Richard Swanson Robertson III

Richard “Rick” Swanson Robertson, III, age 80, passed away at home surrounded by family on October 25, 2025, following a brief battle with cancer. A devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, proud Navy veteran and good friend to many, Rick lived a life filled with integrity, hard work, and a deep love for those close to him.

Born in Newton, Kansas, on June 11, 1945, to Richard “Dick” S. Robertson, Jr., and Maxine (Bohnenblust) Robertson, he was the first of their three children. Born early and weighing only 5 pounds, Rick started life as a fighter and used the strength he developed early on throughout his entire life. He spent most of his school-aged years in the Kansas City area, getting into all kinds of mischief with his younger brother Tom and watching over his baby sister Julie. There he was raised and baptized in the First Christian Church. Shortly before his senior year, the family moved back to Newton, Kansas, where Rick met the love of his life, Genelle (Anderson). They were engaged within months and were finally married on August 27, 1965.

After graduating from Newton High School in 1963, Rick answered the call to serve his country by choosing to be a proud member of the United States Navy from 1963-69. He honorably served as petty officer first class aboard the USS Plymouth Rock. During the Vietnam War, the USS Plymouth Rock engaged in numerous military operations. One specific mission was to recover a hydrogen bomb lost in the Mediterranean Sea after a refueling accident. This significant mission was later retold in the form of the movie “Men of Honor”.

While Rick was out to sea, Genelle gave birth to their son Jeffrey Matthew in December of 1966 in Portsmouth, Virginia, where Rick was stationed. Although Rick loved serving, he and Genelle decided to move back to Kansas after he finished serving his active duty to be close to their extended family while raising their own. He never forgot the values of good character, selfless service, and personal discipline that the Navy instilled in him. In March of 1970, they completed their family with the birth of their daughter Denee Lynn in Newton, Kansas.

After his military service, Rick built a respected and 33-year-long career as a sprinklerfitter, installing automatic fire protection systems with Union Local 669. With a strong work ethic, he labored and mentored alongside his fellow sprinklerfitters. He took great pride in ensuring the safety of countless buildings and the people inside them. His career took the family to Edmond, Oklahoma, in 1984, where they continued to build a beautiful life.

Rick was a proud and present father. Whether he was giving guidance and advice, teaching a new life skill, coaching a team, helping with a project, or simply tossing the football with all the neighborhood boys after work, you knew you could always count on him. Later he became a playful and loving grandfather, known as “Pop”, after the birth of his grandson Gabriel Yeisley in September of 1998.

Rick always enjoyed traveling and he treasured several unforgettable trips. First, the romantic getaways to the island of St. Thomas and also cruising through the Caribbean with Genelle whom he proudly referred to as “Bride” for the entire 60 years of their marriage! Secondly, an exploration of the East Coast with his wife and son, revisiting the place Jeff was born and taking in the monuments and museums of Washington, D.C. Finally, just weeks before his passing, a meaningful trip to Hawaii with his daughter, son-in-law, and grandson, including a visit to the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor where he was able to fulfill his life-long desire to pay his respects.

Rick was easy-going, had a great sense of humor, and the ability to strike up a conversation with just about anybody! During his years in Kansas, he enjoyed hunting pheasants and shooting guns at the range with family. Although he owned and loved riding motorcycles, his real appreciation was for classic and fast cars. He didn’t just admire them; he could identify any make and model with just a glance. Naturally mechanically inclined, Rick could repair any car and even helped build a winning racecar with friends.

Beginning in June of 2000, his retirement years were often filled with either rounds of golf or casting a fishing line. He discovered a love for growing tomatoes, tropical palms and even banana trees! He enjoyed early morning coffee and conversation with friends at the local corner store. There wasn’t much Rick couldn’t fix or build. In Kansas, he finished out the entire basement of our home, including building a beautiful corner fireplace. When busy tinkering in his garage, you could witness his creativity and resourcefulness at work. Although, he would be just as happy in the garage simply chatting with you while his favorite Johnny Cash and other country music legends played in the background. His deep love of westerns, especially those with John Wayne, his personal hero, brought what seemed like an endless array of movie quotes into our lives. And, it seems we have been unable to escape the repetitiveness of them, as we each find ourselves now quoting them too! He cherished time with his grandson Gabriel who brought him endless joy. He shared his passion for cars and motorcycles with him, creating lasting memories.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents and brother. He is survived by his wife, Genelle Robertson, son Jeff Robertson, daughter Denee Yeisley Moulds, son-in-law Brad Moulds, grandson Gabriel Yeisley, along with extended family and countless others whose lives he touched. The family will hold a private ceremony in Rick’s honor as he requested.

Rick will always be remembered for his sense of humor, stories and quotes, integrity and strength, steady presence and above all his unwavering love. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were lucky enough to know him.