Robert Beall

Robert "Bob" Beall, 89, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2025. He was born on June 7, 1936, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Frank and Emma Beall.
Bob lived a life defined by hard work, ingenuity, and stories worth retelling. Born with a determination to provide for his family, he left school early and never stopped working with his hands, his mind, and his heart.
He held a remarkable variety of jobs over the years: from working on the railroad at just 17, to driving city buses in Columbia, hauling concrete and asphalt, and even serving as an ambulance driver and LAPD dispatcher in Los Angeles during the 1950s. He also worked alongside his father and brother as a stonemason, contributing to church projects throughout the Kansas City area, and later repaired truck air conditioners for Thermo King.
An entrepreneur at heart, Bob launched his own ventures – running a wrecker service in Sturgeon, repairing cars and RVs, snow plowing and lot sweeping with a vacuum system he designed himself, and even patenting multiple new designs for communion cups in the 1970s.
His adventures gave him stories that became family legends: giving Lucille Ball a ride to a doctor's appointment, picking up MGM's Louis B. Mayer, fixing a flat tire for a young band called The Beach Boys, and cruising California in a homemade dune buggy.
Even after a disabling back injury ended his driving career in the 1970s, Bob never slowed down. He built his own 3,000-square-foot home with outbuildings in the 1980s, restored classic cars, and always found ways to tinker, invent, and enjoy the outdoors. Country gospel music and creative problem-solving were his constant companions. In 1990, he was ordained, reflecting the deep faith that carried him throughout his life.
Bob is survived by his wife of 54 years, Anita; his children Mark, Bobby, Vicki, Danny, and Frank; his stepchildren David, Alan, Norman, and Gina; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, and his eldest daughter, Theresa.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Maplewood Barn Theater, Nifong Park, 2900 E Nifong Blvd., Columbia, MO, on October 7, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Flowers may be sent to Anita Beall, 10800 E Saint Charles Rd., Columbia, MO 65202.
Memorial donations may be made to Mel Bond Ministries, P.O. Box 306, Wentzville, MO 63385.