Robert D. Carey

Rev. Robert Dale Carey, 92, dedicated missionary, pastor, author, devoted follower of

Jesus, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, died March 8, 2025 in Olathe,

Kansas following a short illness. He is survived by his four children, 15 grandchildren

and 22 great-grandchildren. His memory is cherished by friends, coworkers and

mentees around the world. A memorial service and burial will be held on Saturday,

June 21 at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Abilene, Kansas.

Bob was born in 1933 in Ames, Iowa and grew up near Gettysburg, South Dakota. He

began to drive at age nine, when he was tall enough to reach the pedals. He learned

animal husbandry while caring for sheep and cattle, and construction skills by helping

build the barn on the family farm. He was a whiz at repairing all kinds of machines and

gadgets. He later put these skills to use building churches, camps and other facilities in

the Philippines and tree houses for his grandchildren.

He had a life-changing encounter with Jesus at age 16, and dedicated his life to serving

God and sharing the gospel with all who would listen. He attended Northwestern Bible

College (now University of Northwestern) in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he met his

future wife, Althea Eisele.

After graduation in 1954, Bob and Althea married and settled in Alta Vista, Iowa where

Bob served as pastor of the Evangelical United Brethren church. Their first son Galen

was born in 1955. From 1956-1960 he attended Trinity Theological Seminary (now

Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) in Chicago, earning the Bachelor of Divinity degree.

During this time his daughter Annette was born.

Following graduation Bob and Althea attended Missionary Internship in Detroit and Bob

served in a Presbyterian church. In 1963 Bob was ordained in the Evangelical Free

Church of America, and Bob and Althea were commissioned as missionaries to the

Philippines, where they served for 36 years. During this time their daughter Sharon and

son Jim were born.

Bob’s long career centered around his passion for introducing people to Jesus and

helping them understand the salvation that God offers those who trust in Jesus. His

book, “Outrageous Claims of Jesus,” challenges readers to consider what Jesus

actually said about himself. Bob led a multinational missionary team that planted

churches, discipled converts, and trained leaders to continue advancing this work. He

was a beloved mentor and guide to many present and future church leaders.

In his retirement Bob wrote a three volume family history that includes letters,

documents and photos spanning eight generations. He also established a retirement

fund to support Filipino pastors who served 20 years or more. This fund has made a

substantial difference to many beloved pastors who devoted their lives to serving

others. In lieu of flowers, the family invites friends of Bob to contribute to the fund. Tax-

deductible contributions payable to The Signatry designated to “The Carey-EFCP-1” in

the memo line can be mailed to:

The Signatry

7171 W. 95 th Street, Suite 501

Overland Park, KS 66212