Robert Dennis Burchett
Robert Dennis Burchett, 86, a longtime resident of Shenandoah, Iowa, passed away on September 7, 2026, in North Kansas City, Missouri, while visiting family.
He was born September 2, 1940, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Harold and Margaret Burchett. He spent his early years in Clovis, New Mexico, and later in Odessa, Texas. It was there that he got his first job delivering newspapers locally, beginning what would become a lifelong commitment to hard work and serving others.
When his father was transferred to Chariton, Iowa, Bob’s strong work ethic and desire to help others became evident as he worked at the Family Shoe Store during his high school years. It was also during this time that he met his sweetheart, Sue. Bob and Sue both graduated from Chariton High School in 1958 and then worked while taking college courses.
Robert “Bob” and Sharon “Sue” Elledge were married on June 5, 1960. They moved to Austin, Texas, where Bob graduated from the University of Texas. He then began his career with Freeman Shoe Company in the corporate office in Beloit, Wisconsin.
Bob and Sue settled in Shenandoah, Iowa, in 1970, where he spent 18 years with Brown Shoe Fit Company in their corporate office. Bob also spent several years as a district manager, or “cookie man,” for Voortman Cookie Company, based out of Canada, until his retirement in 2007.
Bob had a deep love for his family, his community, and his church. He was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Shenandoah, where he taught Sunday School and Bible studies and was very active in many aspects of the church throughout the years. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, uncle, grandpa, and “Papa” to his great-grandchildren.
Bob and Sue shared a beautiful 66-year marriage and were blessed with three children: Tim, Ted, and Tiffany.
They loved to travel and drove around the country, visiting many areas, including numerous national parks, past presidents’ homes, and landmarks. They also enjoyed a yearly trip to Beaver Creek, Colorado, as well as many trips to see their children and grandchildren in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas.
Bob loved being outdoors, taking care of his yard and ponds, and keeping his vehicles clean and sparkling. In his earlier years, he was a devoted Boy Scout leader and spent quality time fishing, canoeing, camping, and enjoying the outdoors with his family. Bob also had a special love for shoes. After spending much of his career in the shoe business, it should come as no surprise that he loved shoes and owned many pairs!
Bob served as an active Shenandoah City Council member for 24 years, as well as serving in many volunteer roles throughout the years. After retiring, most days from 10 to 11 a.m., you could find Bob at “coffee” with his friends at The Sanctuary in Shenandoah. He enjoyed talking with his friends, the staff, and anyone he thought needed a smile or a compliment.
Bob didn’t know a stranger. He loved meeting new people and sharing stories, giving compliments, offering a handshake and a smile, and simply letting people know they were important. When someone would give Bob a hug and ask how he was doing, his favorite response was, “Better now!” That simple phrase perfectly captured the warmth and joy he brought to those around him.
In addition to Sue, survivors include their children: Robert Timothy Burchett and wife, Laura, of Centralia, Missouri; Ted Matthew Burchett and wife, Ann, of Parkville, Missouri; and Tiffany Suzanne Hermsen and husband, Mike, of Kansas City, Missouri; brother, William “Bill” Burchett of Bastrop, Texas; grandchildren: Alex McDonald (Scott), Cheyenne Keown (Quinten), Canyon Burchett (Hannah), Chelsey Walter, Bailey Yust(Parker), Mariah Ross (Jacob), Hannah Hermsen, and Sierra Paul (Barrett); and four great-grandchildren: Bria, Lennon, Clara, and Piper.
SERVICES
First United Methodist Church
Shenandoah, Iowa
PRIVATE INTERMENT
Rose Hill Cemetery
Shenandoah, Iowa