting Past President.
Bob married Ruth (Hoagland) Alderson in Prairie Village, Kansas, on November 13, 1971. She often attended TLA functions; including the Chicago Regional last January. Ruth survives as does his two daughters, B.J. Mays and her husband Brian, and Stephanie Switzky and her husband Drew and two granddaughters, Brynna and Brooklyn Mays all of Topeka; three brothers, Alan Alderson and wife Gail of Topeka, Rusty Alderson and wife Berna of Cedar Park, TX, Ross Reninger of Roeland Park, KS, step-mom Peggy Alderson of Overland Park, KS and his devoted dogs, Abby and Zeva.
Bob was a devoted fan of the University of Kansas Jayhawks; especially the highly successful basketball team. He also was a loyal Kansas City Royals baseball fan. The traffic directors at his visitation are wearing the uniforms of those teams in Bob’s honor at his visitation. Bob also was an avid golfer and always played at the TLA annual conferences. Most of all Bob was a great friend to the organization and to its members.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the First Christian Church of Topeka, Disciples Center at Camp Tawakoni or to the Topeka Jazz Workshop and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603.
Bob will live forever in our hearts and memories. Rock Chalk Jayhawk!!