Robert (Bob) Edward Sands

Robert (Bob) Edward Sands, born on September 3, 1945, embarked on his life journey, which led him to peacefully pass away on July 31, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Robert, known affectionately as “Bob” to his friends and family, lived a life full of love and dedication to his family, leaving an unforgettable mark on all who knew him. He lived every day with a positive outlook and enjoyed life.

Bob was born in Farson, Iowa, but grew up in Ottumwa with his parents, Floyd and Beatrice (Blizzard) Sands, and his siblings, Jerry and Janet. In 1964, Bob began his family journey by marrying Deanna Stouthammer, and together, they were blessed with four sons. In 1975, Bob married Berniece Dawson, embracing her son and daughter as his own before they welcomed their daughter together. In 1978, they moved to Unionville, MO, which he called home for the rest of his life. Bob and Joyce started their life together in 1998, welcoming her two sons into a family full of humor and love. His dedication to his children and grandchildren was unwavering, and his love for them was a guiding light in his life. Bob had many friends and was known for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering support.

Bob’s career was distinguished by his entrepreneurial spirit, integrity, dedication, and hard work. He started out as a mechanic, where he learned how to build engines for his race cars. Throughout his life he has owned and operated several businesses: gas stations, car wash, car lot, appliance store, garbage routes and Bob’s BS. One of his proudest achievements was his work in detasseling, where he not only provided jobs for the youth but also helped them gain valuable work experience and life skills, leaving a lasting impact on the community. He concluded his career by managing the Rutledge flea market for 12 years before retiring. However, he never truly retired from his lifelong passion for wheelin’ and dealin.’ Along with his career, Bob enjoyed baseball, fishing, playing cards, family float trips, and cooking.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Beatrice, his sister Roberta, and his grandson Zachary. He is survived by his brother Jerry Sands, his sister Janet Chavez, and his spouse Joyce Clark. He is also survived by his children and their families: Rick and Shawney Sands and children, Nathan Sands and his daughter Mya; Ciarra and Tommy Waszaj and their children Zion, Selah, and Shiloh; Zachary Sands’ daughter Haven; and Jonathon Nichols; Randy and Anna Sands and children: Kristen Sands, and Brandon Sands and his son Eliott; Rusty and Laura Sands and children: Savanah and Brad Shoemaker and their children Drayven, Braelyn, and Rylan; Grant and Matthew Sands; and Kerbee Willier; Robby Sands and children: Sabrina Sands; Kelsey and Adam Fisk and their children Karlee and Maverick; and Tyler and Lexi Shanahan and their children. Eric and Chrissy Welch and children: Mercadez and Michael Spotz and their children Maelie and Memphis; Dalton and Blade Welch; and Collin Allen; Gina and Scott Wolf and children: Dexter and Jaggar Deeds; and Pheonix, Cheyenne, and Graci Wolf; Peggy and Justin McDannald and children: Jaelah and Jakoeby McDannald. Mark and Kim Clark and children: Tyler, Taylor, Ethan, and Henry; and Chad Clark.

The visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Saturday, August 10th and the Memorial Service will take place at 2:00 PM on Sunday, August 11th, at Playle & Collins Family Funeral Home, located at 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Northeast Missouri.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. Bob’s warmth, wisdom, and love will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of his family and those who were fortunate enough to know him.