Robert Neal Probasco

Robert Probasco, 73, of Unionville, MO, passed away at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, MO, on Monday, January 23, 2017. Robert had been in failing health.

Robert Neal Probasco was born in Unionville, MO, on August 16, 1943, the son of Edgar and Mildred (Wolfe) Probasco, who preceded him in death. Robert graduated from Unionville High School in 1961 and worked at Hy-Vee and the Unionville Republican after high school. Robert was involved in a one vehicle accident on July 29, 1967, that left him a paraplegic and confined to a wheelchair. Yet he maintained an independent and vigorous lifestyle. He attended the University of Missouri for one year before graduating from Northeast Missouri State University (Truman University) in 1975 with a B.S. in Education. Robert taught Language Arts at Putnam County High School for two years before health issues forced him to resign. Following a God-given talent, he then pursued a career as an artist, specializing in pen and ink drawings of wildlife. Robert’s work was shown at various art shows and he was well known for his attention to detail. He often did volunteer art work for local projects like the cover for the book on Putnam County Rural Schools. Robert was commissioned to do drawings for several originations including a work celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Greenwood School in Kirksville.

Robert enjoyed turkey and duck hunting, watching wildlife, and spending time outdoors. He also tried his hand at woodcarving. Robert was a 50 year Mason with the Lodge in Unionville and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Unionville. He will be remembered for his kind and loving spirit, his strength in adversity, and his love for his family.

Robert is survived by his brother, Larry Probasco and wife Nancy of Unionville, MO; and his two sisters, Jo Nell Kimmel and husband Paul of Green City, MO, and Judy Sayre and husband Bill of Kirksville, MO. Roberts’s nieces and nephews are Tim Probasco, Todd Probasco, Mindy Conner, Jana Couch, Mike Kimmel, Jeffery Kimmel, Gayla Kent, Kalee Evans and Kelsee Corrick. Seventeen great nieces and nephews also survive as well as one great-great nephew.

Funeral services for Robert Probasco will be at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 28, 2017. Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Friday, January 27. Interment will be at the Unionville Cemetery.

Memorials for Robert are suggested to the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home or the Missouri Baptist Home for the Aged and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.