Dr. Robert Lee Carnahan

Robert Lee Carnahan

Dr. Robert (Bob) Lee Carnahan, 84, passed away on October 28, 2026 at the age of 84.

He was born in Wichita, Kansas in 1942 to Mary Elizabeth and Melvin Homer Carnahan. As a teenager he worked sweeping up in a local doctor's office, and later he became a physician himself, graduating from the University of Kansas Medical School. In 1973 he married his wife Carol and together they made their home in Lawrence for over 50 years.

Dr. Bob practiced internal medicine at Watkins Health Center, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, and also worked at Vangent and General Dynamics in customer service. In later years he volunteered at the Douglas County Senior Center. He believed in healthcare for all, loved baking cakes and cookies, and was known for his uniquely stylish outfits and retro chic. He was a soul music aficionado and a fool on the dance floor. A formative moment, in 1971 he and Carol saw Ike and Tina Turner perform at Allen Fieldhouse, and his old school groove came alive with songs like "Pretty Woman" by Roy Orbison, "Walk of Life" by Dire Straits, and especially "Proud Mary."

He was a man who listened more than he spoke. He was unassuming and insightful, taught his kids not to hate, and he never said a word against anyone. His choice to pursue healing arts and his quiet commitment to a world defined by mutual respect and care has its legacy in family members' work in health equity, public service, and education. He was loved and will be remembered.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Carol, his cherished sisters Patricia Hull (LeRoy) and Nancy Morrow (Marv), brother in-law Brian Mayers (Sharon), sister-in-law Jane Mayers, daughters Kerry (Suzanne) and Christina Harbison (Mike), son Patrick, nieces Leslie Hull (Kevin), Anne Morrow (Jan), Stacy Mayers, Jennifer Mayers, Taylor Schraad (Brome), nephews Steve Hull (Lana), John Morrow (Sinlan), Scott Morrow (Dallas), Andrew Mayers, grandchildren Eve, Cameron, Asher, Kellan, Leo, and Lillian, and a cosmos of extended family. He was preceded in death by his dear brother Michael and his brothers-in-law LeRoy Hull and Larry Mayers.

Donations in Bob's memory may be made to the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.