ROBERT "BOB" ZAHNTER
December 11th 1953 - October 3rd 2023

On October 3rd 2023 we lost our brother and longtime friend after a courageous, long-fought battle with cancer.  Bob passed away just six months after our 2023 Milwaukee-based training where, in classic Bob fashion, he made everyone laugh while he did what he loved so much, sharing his knowledge of all things honor guard with our students.

 

The impact Bob made on our organization and others in honor guard community, fire service, emergency medical services, and law enforcement was evident, as so many of Bob’s friends from all corners of North America traveled to Kansas City Kansas to honor Bob and pay respects to him and his family.

 

Bob was born just a few days before Christmas in 1953 in Amarillo, TX on what can only be described as a “normal Texas day”. 

 

After graduating from Rosedale High school in 1971, Bob found his love for the fire service, attending and graduating from Kansas City Kansas Community College with his associates degree in fire science.  Bob continued his education at MidAmerica Nazarene University earning his Bachelors in Business Administration. 

 

Bob joined the Kansas City Kansas Fire Department in 1976, serving in many roles during his distinguished career.  Bob was promoted through the ranks, eventually being promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief, a position he proudly served in for the last 15 years of his career. 

 

Honor Guard was an incredibly important part of Bob’s life.  Bob is known as the founding father of the Kansas City Kansas Fire Department Honor Guard, serving many years as its Deputy Commander.  In 2004 Bob was selected to serve as a Sector Commander (Pikes and Axes) for the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Colorado Springs, CO. Bob attended his last memorial in September of 2023, just 2 weeks before his passing.  In 2020 we were honored to appoint Bob to our instructor staff where he was a crucial part of the team, providing insight from his many years of experience and a ton or laughs and stories along the way.

 

Bob led a fulfilling and active life outside of his duty hours and after retirement. He dedicated his time to his family, Boy Scouts, animal companions, and hobbies such as fishing and riding his Harley Davidson. Bob spoke of his family often; everyone could tell how important they were to him.  Bob’s commitment to serving the scouting community for 25 years and achieving the rank of Eagle Scout early in life is a testament to his dedication and passion. His love for animals, specifically Karma (is a bitch, he would say while laughing), Shi-Thead, and Peaches.  His enjoyment of outdoor activities like spending hours on the lake crappie fishing showcase his true love for the outdoors.

 

We are all better individuals for knowing Bob.  He will be forever missed.  His memory will live on in our instructors as we continue to share our knowledge of all things honor guard with students into the future.

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