Robert Mitchell Mosby

Robert Mitchell Mosby, affectionately called (Kalunda or Mr. Kalunda), was born on March 16, 1953 in Chicago, Illinois, to the parents of Alex Mosby, and Thelma Mosby. He was the third oldest of six siblings. Robert was preceded in death by his father, Alex Mosby; his brothers, Alvin and Gregory Mosby. Robert confessed Christ at an early age under the pastorate of the late Rev. H.R. Stephenson of the Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church located on the westside of Chicago.

Robert departed this life on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 11:00 p.m., at Aperion Care in Elgin, Illinois.  

Robert attended and received his basic education here in the Chicago Public School system.  He also attended John Marshall High School where he took pride in being a starting linebacker for the team.  Marshall’s football team referred to Bob as Dick Buckas.

Robert married Mary Virginia Britton on December 13, 1976.  To this union, one son was born, Robert Mosby, Jr.  Robert was a father to Cynthia, Freddie and Kenneth Jones treating them as if they were his own children. 

Robert was employed as a skilled butcher for Knippe and Brause Meat Packing Companies.

Robert was hilarious.  He commanded everyone that greeted him to call him Kalunda or Mr. Kalunda or Mr. Bob.  His family and friends often wondered where he got the name Kalunda and he said he made it up.  One day his sister Linda was looking at Sanford and Sons at the episode where Sanford’s son Lamont goes to Africa.  While visiting in Africa, Lamont met some friends in Africa and gave him the name Kalunda to reflect the new him.  There Bob’s secret was revealed.  Not only did he represent the African American culture, he also represented the Mexican Culture.  When he wanted something from someone, instead of calling your name, he would say me-da, me-da like you were supposed to know what he meant.  In Spanish me-da means to look. Something else Bob was known for everywhere he went, was his saying ya,ya,ya,ya , a- who- ah or Kalunda.  When the children in the neighborhood saw him, they would mock him by saying ya,ya,ya ya, even his little nephew Amir.                    

Robert really enjoyed church when he would go. We recall when he reunited with Zion Hill under the pastorate of Rev. George Waddles, Sr. He came down to the front of the church, Pastor Waddles asked him if he had a statement.  He said Bob’s back, Bob’s back.  He attended a watch night service and sat on the Deacon’s row. He was so intrigued with the musician playing the organ that he began to play the top of the pew as if he was sitting at the organ.  Rev. Nathanael Waddles whose vision was challenged at the time was presiding over the pulpit and to his surprise, Bob got up and started singing “Jesus Is On The Main Line Tell Him What You Want” he encouraged the congregation to sing.

Robert’s presence is already truly missed.   Robert had great love for his family.  Every time you hang up from him, he would say I love you.  He had begun a special bond with his nephews, Marlow, Terry, Tony and Jonathan.  They had scheduled and outing where they took him to baseball game for which he really enjoyed.

Robert leaves to cherish his fond memories: his wife, Mary Mosby; his children, Robert Jr., Frederick and Cynthia Jones and Shontell Blue. (Chicago); his mother, Thelma L. Mosby, Chicago; his sisters, Denise Durns, Chicago, Linda Reed (Robert), Chicago, and Addie Mosby, Chicago; special nephews, Marlow Jones (Gina), Kankakee, Illinois, Ontario Durns (Tracie), Naperville, Illinois, Antonio Durns (Senia), Chicago, Jonathan Tate, Peoria, Illinois; brother-in-law, Ivory Britton (Eliza), Arthur Britton (Pearl) Jackson, Mississippi; sister-in-law, Geraldine Michaels, Minneapolis, Minnesota  (18) grandchildren: Devin, Devinair, M’Cari,Tevarriana, and Robert Mosby, III (Chicago), Oneya Grandberry, Carmen Bracey, Cassini Alexander, Kenneth Jr. Cortez, Tameka, Kenneth Britton, Devinar Shields and Marshaun Shields, Perry, Jr, Jaqwon, Kyrian and Xavier Moore (Chicago) (23) great grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Mitchell Mosby, please visit our floral store.