Robert Earl Selsor, age 73, of Carl Junction, MO passed away June 24, 2018 after a short illness in a Joplin hospital surrounded by his beloved family.
He was born on June 22, 1945 in Webb City, MO, to the late CW2 Ralph Selsor, USA Ret. and Mary Jane Selsor. He graduated from Webb City High School in 1962.
Bob served his country, state and community with 43 years combined continuous US Army service in the Army National Guard and Army Reserve and over 35 years as a federal civil service military technician.
He began his service on his 17th birthday in 1962 as a Supply Clerk. During the mid 1960’s at the height of the Cold War he retrained and was assigned to a Nike Missile Base near Lawson MO as a Missile Launching Crewman, Section Chief and assisted in Warheading Operations. The base provided a “Ring of Steel” of protection to the greater Kansas City area with Surface to Air Missiles to intercept and destroy incoming Soviet Bombers if or when needed. He served in many capacities during the Vietnam War Era and in the 1970s as a Recruiter, Administrative Supply Technician, and Unit Administrator. In the 1980s he was deployed to the Republic of Panama and the Republic of Honduras during Central American crisis for humanitarian support efforts. Bob served in higher responsibilities as an Engineer Equipment Repair Technician, Property Accounting Technician and a Military Personnel Technician. During his career he was called to lend support during Thirteen State Emergency Duties for the state of Missouri, including the 1978 collapse of the Connor Hotel Disaster in downtown Joplin, MO. Bob was a good friend and mentor to so many with his decades of faithful full-time service with the 203d Engineer Battalion (Houn’ Dawgs), headquartered in Joplin, MO.
Bob was the recipient of over 50 awards for service or achievement to include: 2 Meritorious Service Medals, 4 Army Commendation Medals, 4 Army Achievement Medals, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal Armed Forces Reserve Medal with forty years of service device, Recruiter Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver and Mechanic Bars, Missouri Conspicuous Service Medal, Missouri Meritorious Service Medal to name a few.
He enlisted as a Private being promoted through the ranks to Private First Class, Corporal, Sergeant, Staff Sergeant and Sergeant First Class. In 1974, he was appointed as a Warrant Officer 1 and by 1989, he had achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. In 2003 he separated from the US Army National Guard with 40 years 8 months and 12 days and transferred to US Army Retired Reserves. In 2005 he was placed on the Army retired list Chief Warrant Officer 4, United States Army Retired.
After his service to his country he was the founder and president of
All American Dream Lawn, a lawn care provider to many homes and business in the surrounding area.
He was a charter member and 2-time president of the 203d “Houn Dawgs” Retiree Association and an American Legion Member in Missouri Post #1000.
Bob was a Patriot and a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with family and going to Branson for relaxation.
He is survived by his wife of over 32 years Debbie Selsor, Carl Junction; Children, Son TSGT Robert Selsor Jr. USAF (Ret) and wife Angela, Nevada, MO; Daughter Robyn Selsor Bone and her fiancé Dale Eden, Webb City, MO; Son Jason Simkin and fiancé Angie Ulbrich, Joplin, MO; Grandchildren, Courtney Selsor, Derek Selsor and wife Katrina, Erik Bone and wife Jenny, Aaron Bone, Hunter Simkin and Emma Simkin; and Great-grand children Amelia Selsor, Naomi Bone, Nebula Bone, Sylas Bone and
Lilah Bone.
Visitation will be Wednesday, June 27, 2018 from 6-7 p.m. at Mason-Woodard Chapel, 3701 East 7th Street, Joplin, MO 64801.
Services will be Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 1 p.m. at the Mason-Woodard Chapel, 3701 East 7th Street, Joplin, MO 68401. Full Military Honors to follow at the Webb City Cemetery located 1848 South Oronogo Street, Webb City, MO 64870.
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