Robert Bugg, affectionately known as “Sunny” by his siblings and family, and then Mr. Bugg if you really wanted his attention. Born on June 3, 1941, in Topeka, Kansas, to Walter and Mattie Bugg, he was one of 13 children and grew up learning strong values of hard work, community, and service.
After graduating from Topeka High School in 1959, Mr. Bugg served in the US Army while stationed in Germany. Following his military service, he began his career as a corrections officer before later working as a police officer. With a desire to serve his community even more effectively, he earned a degree in Corrections from Washburn University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Kansas.
Throughout his career, Mr. Bugg embraced roles that allowed him to give back to the people he cared about. He founded Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Topeka and served as its first Executive Director, and he later took on positions such as Vehicle Director for the State of Kansas (appointed by Governor John Carlin), Personnel Director for the City of Topeka, and assistant to Mayor James McClinton. Even after retiring from city government, his commitment to service continued through his consulting firm, Robert Bugg & Associates, where he generously shared his expertise with local organizations.
In 1985, Mr. Bugg and his wife, Jacqueline Shobe, founded Living the Dream, Inc., a nonprofit organization celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Now marking its 40th year, this observance has grown into one of the longest-running and largest celebrations of Dr. King’s vision in the country—a quiet but lasting tribute to unity and justice.
In 1970, Mr. Bugg married Jacqueline Shobe, and together they raised three children: Glen (Deborah), Chris (Jan), and Anton. Although Mrs. Bugg passed away in 2022, her memory lives on through the loving family they built. Mr. Bugg was preceded in death by both his parents, brothers, Thomas L. “Buddy” Bugg, Louis C. Bugg, Willis “Tiny” Bugg, Walter Bugg, Jr., Harry Bugg, sisters, Stella Miller, Mildred Banks, Ida Pride and Mary Lou Long. Siblings left to cherish his memory are brothers Verdell Bugg, Larry Bugg and sister, Doris Cohen. Mr. Bugg is also survived by many grandchildren and extended family members.
A memorial service to honor Mr. Bugg’s life will be held on February 21, 2025, at Bowser Johnson Funeral Chapel at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in his memory to the organization he founded Living the Dream, Inc. Donations can be made on the website at www.ltdtopeka.org.
Robert Bugg’s humble life of service and his steadfast commitment to his community will be remembered by all who knew him. His gentle influence and enduring contributions continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.
