Bobby Jean Brothers Sr.

Bobby Jean Brothers, Sr.

On June 13, 2011, Bobby departed this life for his heavenly home. Bobby was born in Fisk, Missouri on July 4, 1928, the sixth and youngest child in his family. Bobby married the love of his life Imogene Bell on August 7, 1947, at the home of Ben and Ida Jane Stafford, Buffalo, MO. They enjoyed 53 inseparable happy years together.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Franklin and Bertha Douthett Brothers; his wife, Imogene Brothers; Son, Bobby Jean Brothers Jr.; along with siblings, Murrell and Edward Brothers; Sisters, Edith Misner and two infants.

Bobby is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Sharlyn Gay and James Larsen of Ozark Mo.; granddaughter Michelle Shelton and husband Terry Shelton both of Londonderry, N.H.; great grandson, Alex Shelton of Republic, Mo.; also surviving him is his daughter-in Law, Donna Brothers of Napa, Calif; granddaughter, Summer Brothers Cate; and great-grandsons Colby and Gavin Cate, all of Redding, Calif.; Bobby also leaves many nieces including Karen Berry and Linda Wendall, both of Poplar Bluff, Mo.; Juanita (Pud) DeBolt, Hastings, Mich.; Sandy Kuhn, San Antonio, Texas; Wanda Parris Lavender, Battlecreek, Mich.; Faye Bechtel , Estacada, Ore.; and Nephew Ronald Brothers.

Bobby lived and worked in California for 40 years of his early life, until returning to Missouri with his family in 1980. Bobby graduated High School from Long Beach Community College in the late 1960's. He was a marine electrician working on military and cruise ships for Bethlehem Steel and retired after 25 years of service. Missouri brought farming back into Bob and Imogene's life, raising beef cattle on their farm in Dallas County for many years until they both retired in 1995. Bobby was a World War II Veteran and served in the United States Marine Corp. Most of his service time was spent in China immediately following the end of the war withdrawing Japanese soldiers from occupied China from 1945-1949. The Marine Corp shaped much of Bobby's life in principal and standards. The old adage once a Marine always a Marine was certainly true in his life from appearance, manners, and pride for his country and family. Bobby had the honor in 2009 of experiencing the Honor Tour to Washington, D.C. out of Poplar Bluff, Mo., what an honor and memorable experience that was for him. Semper Fi.

Over the last decade Bobby volunteered at the Ozark Senior Center. Bobby worked and served tirelessly many thousands of hours and made many friends, pool buddies and acquaintances too numerous to name all. Bobby was instrumental in major fundraising activities, grant writing and facility infrastructure improvements serving as President and Vice President, of the Board of Directors. Bobby was blessed with good memories, health and friendships as a result of the time he spent at the Senior Center until 2011. He was diagnosed with Stage IV Lymphoma in March with a dramatic and fast decline in health. Bobby and his family wish to thank all of his physicians and caregivers within the St John's Health and Hospice Systems. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Ozark Senior Center, 727 N. 9th St Ste NN, Ozark, Mo. 65721 in Bobby's memory. Bobby loved his family more than life itself and always tried to put their well being first. He was beloved by his family, a host of friends and neighbors and will be greatly missed. Visitation will be Thursday, June 16th at 2:00 p.m. followed by funeral services at 3:00 p.m. at Greenlawn Funeral Home North, 3506 N. National, Springfield, Mo 65803. Burial will follow the funeral with military honors at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.