Robert “Bob” Irvin Clubine, 84, of Salina, Kansas, passed away in his home on Monday, January 12, 2026 in the loving care of his family, leaving behind a legacy shaped by hard work, quiet dedication, and the people he loved most.
Born on October 28, 1941, in Independence, Kansas, Bob grew up the son of Frances I. (Gillen) and Gerald W. Clubine. He and his brothers Jerry and Steve helped their father on their family farm in Cherryvale, Kansas, where he attended elementary school at the same one-room schoolhouse his mother taught first grade. After graduating from Independence High School, Bob participated in an open major league baseball try out and was drafted by the Pittsburg Pirates but instead chose a more secure path. He often said, “If the St. Louis Cardinals had drafted me, I would have eventually become a Manager in the MLB.”
Bob began his college education at Independence Community College, while playing semi-professional baseball. He continued at Pittsburg State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1963. He also served honorably in the United States Army Reserve.
Bob chose Salina as a place to call home. In 1967, he became a founding partner of Clubine and Rettele, Chartered—an accomplishment that reflected his commitment to building something lasting for his partners, staff, clients, and community for over fifty years. He was also involved in several organizations, including becoming a lifetime member of the Kansas Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Public Accountants Association of Kansas (PAAK), an organization he truly cared about, serving as President in 1984, and Liaison Committee Chairman for thirty-one years, before retiring in 2018.
Bob was a loyal St. Louis Cardinals fan and rarely missed a ball game. He also enjoyed watching the Kansas State Wildcats play football and basketball, always looking forward to discussing the games with his brothers. He enjoyed playing men’s slow-pitch softball and coaching women’s slow-pitch softball for many years. His other hobbies included golf and hunting.
Bob’s life was deeply intertwined with his family. He is survived by his devoted wife and friend of many years, Pamela Clubine. He was a proud father to his daughters, Kandi Clubine of Glendale, Arizona, and Kristi Thomason (Darin) of Peoria, Arizona. His family grew through love as he welcomed his stepchildren, David George, III (Nicole) of Salina, Kansas and Shelby Coulter (Brennan) of Parkville, Missouri. Bob cherished his grandchildren—Austin Thomason and Caleb Thomason—and his six step-grandchildren: Grayson Little, Isla Coulter, Lily Coulter, River George, Kelso George, and Ellis Coulter. He is survived by his brother, Steve Clubine (Joan) of Windsor, Missouri, and his nieces Angie Mitchell (Gene), Tonya Thornburg (John), Sandi Loffer (Raymond), and nephew Paul Clubine (Marji). He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Frances Clubine, and his brother, Gerald “Jerry” Clubine.
Bob influenced the lives of many in significant ways, and he will be profoundly missed. He is now with Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior and God our Heavenly Father. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Interim Hospice for their care and support, with a special thank you to Amanda, Chrissy, and Christina. A very special thank you to Dan “Boone” Vidricksen, for his friendship and spiritual guidance to Bob and his family.
Honoring Bob’s wishes, no services are planned.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Children’s Mercy Hospital Kansas City, sent in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, 500 S. Ohio St., Salina.