Estel Robirds

Funeral services for Estel Boyd Robirds, 89, of Theodosia, MO will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 29, 2024 in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home chapel, Gainesville, MO. Officiating will be Jon Humbert. Visitation will be Friday afternoon from 1 p.m. to service time. Burial with full military honors will be in the Lutie Cemetery, Theodosia, MO.
Estel Robirds had many roles throughout his 89 years on Earth. Son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, soldier, barber, politician, and farmer.
Estel was born October 15, 1934, in the family home at Longrun, Missouri, the eighth of eleven children of Clifford and Flossie Taber Robirds. Este's first real job was as a farm hand driving tractors and truck loads of sugar beets in Wyoming; he was 15. In 1957 he married Sue Gray and five months later he was inducted into the military. He served in the Army rising to the rank of Sergeant in 20 months. He was stationed in Germany patrolling the German-Czechoslovakia border during the Cold War. After his discharge, Estel and Sue lived in Independence, Missouri, where Estel graduated from barber college. He worked as a barber for 50 years; he owned two barber shops: first one in Independence and the second in Theodosia, Missouri opened in 1973 when he, Sue and the girls moved to Ozark County. The family took over the Gray farm in Longrun and raised beef cattle – the best and worst job he ever had. Estel loved to visit with people in and outside of the barber shop. Through these connections, Estel developed an interest in politics and at the age of 59 he began a new career – Missouri State Representative. He served as Representative for 10 years then returned to Ozark County to the barber shop and to his cattle.
He is a member of the Theodosia Methodist Church and past president of Ozark County Farm Bureau.
Estel passed from this life on March 25, 2024. He was proceeded in death by his parents, seven brother and three sisters. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Nina Sue Gray Robirds, Theodosia; daughters Lora Lea Robirds Locker (Mark), Blue Springs, MO, and Jane Ann Robirds Magness (Kenny), Theodosia, MO; grandchildren Sam Locker (Emily), Kerry Locker, Justin Magness (Brandie) and Jordan Magness (Megan); and four great-grandchildren, Jonah, Allie, Millie, and Jack Magness.
Estel was so much more than a few words can describe. He could tell a good story, entertain, and inspire. He will be missed.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lutie Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.