Robert Ness

(From Parker Mortuary)

Robert James Ness, Neosho, passed from this world in body, but not in spirit after a short illness on May 25, 2015 in Joplin.

Bob was 82 years old at the time of his passing, and is survived by a daughter, Connie Anderson and a granddaughter Alicia Dawson, both from Joplin. Other survivors include a brother, Tony Ness of Carthage and two sisters-in-law, Virginia (T-Me) Ness of Baxter Springs, KS and Norma Ness of El Paso, TX and numerous nephews and nieces and many loving friends, part of his "extended family".

Bob was born on October 27, 1932 in Kansas City, MO the youngest child of Antone and Lola (Hatley) Ness. Bob was preceded in passing by his parents, three brothers, Ed, Jack and Don and his two sisters, Joan and Peggy.

Bob, like his brothers before him, served his country in time of war. Bob was a "baby faced" radio operator stationed in Seoul Korea. He was in the 5th Communications Group U.S. Air Force, and this experience would have a profound influence on him for the rest of his life.

Bob worked for the U.S. Postal Service for fourteen years in the Kansas City area and moved back to Joplin to be near his family in the early eighties. In Joplin Bob worked at Norman Electronics, that became Cardinal Electronics, at Fourth and Wall St., where his coworkers became his second family.

Bob loved to paint, and his meticulous artwork covered his walls. He loved swing music, and in his day could dance with the best of them. He liked to talk about the time when the small swing band he played with from Neosho, played at "Wimpy's" at Redings Mill, and how good it made him feel to stand on the stage in front of an audience.

Over his life Bob Ness was many things to many people; an amazing father, a wonderful grandfather, but for all who knew him and loved him, Bob was always a devoted friend.

The family will receive friends at Parker Mortuary on Friday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Memorial services will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday at Parker Chapel with Rev. Bob Simon officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Osborne Memorial Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation.