Bob Jestes

(From Walnut Lawn Funeral Home)

Robert “Bob” Jestes, age 76, of Springfield, Missouri passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025 following a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Born Robert Burton Jestes on Oct. 2, 1948 in Kansas City, Missouri to the late Richard L. and Wilma (Wilson) Jestes, Bob lived in various locations within the U.S. and abroad while his father was in the military. Upon settling in Nevada, Missouri, Bob attended school and graduated in the class of 1968 from Nevada High School. He joined the U.S. Air Force and served 4 years while stationed in Sacramento, California working as a Communications Specialist.

Following his discharge from the Air Force Bob relocated to Joplin, Missouri to pursue his B.A. degree from Missouri Southern State College. He then worked at Autotronics where he met & married the love of his life, Beverly Powers. They recently celebrated 50 years of marriage.

After moving to Springfield, Missouri in the early 1980’s, Bob and Bev welcomed the joy of their life, a daughter, Ashley Marie Jestes. Both Ashley and Bev survive and live in Springfield.

Additional survivors include a sister, Terri (Jestes) Bloom and husband Gary of Nevada, MO. along with their 2 sons & families. Other survivors include sisters-in-law & brothers-in-law, Carla Powers, Marilyn (Harold) O’Banion, Tim (Cindy) Powers, Paula Franklin and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Pauline and Gene Powers and a brother-in-law, Steve Franklin, as well as a host of aunts & uncles.

Bob loved his family and especially enjoyed his daughter Ashley and treasured her many creative talents. After retiring as a Purchasing Manager with Springfield Janitor Supply in 2018 Bob volunteered his time to various activities at the American Legion Post 639 where he was a proud member. As a younger man, Bob had a love of riding motorcycles. His other hobbies included collecting pocket knives and flashlights of all sizes. He also enjoyed playing pool and going on an occasional camping trip with friends. Bob loved being outdoors and spending time with his beloved family dog, Brodi.

A family memorial service is planned for a later date.

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Walnut Lawn Funeral Home.