Robert Lee Diehl (Bob) passed away at Chapman Valley Manor on September 30, 2024 after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He was born on July 30, 1941, the son of Leslie and Stella Yuhl Diehl. Bob attended D.C.C.H.S. in Chapman, graduating in 1959. Following high school, he married Linda Engle Diehl. They had 2 children, Kimberly Diehl Murphy (Brian) of Ludocwici, GA and Lane Diehl of Chapman. Bob later had a lasting relationship with Joan Atkinson until his death. The couple enjoyed dancing on Saturday nights at the Chapman Legion, Elks or VFW.

Bob was offered a scholarship to play football at Kansas State University following high school, but instead followed his father and grandfather into farming and raising livestock. He eventually left farming and was employed by USD 473 . Serving as the custodian in the elementary and middle school, he knew the name of every student and staff member. Bob attended athletic events and often sold tickets as he greeted visitors at events and never knew a stranger. He collected antiques of all kinds, but his favorite collection was his many friends. Bob was quoted as saying, “I had 20 years of farming and you don’t get much closer to God than that. And then I spent 20 years with little kids. I had the best of both worlds. I am a very lucky man.” The reconstructed D.C.C.H.S. sign on the school campus was a result of his efforts. Bob was recognized with a plaque honoring him for his “Passion and Commitment to USD 473”.

Bob was a member of the Dickinson County Extension Council, was the first President of the Chapman Young Farmers chapter and served as a volunteer fireman for 34 years. He also served as the Noble Township treasurer. In 2008, he hurried to the school to open the doors for shelter for those living in a nearby mobile home park during the Chapman tornado and was later recognized at a Wichita sporting event for saving many lives.

Bob dearly loved his hometown of Chapman. He was an” Irishman” through and through even though not a drop of Irish blood flowed through his veins. Bob and Joan were recognized for their many years of service organizing the annual Labor Day celebrations, and once served as Grand Marshal of the parade. Never one of few words, he often served as announcer for the parade. Sometimes referred to as “Mr. Chapman,” he worked earnestly to have an annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. He served on the Chapman Committee for Economic Development for 25 years and was a life member of the Chapman United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Les and Stella Diehl and grandparents Emery and Bessie (Loy) Diehl and Henry and Augusta (Schroeder) Yuhl, uncles Fred Yuhl, Henry Yuhl, and aunts Margaret Yuhl Kratzberg, Ruth Yuhl Harrelson and Ona Mae (Diehl) Bishop. He leaves his longtime, true love and companion Joan Atkinson, daughter Kim (Brian) Murphy of Ludowici,GA, son Lane of Chapman, and sister LeAnn Diehl (Stan) Clark of Hesston. He will be remembered by his 2 grandchildren, Brandon (Taylor) Murphy of Pace, FL, and Ashley (Nick) Murphy Moody of Ludowici, GA. Bob was blessed with 4 great grandchildren, Cooper Murphy, Waylon Murphy, Ramsey Moody and Jax Moody.

The family will greet friends during a visitation that will be held on Friday, November 22 at the Chapman United Methodist Church from 5:00 until 7:00p.m.

Graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, November 23 at Indian Hill Cemetery in Chapman, KS.

Memorial contributions in memory of Bob are suggested to the Bob Diehl Memorial (USD 473) or the Chapman Valley Manor. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502. ymlfuneralhome.com