Robert J. "Bob" Box

Ava, MO

Robert (Bob) Box, age 87, of Ava Mo departed this life on Sunday, March 6,2011 at Heart of the Ozarks Health Care Center with his family by his side after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease and all of its complications.

Robert was born on September 18, 1923 in Seymour, Mo to Jason Wayne and Bessie Blazer Box. He grew up on the farm as one of six boys during the depression years. He always talked about hard times and hard work, learning life's lessons while working on the farm. He talked about riding a horse to Antioch church on Sundays and getting baptized at the creek and how much he loved singing songs.


At the age of 20, Bob began his Military service and proudly served his country during WWII in the
European Conflict with the 20th Armored Division. This Division helped to liberate Dachau Concentration
Camp in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and was a very proud veteran.

In March of 1949, Bob married Geraldine (Gerrie) Turner; they were married for 35 years until Gerrie passed away from cancer in July 1984. The couple was blessed with two children Michael and Connie. In his later years Bob met and married Virginia Spalding. They were married for 15 years until her death in May 2006.

Bob worked at John Deere in Moline, Illinois for 33 years, and in 1976 he moved back to the Ava area with his family. After returning to Ava, he worked as a Sherriff's deputy and bailiff and even ran as the Democratic candidate for sheriff. Bob also owned and operated his business, "Bob's Security Patrol" for a number of years.

Some of Bob's favorite things were listening to Bluegrass; he loved to spend time at the Oldfield Opry and Thursday night music on the square; he was also a Christian and enjoyed attending church services in the community. He was very business minded and loved to find a good bargain and sell cars. Bob enjoyed spending time with family and friends and always enjoyed the Ava Senior Center playing a game of pool and telling stories.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, his five brothers, his wife Gerrie and daughter Connie, and second wife Virginia. He is survived by his son Michael Box, and wife Elizabeth and grandson, Aaron. A granddaughter Sarah (Box) Evans and husband Sam, all of Ava, Mo, and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services for Bob will be Wednesday, March 9, 2011, 10:00 a.m. in the Ava Cemetery with full military honors by Ava American Legion #112 and VFW #5993. Visitation is Wed. 9:00 a.m. in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home. Officiating will be Pastor Buddy Boyd. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Bob's memory to either the Ava Senior Center or Heart of the Ozarks Health Care Center in Ava, Mo.