Bob Houston

(From Parker Mortuary)

Bobbie R. “Bob” Houston, age 86, Joplin, passed away on Monday, January 27, 2025 at his home.

Bob was born November 27, 1938 in Houston, TX, son of the late Wilbert and Nancy (Comstock) Houston. He moved to Joplin as a child, and graduated from Joplin High School in 1956. He married his high school sweetheart, Joy Black, after graduation on August 16, 1956. He then served in the United States Navy from 1956 – 1959.

Bob worked for Eagle Picher as a draftsman, and then with the Joplin Police Department where he was the first canine officer in Joplin. He also worked in construction for years, and was a superintendent with Goodman Church Builders where he was a supervisor with the building of the current sanctuary at Forest Park. He was a lifelong member of Forest Park Baptist Church and served as a Deacon. He had been with the church since age nine. He was always spreading the gospel to people he encountered, and gave a scripture to his grandchildren every day to start their day. He will be missed by many.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by a brother, Jack Houston; three grandchildren, Christy, Amy, and Nathaniel; and a great-grandson, Thomas James “TJ”.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Joy; children, Kathleen Trenary (Tim) of Granby, MO, Bobby Houston, Jr. (Denise), and Diane Houston all of Joplin; grandchildren, Angela Miller (Jason), Jeremy Truelove (Melissa), Lisa Winnett (Tim), Trisha Massey (Wesley), Matthew Houston (Kayla), and Emily Epperson; 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; a sister, Lois Black (Dave) of Springfield, MO.

The family will receive friends at Forest Park Baptist Church on Friday, January 31, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

Funeral service will be Friday, January 31, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Forest Park Baptist Church with Pastor Brian Jump officiating. Interment will follow in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery with grandsons serving as pallbearers.






The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Samaritan’s Purse or Lottie Moon care of Parker Mortuary.