A severe weather alert was issued for Johnson County, Missouri, more than half an hour before emergency workers arrived to attend to a tragic incident at the annual rodeo in Holden. Dr. Rob Espey, a beloved figure in the local community, lost his life after being struck by lightning in the parking lot of Holden City Park. According to reports, the severe weather alert was issued at 10:35 p.m. on Friday, prompting caution among event organizers and attendees alike.
Dr. Rob Espey Education and Career
Despite the warning, tragedy struck when emergency responders reached the scene at 11:09 p.m., where they found Dr. Espey critically injured from the lightning strike. Dr. Rob Espey, 53, was a familiar face to many in Johnson County, having joined his father at the Crain Veterinary Center in 1998 after graduating from the University of Missouri School of Veterinary Medicine. Known for his compassionate care and dedication to animals, Dr. Espey treated every patient as if they were his own cherished pets.
Beyond his professional life, Dr. Espey was a devoted family man. He cherished spending time with his wife and two children, often enjoying the thrill and camaraderie of local rodeo events. His love for animals extended beyond his veterinary practice, reflecting a deep-rooted passion that endeared him to both colleagues and community members alike.
Dr. Rob Espey Obituary
He is survived by his loving wife Kendra, his children Sam and Ruby, his parents Jerry and Dale, of Grain Valley, his sister Jodi Nafzger (husband Christian) of Boise, Idaho, his aunt Joan Bryan (husband Tony) of Savannah, and his grandmother Margaret Hopkins of Boonville. Rob is also survived by his in-laws Dick and Toni Clark of Lake Tapawingo and Teresa Roberts of Pittsburg, brother-in-law Jason Roberts of Groton, South Dakota, sister-in law Christy Anderson (husband Steve) of Overland Park, Kansas, brother-in-law Scott Clark of Kansas City, sister-in-law Kelly Hahn of Kansas City, brother-in-law Jeff Hahn (wife Niki) of Parkville. He is also survived by his 10 nieces and nephews Cody Clark, Nathan Anderson, Henry Nafzger, Elijah Ceesay,Noelle Anderson, Laila Roberts, William Nafzger, Akinsa Ceesay, Julia Ceesay, and Gunner Logan.
Services will be held on Wednesday, July 3rd at Lee’s Summit Community Church, 1440 SW Jefferson St., Lee’s Summit, MO, 64080 with visitation beginning at 10:00 am and a service to follow starting at 12:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cowboys for Cancer, 1311 Highway 54, Redfield, KS 66769 or Johnny Laughlin Memorial c/o MHSR 10764 Marie’s Road 331, Vienna, MO 65582.
