Robert B. Clelland, 77, of Topeka, KS, died Saturday, September 8, 2001, at the Midland Hospice House in Topeka. He had been in ill health since 1994.

He was born July 24, 1924, in Wichita, and adopted from an orpahage in Atchinson at age 2-1/2 years by Elzy and Ida Berridge Clelland. Robert graduated from Goff High School in Goff, KS in 1942. He worked on the family farm until he entered the U.S. Navy during World War II on March 14, 1944. He was discharged on April 27, 1946.

On July 3, 1946, he married Rosemary Gerleve in Topeka. After his marriage he and his wife farmed in the Fairview and the Hiawatha area for 25 years. In 1971 they moved to Seneca and he went to work for the Herman Oil Company. He also worked in Seneca for Crestview Manor care home in the maintenance department. In 1979 they moved to Topeka where he worked for the Total Oil Company. He retired at the age of 62 but continued to work part time until 1999. His wife survives of the home in Topeka. Robert and Rose celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1996.

Survivors besides his wife are six sons, Charles Clelland of Oklahoma City, OK, Robert, Rick, Randy, David, Steve Clelland all of Topeka; four daughters, Susan Hockaday of King City, MO, Carol Clelland of Ottawa, KS; Helen Kneisel of Hiawatha, KS, Lori Wetzel of Bern, KS; 28 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, Louis Clelland on October 16, 1981.

There will be a visitation from 7 to 8:30 PM Wednesday, September 12, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Funeral service will be at 11 AM Thursday, September 13, at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Fairview Cemetery in Goff. Military honors will be provided by the Harold Thieme Post #316 of the American Legion.

Memorials may be given for Midland Hospice House in Topeka, and sent in care of the family.