Robert C. OBea 1928-2007

Robert C. OBea, son of the late John and Alice (Toomey) OBea, was born October 12, 1928 in East Pepperell, Massachusetts. He attended school in Franklin, Massachusetts and graduated from Franklin High School.

On July 17, 1954, Robert was united in marriage to Ludmilla Lehner in Mannhein, Germany. They shared over 39 years of marriage together and Ludmilla preceded him in death four days before their 40th wedding anniversary (July 13, 1994). Robert and Ludmilla were blessed with two children: Debbie and Robbie. Robbie preceded his father in death on February 15, 2006.

Robert enlisted in the United States Army and served his country faithfully until his retirement on January 31, 1967. He had attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and for his faithful service was awarded the Good Conduct Medal (5th Award) and Letter of Commendation. He served his country as a cook to hundreds of soldiers.

After retiring from the Army, Robert and his family settled in Waynesville. He began working at the NCO Club on Fort Leonard Wood, later known as the Audie Murphy Club, and worked there for several years as manager until his retirement. He became a member of the Waynesville Masonic Lodge #375 AF & AM and the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine of Springfield, MO.

In his spare time, Robert enjoyed being outdoors. Every year, he would plant a garden. He enjoyed watching those vegetables grow and would get frustrated if his tomatoes did not ripen fast enough. Robert liked going to a friends home and looking after their goats. He watched over those goats like they were his kids. He enjoyed going to deer camp every year and would cook enough to feed an army.

Robert was a wonderful father, grandfather and friend. He would always be there when you needed him and he treasured those times that he could spend with his family and friends.

Robert passed away at 5:10 P.M. Friday, December 21, 2007 in the Phelps County Regional Medical Center of Rolla, Missouri at the age of 79 years, 2 months and 9 days.

Robert will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by one daughter: Debbie Mentola of Waynesville, MO; 3 grandchildren: Earnie Mentola, Jr., Phillip Mentola, and Mariah OBea all of Waynesville, MO; 4 great grandchildren: Kylie, Hunter, Rachel and Jacob; several other relatives and a host of friends.

Graveside services with military honors were held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, December 24, 2007 in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery with Rev. Danny Graves officiating. Serving as escorts were Larry, Layne and Brock Lercher, Leonard King, J.J. Williams and Bill George. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Waynesville Memorial Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Robert OBea to the Idumea Baptist Church Building Fund and may be left at Waynesville Memorial Chapel.