Dr. Bobby Gines was an award-winning educator, dedicated leader, husband, father, and faithful servant whose life reflected excellence, discipline, and purpose. He served as an administrator in St. Louis Public Schools, the Riverview Gardens School District, and districts throughout the Kansas City, Missouri area. Over a distinguished 48-year career, Dr. Gines impacted countless lives as a teacher, principal, instructional coordinator, and assistant superintendent.

A gifted athlete, he competed for the Huskies and remained undefeated in his wrestling career. In 1964, he made history as the first African American wrestler at Ritenour High School to win a state championship.

Dr. Gines was a trailblazer in education. As the first African American principal in the Hickman Mills School District, he led transformational change, turning a school with low test scores and strained relationships into a nationally recognized model of success. Within three years, the school earned national awards and was recognized by President Bill Clinton.

As superintendent of the Riverview Gardens School District, he wore many hats in his mission to elevate both students and the system that served them. His leadership extended beyond the classroom into the community, where he was an active member of organizations including the NAACP, the National Association of Black School Educators, the University of Missouri–Kansas City Alumni Board, and the Missouri School Improvement Team from 2012 to 2015.

Dr. Gines also poured into the next generation through sports and mentorship. He inspired inner-city youth through summer camps and coached baseball, basketball, and soccer early in his career.

In recognition of his lifelong impact, leadership, and commitment to excellence, Dr. Gines was inducted into the Ritenour Hall of Fame in 2020. His life’s work and unwavering dedication to uplifting others will continue to inspire generations to come.

A man of deep faith, Dr. Gines served faithfully in ministry for many years. He was a devoted member of churches, including Pleasant Green Baptist Church (KCK), Second Missionary Baptist Church (Grandview, MO), Heavenly Bread Missionary Baptist Church (St. Louis, MO), New Life Christian Church (Florissant, MO). He served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and Sunday school superintendent, always answering the call to serve with humility and commitment. In recent years, he attended Grace Assembly of God Church (KCMO), Brookdale Residents Chapel (Leawood, KS), and New Life in Christ International Ministries (Grandview, MO).

He was married to his beloved wife, Brenda, for 57 years. Together, they built a legacy rooted in love, family, and faith. They made their homes in Kansas City, Missouri, Florissant, Missouri, and later Leawood, Kansas.

Dr. Gines leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Brenda; his children, Millicent (Quint) Connor, Brian (Michelle) Gines, and Jason (Fatima) Gines; his beloved sister, Roydonna Curtis; and his cherished grandchildren, Zerryn Gines, Jason Elliott Gines II, Brielle Gines, Kevin Connor, Kyra Gines, Kyle Connor, Christopher Connor, Karis Gines, Jayden Gines, and Kalia Gines.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Juanita and Henderson Gines; his brother, Henderson Gines (Jan); and his sister, Barbara Slaughter (Serena Bullock and Shondra Slaughter).

He also leaves a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

A service will be held on Thursday May 7, 2026 at Bread Of Life East 7223 E. Bannister Rd. KCMO 64134. The visitation will begin at 9:00-10:00 am with the service to follow promptly at 10 am.

Interment will take place following the services at Forest Hill 6901 Troost Ave. KCMO 64131