Person:Robert Tullis (39)

from Findagrave.com:

R. A. Tullis, 85, a lifelong resident of Bartlett, died at 9:30 p.m., Thursday, February 14, 2008, at his home. He had been in failing health.

He was born May 9, 1922, west of Bartlett, the sixth child of Robert "Doc" and Mary (Wiley) Tullis. He grew up in Bartlett and attended Foland Grade School, Bartlett High School and was a 1940 graduate of Labette County Community High School in Altamont.

As a young man, he farmed with his father and brothers in the Bartlett area. Prior to World War II, he worked at OCS in Coffeyville and Boeing Aircraft in Wichita. After the war began, he joined the U.S. Navy where he served his country four years. During his years in the service, he was a flight engineer aboard the USS Boxer aircraft carrier and a B-26 co-pilot towing pilot training targets across the Gulf of Mexico. He was aboard a ship heading for Japan when the war was finally ended.

He and Velma Seger were married July 26, 1947, in Altamont. She survives of the home.

He returned to Bartlett after the war and opened a garage. Later, he began selling appliances and insurance. He worked for KPL Electric Company for several years. R. A. served on numerous county boards and was a member of the Bartlett United Methodist Church, Bartlett Coop and Bryant Sykes Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 3399 in Oswego. He enjoyed playing baseball and coaching little league. In the late 50's and early 60's he played on a semi-pro baseball team, "The Shaffer Oilers". He enjoyed watching his grandkids play baseball, football, basketball and soccer. He also served as a 4-H leader for several years. R. A. eventually entered the electric supply business where, over the years, he worked as a salesman for Tri-State Electric and Glasco. Later, R. A. and his son, Terry, owned and operated Mid America Electric in Parsons. In addition to his sales career, he served as mayor of Bartlett for 32 years beginning in 1953. He played an instrumental part in most of the City's biggest infrastructure which included a water treatment plant, fire station and sewage system. Although his mobility was hampered by a stroke he suffered in 1984, he remained interested in the affairs of the community until he became bedfast in 2006.

SURVIVORS: One Son - Terry Tullis Parsons, KS Seven Grandchildren ? Staci Cooper and her husband, James Pryor, OK Brent Tullis and his wife, Sandi Acworth, GA Chad Tullis and his wife, Sherri Bentonville, AR Audrey Tullis Kansas City, MO Cassie Tullis Greenville, IL Thad Burzinski and his wife, Jody Big Hill, KS Tony Burzinski Kansas City, MO 12 Great-Grandchildren

He was preceded in death by one son, Ronald Tullis; his parents, five brothers and one sister.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 18, 2008, at the Bartlett United Methodist Church with Pastor Susan Brown officiating. Burial will be in Lake Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 ? 8:00 p.m. Sunday, February 17, 2008, at the church.

Memorials are suggested to the Bartlett United Methodist Church. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Burial: Lake Creek Cemetery Bartlett Labette County Kansas, USA