Bob L. Jessup was born November 8, 1935 at Woodruff, Kansas to Guy Elijah "Bill" and Marjorie Mae (Miller) Jessup and departed this life on October 17, 2017 at his home in Phillipsburg, Kansas. Bob's parents instilled in him the importance of belief in God, living life honestly, and working hard.
Bob attended school at Woodruff and Long Island where he graduated high school in 1953. Bob enlisted into the United States Army in April 1954 and served active duty until April 1956. He was honorably discharged in April 1962.
Bob Jessup and Bernita Ross were married on June 26, 1955 at the United Methodist Church in Almena, Kansas. With their own faith in God, they embarked on life's journey together. They lived on a farm south of Woodruff where they raised 3 children; Rick, Monte, and Candy. Along with farming, Bob worked in the oil field and the local sale barn. With the encouragement of a local auctioneer, he began to auction livestock while working there. Inspired by this newfound interest, he went to the Reppert School of Auctioneering in Decatur, Indiana in 1962. This was the beginning of a career of auctioning livestock that would take him to 27 different auction barns in Kansas, Nebraska, and Colorado for a span of 46 years.
As the family grew, everyone shared in the work of the farm and auctions.
Bob was involved in all aspects of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren's lives and attended the events they participated in. He was a 4-H leader, Scout leader, Rodeo board member, Volunteer fireman, and auctioned the Hospice Benefit auction and church bazaars. Bob was a 35 year member of the Agra American Legion. He was a member of the National Auctioneers Association and the Kansas Auctioneers Association and had served on the Board of Directors.
While growing up in Woodruff, Bob's dad sold Allis Chalmers equipment. Bob started his farming career with the same brand of equipment. After retiring from the auction business, Bob continued his interest in collecting farm toys. He enjoyed finding and having toy replicas made of his own farm equipment.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Bill & Marge Jessup. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Bernita; sons Rick & wife Merry of Logan; Monte & wife Jackie of Phillipsburg; daughter Candy Krafft & husband Blaine of Phillipsburg; 8 Grandchildren: Guy Jessup of Manhattan, KS; Roy Jessup & wife Bethany of Phillipsburg; Dale Jessup & wife Kristin of Scott City, KS; Jason Krafft & wife Myndi, and Tina Terry & husband Lane all of Phillipsburg; Lindsey Jessup of Meade, KS; Jena Jessup of Charlotte, NC; and Tanner Jessup & wife Deidra of Hillsboro, KS; 10 Great-grandchildren: Gracie Jessup, William Jessup, Kinley Krafft, Piper Jessup, Wyatt Terry, Trace Jessup, Kensi Krafft, Ellie Terry, Hope Jessup and Wiley Jessup. He is also survived by 2 step grandchildren: Blake Bell and Brooklynn Pearce & husband Joe, step great-granddaughter Zelda Pearce, and brother Don Jessup of Frisco, TX; and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Oct. 20 at 10:00 a.m. in the United Methodist Church, Phillipsburg, with Pastors Lew VanDerWege and Joel Hiesterman officiating. Burial will follow in the Woodruff Cemetery, Woodruff.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Woodruff Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 9:00 Wed. and 9:00 to 9:00 Thursday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg with the family receiving friends from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening.