Robert Earl Borthwick, 93, died Sunday, September 3, 2017 at Manor of the Plains, Dodge City. He was born on June 20, 1924 in Concordia, Kansas to Donald J. and Maud Sjolander Borthwick. He grew up on the family farm southwest of Beeler. He graduated from Beeler High School in 1942, and attended one semester at Kansas State University before being called up to serve his country during WWII. He attained the rank of Corporal in the United States Army Air Forces. After being discharged from the service, he returned to the family farm at Beeler. He was a lifelong farmer and stockman first with his parents and wife, then alongside his son, Rex. In the fall of 1972, he purchased his first Vermeer round baler, and opened Bob's Baler Sales and Service in 1973. He continued to farm, raise Charolais cattle, and operated his Vermeer business until ill health forced him to retire. He was a lifelong member of the Beeler United Methodist Church and a member of the Ness County Historical Society.

On June 16, 1946, he married Jeane Norton on her parents' farm. Together they were blessed with six children.

He is survived by two sons, Alan (Regina) or Hays and Rex (Kathy) of Beeler; three daughters, Mary (Ron) Hemp of Moberly, Missouri, Kathy Baird of Brewster, and Kristi (Lance) Carrithers of Derby; nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Jo Borthwick of Salina.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jeane; brother, Don; son, Jim; and son-in-law, Tom Baird.

Funeral service will be held at the Beeler United Methodist Church on Friday, September 8, 2017, 10:00 A.M. with Pastor Berniece Ludlum presiding. Burial will follow the services at the Ness City Cemetery. Viewing will be on Thursday, September 7 from 9:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City with the family present from 7:00 until 9:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial to the Beeler United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.

Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family by writing in the guest book below.