Robert O. “Bob” Lewis

Memorial services for Robert O. “Bob” Lewis, 84, Lawrence, will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday at First United Methodist Church. Private inurnment will be later at Pioneer Cemetery.Mr. Lewis died Sunday, April 22, 2007, at his home.He was born April 4, 1923, in Hammond, Ind., the son of William Earl “Johnny” and Mary Elizabeth Nichols Lewis. He graduated from high school in Oak Park, Ill., and from Northwestern University with a master’s degree in communications.Mr. Lewis served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He was a writer and producer in broadcasting and advertising in Chicago for 25 years. He taught at Pepperdine University and retired from Kansas University in 1998 after nine years in university relations.He was a member of Unity Church and served on its board of trustees. He was known as the “Yoyoman” because he won a yo-yo contest in 1937 and continued to do demonstrations and tutor children in the yo-yo. He volunteered for Hospice Care in Douglas County, Kansas Audio-Reader Network and the Lied Center.He married Verla Jean Schneider on Aug. 6, 1944, in Oak Park. She survives, of the home.Other survivors include seven sons, Gregory J., Carbondale, Ill., Stephen W. and James R., both of Lawrence, Matthew T., Brooklyn, N.Y., Andrew M., Fayetteville, Ark., David C., Livingston, Mont., and Timothy P., Morrison, Colo.; three daughters, Constance L. Culbertson, Belleville, Ill., Nancy L. Ward, Weaverville, N.C., and Marsha L. Sebek, Chicago; 24 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.The family will receive friends following the service.The family suggests memorials to Unity Church, 900 Madeline Lane, Lawrence 66049, or Eudora Nursing Center, 1415 Maple, Eudora 66025.Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.