Robert Lawrence Brogden Sr.

Robert Lawrence Brogden Sr., 92, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025, surrounded by family at the Reno County Hospice House in Hutchinson.

He was born June 1, 1933, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Delta Homer Brogden, Sr., and Ruby Grace Willis.   He was the eldest of eight siblings: Silvia, Franklin, Deneice, Linda, Carolyn, Jeanette, Delta, Jr., and John Henry.

Robert was drafted into the Army in June of 1953. After four years in the Army, he joined the Air Force and served for 23 years before retiring. It was during his Army service in 1954 that he met his beloved Billie Bates in Nicodemus, Kansas. The two were married at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Damar, Kansas, on November 23, 1957. They spent 53 wonderful years together and had four beautiful children: Robert, Rodney, Sherri, and Dianna.

Robert had various jobs since retiring from the Air Force, but his most memorable job was working for the National Park Service in Nicodemus, Kansas, as a maintenance man. He enjoyed visiting with those who stopped by and sharing the history of Nicodemus. It was a job he took such pride in.

For years, Robert served as Commander of the Nicodemus American Legion and was also proudly an active member of the Kansas City Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen. In 2017, he was selected for the Kansas Honor Flight for Veterans.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Billie Celistine; two brothers, Delta, JR., and John Henry; and one sister, Jeanette Brown.

He is survived by his children: Robert, Jr. (Kathy) Brogden, Olathe, Rodney Brogden, Overland Park, Sherrie (Steve) Bennett, Lawrence, and Dianna (Paul) Wright of Hutchinson; his siblings: Silvia Drake, Franklin Brogden Sr., both of Chattanooga, Tenn., Deneice Nelson (Anvil) of Brentwood, Tenn., Linda Brown (Claudell) of Jackson, Tenn., and Carolyn Amour of Nashville, Tenn.;  seven grandchildren: Theo Hart, Toni Rhea, Breanna Bennett, Robert Brogden III, Anna Zincone, Christina Brogden and Joey Brogden; two great grandchildren: Rhylee Hudson and Logan Rhea.

Robert was a devout Catholic, husband, father, grandfather, and friend to not only his entire family but also to his community, who were blessed to be in his presence. Robert will be deeply missed.