Robert Laverne "Bob" Cantrell

Bob was born February 3, 1939 in Marshfield, Missouri. He was united in marriage to Kathleen “Kathy” Bartlett in 1961. They had many happy, fun-filled years raising their family, traveling, RVing, spending winters in Florida, and hosting family and friends at their home on Table Rock Lake. Bob and Kathy had three children, David (Karen) Cantrell, Sandy (Randy) Gough, and Cheri (Dave) Dade and six grandchildren, Nichole (Dane) DellaPenna, Taylor Dade, Brock (Rylee) Cantrell, Ryan Gough, Jordan Dade, and Chase Cantrell. One of his greatest joys was spending quality time with his kids and grandkids. He could often be overheard saying “No rules at Grandpa’s, just a few suggestions.” He also loved sunsets and celebrated the beauty of each one. Bob found his entrepreneurial spirit at an early age having grown up on the Army Base at Fort Leonard Wood where he shined shoes for the G.I.s and also had a paper route to earn money to buy motor scooters from his older brother, Ron. Upon graduating from Waynesville High School, he attended Missouri University Linotype School in Columbia, Missouri. He worked as a Linotype Operator at The Pulaski County Democrat, Midwest Litho, and Springfield News-Leader before starting his own printing company. In 1969, he opened Cantrell-Craft Printing which became Cantrell-Barnes Printing, attributing much of his success to his associates from Sertoma Club, his friend and business partner, Carl Barnes, and the many early loyal customers. His passion was collecting, restoring, and riding Cushman and Mustang motor scooters. His love for Cushman motor scooters led him to join Cushman Club of America in 1986 where he served as Editor and Publisher from 1986-2022. He faithfully attended every Cushman National Meet from 1986-2024. Bob was proud to be a Charter Member of the Heart of the Ozarks Sertoma Club, serving twice as President, and earning a Gold Coat. He served as Missouri Governor of Sertoma International with the handle “Hillbilly Bob”. He also was Past President of the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club. In 1978 he was initiated into the Mt. Olive Lodge #439 and served in all positions including Past Master. Later in 1978, he was initiated into Abou Ben Adhem Temple. Bob was a member of First Christian Church in Waynesville where he was baptized, and later joined Southland Christian Church in Springfield, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents Hubert and Hattie (Bresee) Cantrell, Brother Hubert Jr. and wife Edna, Brother Gerald and wife Mary, and sister Shirley. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Kathy, his kids, grandkids, his brother Ron (Esther) Cantrell, brother-in-law Carl (Kay) Bartlett, sister-in-law Cheryl Bartlett, cousins, many nieces, nephews, and friends. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 21, 2025 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Dave Dade and Todd Long officiating. The songs “How Great Thou Art”, “In the Garden”, and “Amazing Grace” were played. Serving as escorts were Taylor Dade, Brock Cantrell, Ryan Gough, Jordan Dade, Chase Cantrell and Dane DellaPenna. Serving as honorary escorts were Nichole DellaPenna, Dan Cantrell, and Kent Cantrell. Burial followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery of Waynesville, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Bob Cantrell to the Boys & Girls Club of Springfield, MO and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Robert Laverne "Bob" Cantrell

February 3, 1939 - July 16, 2025