Bobbie Ray Alumbaugh

Bobbie Ray Alumbaugh — known to everyone as Bob — passed away on June 24, 2026, at St. Luke's East Hospital in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, at the age of 88. A nearly lifelong Independence man, Bob lived with quiet purpose, boundless work ethic, and a deep love for his family, his hobbies and the wide-open road.

Bob was born on November 6, 1937, to Howard and Margaret Alumbaugh and raised in Independence Missouri, where he graduated with the Class of 1956 from William Chrisman High School. He went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps, and in 1957 married the love of his life, Lillian Mae Crick. Together they built a family and a life rooted in hard work and lasting devotion.

An entrepreneur at heart, Bob founded and operated Al-Ham Heating and Cooling in 1969, growing it into a trusted business he ran for nearly thirty years before selling the business and retiring in 1998. He was a man who believed in doing things right — and doing them himself. His workmanship with sheet metal was legendary and his work can be found all over Independence and surrounding towns. While running Al-Ham, Bob became a home builder and developer building many quality homes in the Kansas City area.

Bob had a lifelong love of tennis that began as a teenager, when he worked for Independence Parks and Recreation, tending the clay tennis courts. He went on to teach the game to his son Robert, his nephew Willie, and his niece Annamarie — and he never stopped playing. Up until 2024, when his knees finally convinced him otherwise, Bob could be found on the courts at Santa Fe Park as many as four times a week, competing and laughing with friends he'd made over the years.

Most summers, Bob loaded up the family for road trips out West — adventures that meant primitive camping in the mountains above Beaver, Utah, a few days in Las Vegas and days on the beach at San Clemente, California. He carried fond memories of his time in the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton and always had a love for the Southern California coast.

On his best Sundays, Bob could be found on the back deck smoking a rack of ribs on the Weber, a glass of whiskey in the sunroom nearby, and Willie Nelson and the Ink Spots drifting from the speakers. He loved to garden, loved to cook, and loved to make people feel welcome at his table.

Bob was very good at most things he tried, and carpentry was another favorite hobby. He loved making gifts for friends and family. And these were incredible pieces; jewelry boxes, canes, sculptures and more.

Bob is survived by his children, Tamara Lynn Ramsey (Clay), Susan Eileen Bebout (Brendan Rhoten), and Robert Ray Alumbaugh (Karissa); his grandchildren Max, Sam, and Erin Ramsey, and Jennifer Ramsey Oberlander (Bobby), Tyler Bebout (Dara) and Erica Bebout Hartley (Paul), and Evan and Lucas Alumbaugh (Olivia), seven great grandchildren, his brother Larry Alumbaugh (Megan) and his companion Laura Leaver. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lillian, his brother Bill and sisters Gloria and Janet.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with a funeral service following at 2:00 p.m., at Speaks Chapel in Independence, Missouri. Burial will follow at Mt. Taber Cemetery in Odessa, Missouri.