Robert Nordberg

(From Parker Mortuary)

Robert Neely Nordberg, age 86 of Joplin, passed away at 9:49 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin.

Born October 14, 1927 in Carthage, he was the son of the late Karl and Lora Ellen Neely Nordberg and lived in the Joplin area much of his lifetime as well as St. Louis and Florissant. He had one brother, Syd Nordberg, who also preceded him in death. A 1945 graduate of Joplin High School, he served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of World War II. Bob attended Washington University in St. Louis until leaving due to his parent’s illness. He worked as both a chemist and an inspector. He was employed at Bruce Williams Laboratory, Eagle-Picher Industries and the Jasper County Highway Department. He also worked as a park ranger for the City of Florissant. He belonged to the American Legion and was a 50-year member of Joplin Elk’s Lodge No. 501. Bob served many years as chairman of the Missouri Elks bowling tournament, as well as a bingo committee leader in both Joplin and Florissant.

Bob was reunited with his high school sweetheart Billie Marie Moss Gardner in 1992 while in Florissant on an Elks bowling league planning trip; and they were married on October 16, 1993 in Florissant. She preceded him in death June 23, 2002.

Survivors include stepchildren, Vicki Park and husband Dean of St. Louis, MO, Keith N. Gardner and wife Kay of Las Vegas, NV, Christopher L. Gardner of St. Ann, MO, Brian C. Gardner and wife JoAnn of St. Charles, MO, Lynn White of Joplin, MO, Carol Dutton of Carl Junction, Mo and Mark Perry; 16 step grandchildren, and 8 step great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at Parker Mortuary Chapel with Rev. Bob Simon officiating. Interment with military rites will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery with Dave White, Dean Park, Chris Kallaos serving as pallbearers.