Bob Kupfer

Robert Glenn Kupfer, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on November 21, 2025, in Camdenton, Missouri, after a courageous battle with cancer, yet ultimately succumbing to a heart attack. He was 78 years old and leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience that will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Bob was born on April 6, 1947, in Beardstown, Illinois, to Albert Glenn and Elizabeth Alvina Kupfer. The eldest of six children, he grew up in Beardstown, Pana, and finally Macomb, where he graduated from Macomb High School in 1965. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Navy, serving his country with pride as a Pilot Rescue swimmer in the Vietnam War. Following his military service, Bob returned to Macomb, Illinois where he began working as a conductor on the Burlington Northern Railroad and attending Western Illinois University.
In 1974 he married Emily Sue Vawter, and they lived in Beardstown for three years while Bob continued to work for the railroad. Although this was a lucrative job, he tired of it and decided to take on a new challenge. In 1977 he and Sue moved to the Lake of the Ozarks. Bob had prepared for this move by getting his real estate salesperson's license and broker's license before they moved. In June 1978, the same month he welcomed his son Clay into the world, Bob opened his own real estate office, where he thrived as a master problem solver and a trusted advisor. He even served two terms as the president of the Board of Realtors. His commitment to his clients and the public was unwavering, and he continued to serve even after selling the business in 2024.
Bob's love for his family was unparalleled. Together, he and Sue, created a home filled with warmth and cherished memories. They welcomed into their home his brothers and sisters and their children, enjoying taking the kids boating, skiing, tubing, and fishing. Bob loved being their hero. However, he really came into his own when he became a dad. From the moment Clay was born, he and Bob were best friends. Bob loved rocking him to sleep when he was a baby. They talked every day, even when Clay was away at college. They loved spending time together, sharing interests, activities, and wisdom. There was nothing they did not talk about. However, when his granddaughters were born, he was in heaven. Bob loved those girls and there was nothing they couldn't ask him to do. He was involved in their lives on an everyday basis. He loved texting and calling them throughout the day, even during school.
An avid outdoorsman, second only to his love of his son and granddaughters was his passion for hunting. For the past 50 years, Bob had traveled to Cimarron, Colorado to join his Colorado and Texas friends to camp and elk hunt. For many years Bob's pleasure was enhanced enormously by the fact Clay had become part of the group. He lived for these adventures and went as recently as this September.
Bob's ability to connect with others touched countless lives, and his loving embrace will forever be a source of comfort to those left behind. As we gather our memories of him, we are reminded of his adventurous spirit, his dedication to family, his integrity, and the profound impact he had on all of our lives.
Bob's legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, and we will always carry his spirit with us.
Bob is survived by his wife Sue, his son Clay and wife Melissa, his granddaughters Carley, Anabelle, and Emily. Also surviving are his brothers Brad (Debra), Bill, and Bruce and sisters Diane Ochs (Hal), and Debbie Barr (Brian) as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents Glenn and Elizabeth Kupfer, his sisters-in-laws Janis Bennet, Suzie Vawter and Valerie Kupfer, brothers-in-law Michael Vawter and his nephew Tucker Barr.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 29th at 2:00 p.m. at The Exchange Venue, 57 Court Circle, Camdenton, Missouri, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bob Kupfer Student Support Fund, as kids held a special place in Bob's heart. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 1053, Camdenton, Missouri, 65020.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 1270 S Business Route 5, Camdenton, MO 65020 (573) 346-2090. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com.