The Life of Robert George Khatchadourian

Robert "Bob" George Khatchadourian died on September 5, 2017 in Olathe, KS due to complications following a brain tumor removal. He was 85.

Mr. Khatchadourian was born on June 9, 1932 in Jerusalem to his parents, George and Anna Khatchadourian. He married Sirpouhi Terzian on January 31, 1965. The Khatchadourian’s moved to Olathe, KS from Amman, Jordan in 1974 with their 5 daughters where Bob worked as a welder with Kansas City Structural Steel. After the company relocated to another city, Bob resigned and he and his wife started several small businesses in Olathe including Bob’s Family Restaurant and Happy Days Childcare until they retired in 2011. 

Bob loved fishing and you could often find him at one of Olathe’s many lakes enjoying the sun and the satisfaction of a large catch. He also valued exercise and spent time lifting weights in his garage into his 80s as well as reading articles about the legendary Bruce Lee, Bob’s hero and the namesake of his beloved Chihuahua. Bob lived a rich life, full of international travel, war stories, raising a family cross culturally and running a small business. He always had a story to tell from his wealth of experience. He also loved God and told stories of sharing his faith with friends and colleagues he met as a young man traveling the Middle East as a welder. In his final year, he shared how much he loved talking with God every day at the small chapel in their apartment complex. 

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sirpouhi, daughters: Anna Lane, KS, Maggie (John) Dupont, KS, Vickie (Chad) Leslie, KS, Rita (Tom) Pendleton, MO, and Lucy (Steve) Otradovec, CO; 11 grandchildren; Caterina, Patricia, Janessa, Philip, Brittanie, Stephanie, Nickolas, Hannah, Autumn, George and Dylan; and three great-grandchildren; Julian, Urijah and Everett. Siblings; Nely Khatchadourian, Jordan, Edward Khatchadourian, CA, Wadie Khatchadourian, KS, Barkev Khatchadourian, AZ.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother George and Anna, brother Victor. 

Mr. Khatchadourian will be buried at the Olathe Memorial Cemetery on Saturday, September 9, 2017 following a memorial service at 10am at the Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home in Olathe. Visitation will be Friday, September 8 at 6:00pm. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bob’s life.