Robert Frager was born on Nov. 12, 1936, and passed away peacefully on Sept. 20.
Robert was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he met the love of his life, Barbara Cohen. He graduated with an accounting degree and earned a Doctor of Law in 1960. He was a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi and had a passion for playing the violin.
Robert served his country for six years, first in the U.S. Army as a forward observer and later in the U.S. Army National Guard, assigned to the Engineering Unit. He achieved the rank of First Lieutenant.
Robert spent his early work career fighting crime as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Jackson County, Missouri, for over 20 years. Of his significant work accomplishments, Robert represented several cases in the Missouri State Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court.
Additionally, Robert maintained his law practice, specializing in immigration law. Over the years, Robert served many Kansas City Jewish community members on a pro bono basis. Robert was an organizer for the Kansas City Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and served as the chapter’s first president.
Robert was a devoted member of Beth Israel Abraham & Voliner Synagogue (BIAV) and, at the time, was one of the youngest members to be involved with the BIAV board of directors. Robert rose through the ranks to serve as BIAV president. He was honored with an award from Israel Bonds and was a member of the Jewish Community Center and ROMEOs.
The family fondly referred to Robert as “Papa Bob.” He leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Barbara; daughter Allison (Larry); son Scott (Jackie); daughter Missy (Cary); and seven grandchildren, Yael, Ellie (JD), Joey, Noah, Ryan and Sam. Robert is also survived by his brother Jerry Frager of Memphis, Tennessee; sister-in-law Sandy Frager of Leesburg, Virginia; and brother- and sister-in-law Alvin and Sharon Cohen of Overland Park, Kansas. He is preceded in death by his parents, Max and Rena Frager; father- and mother-in-law, Joseph and Esther Cohen; brother, Alvin Frager; sister, Audrey Frager; sister-in-law, Natalie Frager; and brother-in-law, Roger Cohen.
From this large extended family, he felt loved by his many cousins, nieces and nephews of all ages. Papa Bob loved each as his own.
The family is grateful for the care given to Robert during his final days and wants to thank Dr. Brad and Barbara Warady, the doctors and nurses at Menorah Medical Center and home caregiver Delores Robinson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Operation Embrace (operationembrace.org); BIAV Synagogue; and Chabad of Kansas City Simcha Gifts.
The funeral service was Monday, Sept. 23, at the Louis Memorial Chapel with burial at Rose Hill Cemetery. Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel.com.
