Robert Frank "Slug" Slusher

Robert Frank "Slug" Slusher, 92, of Odessa, Missouri, passed into the arms of Jesus, surrounded by his loving family, on August 23, 2025, at Aspire Living Center in Oak Grove.
Bob was born September 14, 1932, in Independence, Missouri, to Kenneth and Iva Slusher. On June 14, 1953, he married the love of his life, Janis Elaine Smith. Together they shared 72 years of marriage and four children, building a family and a life rooted deeply in faith, love, and community.
Bob retired from General Motors in 1986, but his work ethic and heart for service never slowed. From 1988 to 2018, he faithfully served the Odessa R-7 School District as a custodian and crossing guard, greeting generations of students with a steady smile and wave. He also owned and sold go-karts through Slusher Motors, and worked as custodian for Odessa City Hall and the Community Building.
A man of many talents, Bob could fix anything he touched. Known as a tinkerer and jack-of-all-trades, he was always ready to lend a hand. His love for Odessa was evident in all he did-whether serving as an alderman, leading as a church elder, or cheering from the stands at Odessa sporting events. He also loved the simple pleasures of community life, especially sitting down to enjoy meals at Morgan's Restaurant and JJ's Restaurant. If he wasn't tinkering in the garage or working on something around town, you might find him dozed off in the back row at church or settled into a lawn chair at one of his grandkids' games. And no matter where he was, Grandpa always had a story to tell, and people loved to listen. To the people of Odessa, Bob was more than a neighbor or friend-he was everyone's grandpa, offering kindness, encouragement, and support to all who crossed his path.
Above all else, Bob will be remembered for his heart. He was the best dad and grandpa anyone could ask for-generous to a fault, willing to give the shirt off his back for anyone in need. He loved his family, his town, and his country, and his life reflected that love in everything he did. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, and in the community he so deeply cherished.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Iva Slusher; his sister, Sarah, in infancy; his son, Brad Slusher; and his daughter, Denise LaBoube.
Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Janis of Odessa; son Kyle (Megan) Slusher of Odessa; daughter Martha (Lynn) White of Matthews, NC; daughter-in-law Marcie Slusher of Chesapeake, VA; and son-in-law Doug LaBoube of Odessa. He was a proud grandfather to Kamryn (Nick), Avery, Brody, Jessica, Cory (Maggie), Nicholas (AnnaLisa), Colby (Kelsey), Christopher (Hannah), Britni (Josh), Chase, Jonathon, and Brittany (Ryan). He was also blessed with 25 great-grandchildren, who brought him endless joy and carried forward his legacy of love.
Visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Odessa First Christian Church. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. Graveside services will be held at a later date. In honor of Bob's love for his hometown, the family invites those attending to wear their best Odessa gear to the services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Cory LaBoube and Kamryn Dysart. Memorial funds will be used to establish non-renewable scholarships for 2026 OHS graduates enrolled in Career/Tech or Trade Schools.
He will be remembered in every story retold and every life he touched.