Robert Francis Collard

Robert “Bob” Collard, 92, of Auburn, KS, passed away peacefully at Prairie Wind Senior Living, in Berryton, on July 17, 2026.

He was born June 18, 1934, in Topeka, the youngest child of Adelore and Alice Oderwald Collard, growing up in Sacred Heart parish.

A 1953 graduate of Hayden High School, he served in the Kansas Army National Guard from 1952-1961.

He married Sandra Stenzel, February 27, 1954, at Sacred Heart Church.

Bob worked at Midwest Appliance, Ed Marlings, McCaig’s Plumbing, Bubeck Service, and McElroy’s Inc., retiring in 2000. He continued working in commissioning and consulting for several years. He was a founding member of Christ the King Church and a 4th degree Knight of Columbus.

Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Sandy; daughters, Alisa (Tim) Murray and Lori (Bill) Vrbanac; son, Lee Collard; grandchildren, Sean Murray, Andrew (Jamie) Murray, Jennifer Vrbanac, Elizabeth Vrbanac, Mindi Vrbanac, Jarek Vrbanac; great grandchildren, August Stava-Murray, Millie Stava-Murray, Evie Stava-Murray, Clara Murray, and Quinn Murray.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Joseph Eugene Collard; and sister, Adelle Dechand.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 25, from 9:30am to 10:30am, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 312 NE Freeman Ave. Topeka, KS 66616, a 4th Degree Knight's of Columbus Chalice Ceremony will be at 10:15am, with a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:30am.

Inurnment will follow at Foster Cemetery 3909 SW Burlingame Rd. in Topeka.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions should be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, Christ the King Church, or Sacred Heart Church, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603.