Robert Cable

(From Parker Mortuary)

Dr. Robert Curtis Cable, age 97, Webb City, passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2025.

Dr. Robert Cable was born October 25, 1927 in Athens, OH, son of the late William B. Cable and Jennie E. (Bean) Cable. He has lived in Joplin since 1951, moving from Chicago, Il. He practiced Optometry for 38 years, being one of the original partners of Dr. Brothers and Cable which exists today as Dr. Brothers, Bezold, and Associates.








He received his bachelor’s degree in science from Ohio University and his Doctor of Optometry from Illinois College of Optometry.

His professional memberships include being a life member of the American Optometric Association, past president of the Missouri Optometric Association, fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and past president of the Missouri State Board of Optometry.

Locally, he served as Deacon and Board member of First Christian Church, past president of the Joplin Lions Club, past board chairman of Crossline Churches of Joplin, past president of the Joplin Board of Education from 1966-1968, and past member of the Board from 1961-1970. He was a member of the American Legion, V.F.W., and a life member of the Joplin Elk’s Lodge No. 501. He conducted 23 missions to Central and South America to provide free eye care to the poor with Voluntary Optometric Services for Humanity (VOSH). He was a former director of the Joplin Association for the Blind and was an active volunteer there for years.

He was a veteran of World War II where he served overseas in the Mariana Islands as a Pharmacist Mate 3/C from 1945-1946.

He was honored as Joplin Young Man of the Year in 1962, Boss of the Year in 1968, Missouri Optometrist of the Year in 1970, contact Lens Optometrist of the year in 1978, and received an honored citation from the Missouri Seante in 1970.

He married Dorothy M. “Dottie” Swanson on December 21, 1949 in Ottawa, IL. She preceded him in death on May 28, 2014. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Cindy Howard; three brothers and a sister.







Survivors include his son, Robert D. Cable of Brockwell, AR; two daughters, Belinda Pace of Brockwell, and Sally Fitzgerald of Mountain Home, AR; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a special nephew, Dr. Edward W. Cable of Independence, MO.

Funeral services will be Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. in Parker Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Hunter Melton officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at Parker Mortuary.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the First Christian Church of Joplin, or Crosslines Churches of Joplin.