Robert M. Day

Robert “Bob” Morgan Day, 81, passed away April 4, 2026, at his residence in Lawrence, KS. A Memorial Meeting for Bob is set for 3:30 pm, on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Oread Friends Meeting, 1146 Oregon, Lawrence, KS. The family will receive friends at 5:00 pm at his daughter’s home at 1604 University Ave.

Bob was born on June 10, 1944, in Seattle, WA, the son of Herbert Ward and Annis Montague (Morgan) Day. He was one of four sons. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Steve Day, and survived by his sister-in-law Susan Day, brothers, Jim (Cat Gabrel) and Mike (Julie) Day. Bob never laughed harder than when he was with his brothers.

Bob is survived by his wife, Gwen Beegle, whom he married on August 1, 1981, in Nashville, TN. He loved her deeply and often described her as the most remarkable, loving, and intelligent person he’d ever met. Together Bob and Gwen built a full life together, enjoying traveling, music, and their family.

Bob is also survived by his children, Lisa Annis Jean Day Rosario, Caitlin Morgan Day (Ryan) Wedel, Arden Dorothy Day; and three grandchildren, Salvador (Nicole) Rosario III, Della Day Wedel, and Zoey Arden Wedel.

Bob spent his career helping people. He began his career as a special education teacher, and he worked in many capacities in the field of developmental disabilities, including as the Director of Kansas Neurological Institute in Topeka, Kansas, and the Director of Rosewood Center in Owings Mills, Maryland. He believed all people deserved high quality care and respect. As a public servant, he worked as the Medicaid Director and the Director of Health Policy Authority for the State of Kansas. He was most proud of working to expand health coverage for young children in Kansas.

In retirement, he volunteered as a Board Member at Justice Matters (Lawrence) and Just Food - Chop Shop, and he loved to watch his granddaughters play sports. Bob had many talents and interests which he pursued throughout his life, including sailing, gardening, cooking, reading, and pottery. He was a brilliant cook who inspired an enthusiasm for food in all his family members. He was also passionate about political activism, an interest that began during young adulthood.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be made to Just Food (justfoodks.org) or Justice Matters, in Lawrence, Kansas (justicemattersinkansas.org). If contributions aren’t feasible, Bob believed in giving time to organizations and politicians that enrich our communities. He would be pleased to know people are spending their time trying to make the world just a little bit better.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.