Obituary for Robert "Bob" Hiatt

Robert “Bob” Hiatt was born on April 10, 1958, in Topeka, Kansas. He passed away on May 3, 2025, at the age of 67. Bob grew up in Topeka, as the second of two children of Eugene and Geraldine Hiatt. He graduated from Topeka High School in 1976 and began a long and storied collegiate career exploring many academic interests at both Washburn University and the University of Kansas. His educational journey culminated in a Law Degree from Washburn in 1988.

On August 10,1983, Bob married Mary Elaine Young and enjoyed 42 years of happy marriage. Bob and Elaine raised two children, Matthew and Rachel.

As a meticulous attorney with a passionate interest in consumer protection, Bob had a diverse career in both private practice and in state and local governments. He first began as a private practice attorney alongside his father. This was followed by a position as an assistant attorney general, a return to private practice, time at various departments in the Kansas government, and a later return to the Attorney General office. After retirement from the state government, Bob greatly enjoyed working for the Topeka Metro mapping bus routes and geolocating bus stops. As a lifelong Topekan, and a keen conversationalist, Bob was in his element exploring his city and getting to know its residents on the bus route. With his interest in government, he also volunteered as an election worker for many years.

A man of many interests, Bob was known for his voracious reading habits, deep well of historical knowledge, and unceasing desire to experience great live music. An avid fisherman, Bob took great pleasure in the outdoors with family road trips to the National Parks of the Mountain West, and through both scuba diving and snorkeling. In his retirement days, Bob developed an archeological interest in rock art and traveled to see ancient petroglyphs and pictographs across the American Southwest. He loved Kansas Jayhawks basketball and was a huge Kansas City Chiefs fan.

As a wonderful and funny father, devoted husband, and steadfast friend, Bob leaves us all with warm memories and hope for the future.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Geraldine Hiatt, and mother-in-law Alma Young. He is survived by his loving wife, Elaine Hiatt; their children, Rachel and Matthew Hiatt (Alexandra); his grandchild, Liam; his brother, Roger Hiatt (Patricia) and family; his father-in-law, William “Bill” Young; and a large extended family.

A service celebrating Bob’s life will be 2 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2025, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Bob’s service will be livestreamed on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Follow this link shortly before service time, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063672125244#.

 

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