Robert Alanson Laible, born December 18, 1946, age 79, passed away at his home in Rolesville, North Carolina, on March 28, 2026. He will be deeply missed by family and loved ones.

Robert was born at home in Wichita, Kansas, to Robert P. Laible and Emalou D. Laible. He was the eldest child. His family moved to Salina, Kansas in 1947, where his sister Deborah L. Laible Herbert was born in 1948. At age 6, the family moved to Kansas City, Kansas, where Robert enjoyed running track and would eventually graduate from Wyandotte High School in 1964. That same year, his father began operating a small airport just south of Bonner Springs, Kansas. Robert went to live at the airport and began attending Kansas University, where he majored in Electrical Engineering. In the summer of 1965, at age 17, he earned his pilot’s license. That same summer, his father sold a Taylorcraft airplane to a man in Seattle, Washington, and Robert flew it there himself, a three-day journey with only basic instruments, which left him with many good stories to tell.

In 1967, Robert married Jackie Mengus, and in 1968 they welcomed their first son, Thomas Stark. Also in 1967, Robert became a brother a second time when his parents adopted George J. Laible. While married to Jackie, she encouraged him to apply for a job with IBM, where he began as a typewriter repairman, later progressing to a copy repairman serving the greater Kansas City, Missouri area. He later remarried Mary Ann Broderick, and they welcomed their daughter, Heather Ann Johnson (Laible), and their son, John Christopher. Robert loved his wife and children. He imparted to his children a love for learning and the desire to pursue truth. The family later moved to New Fairfield, Connecticut, after Robert was transferred to White Plains, New York to work as a programmer on mainframe computers, and from there they eventually moved to Raleigh, North Carolina.

Robert worked for IBM in programming for over two decades and retired after relocating with IBM to North Carolina. After retiring, he later worked for the NC Department of Treasury.

Robert was a quiet but strong presence, known for his intelligence, stoicism, humility, and steady dedication to his family. He was honest, hardworking, and deeply valued those he loved.

After many years, Robert met the love of his life, Dorothy Sokolowski. They married and, each having children, welcomed one another’s adult children into their family. Dorothy, known by loved ones as Dodie, was deeply loved by Robert. Robert and Dodie complemented one another beautifully in their marriage. Together, they made sure their family was cared for and remained closely connected. They also shared a love of dancing, with Robert especially enjoying and excelling at contra dancing. They spent their years enjoying time with family, time with each other, and being thankful for the gift of one another. Robert was a kind and devoted stepfather, and a proud, loving grandfather, bringing warmth, laughter, and steady love to the family.

After Dodie's passing last year, Robert began attending Rolesville Baptist Church, where he was making friends and learning about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our greatest hope is that he knows Him.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Emalou Laible, his brother, George J. Laible, and his beloved wife, Dorothy “Dodie” Laible. He is survived by his sister Deborah L. (George) Laible Herbert; his children, Tom (Twyla) Stark, John Laible, Heather (Brian) Johnson, James (Nicola) Barilla, Jennifer (Brett) Maiorano, Cristina (Josh) Rutyna; and grandchildren, James and Carly Maiorano, Brook and Beatrice Barilla, Jacob, Cassandra, and Megan Johnson, and Carter and Caeden Rutyna.

Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit".