Robert Glynn "Swede" Protheroe

Robert Glynn “Swede” Protheroe, 73, passed away, Thursday, July 20, 2017 at his home in         Emporia.                      He was born October 4, 1943 in Emporia, the son of Glynn D. and Evea L. Keller Protheroe. Bob attended Reading High School and graduated with the Class of 1961. He would further his education at Clarks Business College and Kansas State Teachers College.  Bob enlisted in the Kansas Army National Guard in 1964. He was called to active duty in the United States Army in1968 and served in Vietnam in 1969. He would later serve again in the Kansas National Guard from 1974 until 1987.  As a young man Bob was employed at Kansas Auto Wholesale, Temp & Company and Woolwine Auto. He purchased Moore Tool & Supply Company in 1983 which he operated for 30 years before retiring.  He married Cheryl Ensminger on May 20, 1972 in Emporia.  His many memberships include the NRA, a life membership in the VFW Post #1980, and the American Legion post #389 in Allen.  Bob is survived by his wife, Cheryl of Emporia; sons Brian D. Protheroe of San Francisco, Stephen W. Protheroe of Los Angeles and Marc E. Protheroe of Lawrence; a grandchild, Alexus; sister, Ellen L. Hayes of Ft. Worth, Texas; brothers, Lowell Protheroe of Lenexa, Kansas and Darryl Protheroe of Lebo; nieces; nephews; extended family and dear friends.  Services will be held at 4:00 P.M., Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at the Reading United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kansas National Guard Museum or to an education fund for his grandchildren and sent in care of the Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home. Cremation will follow services with inurnment at Reading Cemetery at a later date. Condolences may be expressed at vanarsdalefs.com.