Grieving university acknowledges the demise of esteemed honorary trustee, Bob Corbett
Robert "Bob" Corbett, Beloved Alumnus and Banking Pioneer, Passes Away
Robert "Bob" Corbett, a distinguished alumnus of Park University and a prominent figure in the banking industry, passed away on March 31, 2021. His passing has left a void in the Park University community and the wider banking world.
Born in 1916, Corbett earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Park University in 1938. Initially, he had planned to become a teacher, but a summer job with City National Bank and Trust Co. changed his career trajectory. After the war ended, Corbett returned to the bank, marking the beginning of his illustrious career in the banking industry.
In 1949, Corbett was appointed assistant cashier at an unspecified bank. His impressive work ethic and dedication soon caught the attention of his superiors, leading to his promotion to various leadership roles. In 1957, he became a founding director and chief executive officer of the Wornall Bank in South Kansas City, Mo.
Corbett's service in the U.S. Army Finance Office of the 86th Infantry Division during World War II undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping his career. His experiences during the war, particularly in both the European and Pacific Theatres, instilled in him a strong sense of duty and commitment that he brought to his professional life.
Corbett's contributions to Park University were numerous. He served as President of the Park University Alumni Association from 1952-1953 and as commencement speaker at the university in 1986. In 1963, he was awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award, a testament to his outstanding achievements. He also served on the university's Board of Trustees for a decade, retiring after a two-year term as chair in 1990.
Corbett was an honorary trustee and a member of the Park University Trustees Society at the time of his death. He was also a charter member of Park University's Howard Bailey McAfee Heritage Society. In 1998, he was honoured as a Founders Day honouree at the university. In 2010, a stairway at Park University was named in honour of Corbett's legacy.
Wornall Bank was purchased in 1973 by United Missouri Bancshares Inc. (now UMB). Corbett retired as chairman emeritus from UMB in 1987 and continued to serve as an advisory director of the south region until 2004.
Our thoughts remain with Corbett's children, Robert and Marcia, during this difficult time. His memorial service will be held on Friday, April 6, at 3 p.m. at the John Knox Village Chapel in Lee's Summit, Mo.
Corbett's legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched and in the institutions he served. His life serves as a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and a strong sense of community.
Robert Corbett, throughout his career, demonstrated a strong interest in both education-and-self-development and personal-finance, evident in his role as a founding director and CEO of the Wornall Bank and his service on the Park University's Board of Trustees for a decade. His legacy in the banking industry, education sector, and Park University community includes earning the Distinguished Alumnus Award and numerous other contributions.
