MELVERN, Kan. – William Robert “Papa Bob” Harred, 79, passed away Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at his home in Melvern, Kan. He was born Feb. 23, 1946, in Lamesa, Texas, the son of Billie Lee and Lois (Womack) Harred.
Bob, as he was known to all, grew up in Lebo, Kan., and had lived for a time in Topeka, Kan., until moving to Melvern in 1970, where he has lived ever since.
Bob served four years in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1969 as a hydraulic repairman on the Aircraft Carrier Bennington. After the service he worked for Fleming Foods, and then as a custodian for the Marais des Cygnes Valley High School.
He enjoyed fishing, chopping wood, gardening and helping others in the community.
On May 7, 1967, Bob was united in marriage to June Knight, in Emporia, Kan.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife, June, on Jan. 29, 2013; son, Kenny Harred, Nov. 26, 2018; parents, Billie and Lois; and brother, Tommy Harred.
Bob is survived by his three children, Jason (Tiffanie) Harred, of Leroy, Kan., Jenny (Steve) Joonas, Linn, Kan., and Joe (Joni) Miller, Topeka; his companion, Rita Bailey, of the home; sister, Glenda Goodwin, El Dorado, Kan.; nine grandchildren, Bryce (Delaney) Joonas, Bailey (Karli) Joonas, Blaine (Kaitlyn) Joonas, Falicity (Antheus) Straughn, Zack (Ashton) Harred, Walker (Breanna) Harred, Cooper (Josie) Harred, Cole (Riley) Harred and Daniel May (Kailee Stucky); great-grandchildren, Adisyn Diver, Lukas Harred, Harper Harred, Sawyer Miller, Lexi Miller, Mason Joonas, Arwen Joonas, June Joonas, Junior, Zariah, Adisyn, Cameron, and Samiyah Straughn, Rook Cavender, Dean Trumbo, Kamdyn Harred, Kinzley Harred, and one on the way; and other relatives and many friends.
The family will receive friends 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Feltner Funeral Chapel, Lyndon. At 11 a.m., they will go to Lincoln Cemetery, in Lebo, for inurnment. Following this, a celebration of life will be at the Robert Volkman Outlet Park Pavilion, at Melvern Lake.
Memorial contributions can be made to Melvern Fire District No. 3, sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451. Condolences can be left at feltnerfuneralhome.com.
