Obituary published on Legacy.com by Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes and Hedges Cemetery - Camdenton on May 12, 2024.
Robert William Sucher, fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, passed away at the age of 88 at Lake Regional Hospital on May 9, 2024. Born on April 9, 1936, and raised in St. Louis, MO, Robert was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Robert, affectionately known as Bob, is remembered by his beloved wife of 16 years, Vicki Sucher and his six children: Mary Anne (Bill) Florich, Robert (Delia) Sucher, Pat (September) Sucher, Joseph (Mary) Sucher, Marie (Dennis) Swann, and Louise (Chully) Williams; stepchildren Paul (Gracie) Frazier, Brian (Sharon) Frazier, as well as 19 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved late wife Cecilia Sucher (Ladic), parents Joseph and Louise Sucher, and stepson Chris Frazier.
Bob's journey began in St. Louis, Missouri, where he attended Cleveland High School and developed a passion for swimming. He was a Swim Team Captain for the Missouri School of Mines in
Rolla, Missouri. He earned the nickname "Baby Whale", setting school records in the medley relay, and the 200 breaststrokes.
He graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering and was a member of the Sigma Nufraternity as well as the Tau Beta Pi Honor Society. His academic endeavors continued at Kansas State, earning a PhD in Cereal Chemistry. His thirst for knowledge was unending, reflecting his spirit as a lifelong learner.
His youth leadership skills culminated in attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts. A true patriot, Bob was a commissioned officer in the United States Army Reserve through the ROTC program at the University of Missouri-Rolla, attaining the rank of Captain in the Chemical Corps. His love of family and country continued through deep political discussions with anyone who would listen and his four Conservative friends later in life. Bob's discussions always reflected the virtues of a deeply rooted Catholic faith and the desire to make the world a better place.
Following a professorship at Kansas State, Bob accepted a position at Anheuser-Busch in Saint Louis. Over the next 24 years he excelled as the Director of Allied Products Energy and Environmental Management. He built the company's sustainability initiatives recycling spent byproducts that were previously discarded. His loyalty was unmatched, famously never drinking any other brand, but Budweiser.
Upon retiring to
Lake Ozark, Missouri in 1998, Bob embraced a life of leisure and family. He spent the days fishing, building upon the wonderful memories of time with his father. The home was the heart of family reunions, filling the lake house with joy and laughter. Between the swimming and boating activities, Bob created multiple racks of expertly prepared spareribs to savor and enjoy. An avid train enthusiast, Bob cherished the time he spent building model railways and sharing this passion with family.
Bob's journey to Catholicism began upon meeting his first wife Cecilia. Her deep faith and love brought Bob's conversion and became a centerpiece of his life. He exemplified the tenants of Christianity with love, commitment, resilience and humility through quiet action. Bob's legacy will continue to inspire and guide us. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate a life well-lived, full of purpose and passion. As he once said, "Old swimmers never die, they just float away."
Friends will be received from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in
Lake Ozark, Missouri. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in
Lake Ozark, Missouri with Father Michael Penn officiating.
Interment will immediately follow at Saint Patrick's Cemetery in
Laurie, MO. Afterwards, family will receive friends at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church for a luncheon.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Jude's Hospital in
Memphis, TN, Our Lady of Lake Catholic Church, or The Fisher House.
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.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert, please visit our floral store.