Robert Liggett

(From Parker Mortuary)

Robert Louis Liggett, 86, beloved and devoted husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, and friend, passed peacefully from this life on December 31, 2021, surrounded by family.

Bob was born March 31, 1935, to Robert Tontz Liggett and Pearl Frances (Shivley) Liggett in Joplin, Missouri. 

He attended Joplin Public Schools, graduated from Joplin Senior High School in 1953, lettered each year in baseball, football, and basketball, and was vice president of student council. Bob attended University of Missouri on a football scholarship and was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity.

Bob was a member of The U.S. Army, taking basic training at Ft. Chaffee, AR, further training at signal school for 15 weeks in Ft. Monmouth, NJ, was stationed as a radio operator in Davis, California, then was assigned to Verona and Vicenza, Italy as a radio operator, where he also enjoyed playing baseball and basketball for the post teams. Bob then played one year in the Detroit Tiger baseball organization in Decatur, Illinois, in 1958, as center fielder.

Bob was employed by Commercial Credit Corporation from 1959-1979, after which he worked for Commerce Bank of Joplin as Vice President in the Consumer Loan Department from 1979-1981. He was then employed by First National Bank, currently US Bank, as Vice President in charge of the Consumer and Dealer Loan Departments, until retiring in 1994.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 38 years, Evelyn Rodarme Liggett, sister Virginia Hatten, brother-in-law Coyne Hatten, nephew Donald Hatten and nieces Gina Hatten Draper and Janet Hatten.

He is survived by his daughters Elizabeth (Bryan) Belt, Patti (Jeff) Hendrix; and stepdaughters Julie Lea (Chris Parsons), Lilly Lea, Betsy Bond, Jennifer Yoneoka, Sally Mattchen (Mike), and stepson Hank Lea. Also surviving are grandchildren Sarah Belt Preston (Alex), Michael Belt, Katherine Belt, and Abigail Belt, great-grandson Abe Villegas, step-grandchildren Samantha Johnson (Jeremy), Ben Greninger, Caleb Charron, David White, Sophie and Spencer Yoneoka, and Reece Mattchen; sister Frances Ann Liggett, niece Debbie Lacey and nephew Alex Liggett.

Bob was a lifelong fisherman, a grill master, and enjoyed traveling, quail hunting, golfing, sports, hosting family and friends at their country home that they cared for so diligently. Bob had a lifelong love of nature and animals and had many dogs and cats throughout his life. For those wishing to honor his memory, contributions may be made to the Joplin Humane Society.

Services pending