Robert Deane Cousins

The Rev. Dr. Robert Deane Cousins

The Rev. Dr. Robert Deane Cousins (Bob), 75, retired Elder of the Great Plains United Methodist Conference died June 21, 2021. He served in the former Kansas West Conference from 1970 until retirement in 2010.  His service started in 1970 with an appointment to Woodbine UMC as a student at St. Paul School of Theological, Kansas City, Mo. In 1970 following full time appointment to Woodbine/Lyona, of Tri-county Parish, he was ordained an Elder in full connection at Herrington UMC by Bishop W McFerrin Stowe.  More appointments were Healy/Shields UMCs followed with training at Topeka State Hospital for clinical pastoral education.  Further appointments were Quinter/Grinnell UMCs, Phillipsburg UMC, Kechi UMC.  In 1990 he was appointed to Hays District as District Superintendent.  Appointed to Garden City First UMC in 1995 he served until his appointment as Hays District Superintendent in 2006 until retirement.

Born in Horton, Kansas to Deane H. and Helen (Hart) Cousins on September 12, 1945.  Bob grew up in Cloud County attending Concordia schools graduating from Concordia High School in 1963.  Boy Scouts of America, Order of the Arrow, and Debate activities during High School served him well in his future.

In 1964 he met his wife Mary Jo Bruning at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas.  They were married In July 1966.  After graduation in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, Bob entered St Paul School of Theology, graduating in 1970 with a Master of Divinity Degree.  Education always important, Bob went on to earn a Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary in 1985.

Family was important for Bob and Mary. In 1976 they adopted children, a son and daughter siblings. In late August after a whirlwind three days of exposure to parenting a three-year-old boy and a nine-month-old girl the new family made its way to their home to Quinter, Kansas.

Bob is survived by his wife, Mary, Christy D. Knouf of Colorado Springs, Co. and his sister, DeAnne (Alan) Shirling of Kansas City, and Aunt Joann Craig (Tom) Woods of Talmo as well as two grandchildren and nephews, nieces and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents Deane and Helen Cousins, and son Robert J. Cousins.

A memorial celebration is planned for July 17, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Aldersgate UMC, 7901 W. 21st St, Wichita,Ks.

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