SCRANTON, Kan. – Robert “Bob” Laubach, 82, of Scranton, Kan., passed away Monday, July 18, 2021, at his home. He was born July 26, 1939, in Scranton, the son of Lorenz William Laubach and Norma Ossiander Laubach.
Robert was a lifelong Scranton resident, graduating from Scranton High School with the class of 1957.
On April 10, 1961, Robert was united in marriage to Carol Gainer, in Blackwell, Okla. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary April 10, 2021. Their years of earthly love and devotion ended with the passing of, Carol, the light of Bob’s life, in November 2021. While their loss is devastating to loved ones and friends, Bob and Carol are reunited in eternal love and peace.
As a young man in 1961, Robert established Laubach Truck Sales, in Scranton, building upon his and family automotive, mechanical, and farming affinities. Laubach Truck Sales offered domestic trucks and truck parts to farming, municipal, and individual customers across the U.S. and around the world. He operated the business until 2002, when he sold it and, retired shortly after.
Not only was Robert a respected businessman and devoted family man, he was also civically minded, and a proud 32nd degree Shrine Mason. Robert served on the Scranton City Council from 1989 to 1993. He was elected and sworn in as mayor of Scranton in 1993, serving until he retired in 2001.
Robert was raised to a 3rd degree Master Mason April 21, 1981, in Ridgeway Lodge No. 62, Overbrook, Kan. Robert completed the chairs to become a Worshipful Master in Ridgeway Lodge from 1988 to 1990. He also served as the Ridgeway Chaplain 1992 to 1993. He transferred to Corinthians Lodge No. 79, in Burlingame, Kan., in October 1994. He served as Senior Warden in Corinthian Lodge in 2009. Robert also completed the Scottish Rite to the 32nd degree and the York Rite to the 32nd degree. He went through the Hot Sands to become a Shrine Mason on May 16, 1981. In the Shrine, he was a member of the Antique Autos and Nomad Camping Group. Bob and his lady, Carol, enjoyed many years of events and outings with both groups, taking their collection of antique vintage autos to parades and shows and joining their fellow campers in many outings. Bob showcased his mastery of the grill and smoker, while Carol was beloved for her side dishes and desserts at their group cookouts.
Always philanthropically minded, Robert tread many mile of stairs in the Municipal Auditorium, in Topeka, Kan., as part of the fundraising for the Shriner’s Children’s Hospitals at the annual Shrine Circus. Robert and Carol were proud donors to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospitals.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; brother, Gary Dean Laubach; and parents, Norma and Lorenz W. Laubach.
He is survived by his children, Lori L. Laubach and her spouse, John B. Webster III, of Selma, N.C., and son, Timothy L. Laubach and his partner, Rachele Childress, Scranton; and grandchildren, Mindi Marie Laubach, Fort Scott, Kan., and Ashley Rae Brimmerman, and Samuel Lorenz Laubach, both of Wichita, Kan.
Robert shared a love of animals with his beloved wife Carol. They raised and loved many pets through the years. Robert is survived by an adored rat terrier, Mia, who remains in the home with Timothy and Rachele, missing Dad as much as do her siblings, Lori and Tim.
A celebration of Robert’s life will be 4-7 p.m. Sunday, July 24, at Scranton Community Center, 300 Boone St., Scranton.
Memorial contributions can be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, sent in care of Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, PO Box 194, Burlingame, KS 66413. Condolences can be left at www.lamb-roberts.com.
