Robert A. Yarber

Robert A. Yarber was born March 14, 1934, in Lee’s Summit, Missouri and departed this life on April 20, 2022, at his home in Pleasant Hill, Missouri at the age of 88 years, 1 month and 6 days.

He was the son of Charles L. and Florence Marion (Rollins) Yarber.

Robert spent his younger years at Unity Farms where the Yarber family lived, and his father was employed as a caretaker. He graduated from Lee’s Summit High School in 1952. After graduation, he went to work at Unity as a book binder. Robert had an amazing gift for math which eventually led him to become a machinist, over the years he worked in that capacity for the Vendo Corporation, Bendix, and Benson Manufacturing. After being a machinist for several years, Robert decided to explore a new career as a truck driver. His first truck driving job was with North American Van Lines, and over the next 35 years he drove for several companies. After his official “retirement”, Robert wanted to keep busy, so he went to work for R D/Leverage as a truck driver and security guard.

In 1954, Robert was united in marriage with Mary Jean Green, a Unity co-worker. After their marriage they lived at Sni-Mills, Missouri, Tarsney Lake, Missouri area and Lake Lotawana, Missouri before moving to Pleasant Hill, Missouri in 1966 to make their home. Robert and Mary Jean were later divorced.

Later in life, Robert and his friend and long-time companion, Kay Bunger, experienced many adventures together and made many happy memories.

Robert enjoyed watching high school sports and was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. He was a long-time NASCAR fan and had several “favorite drivers” over the years, currently, however, he was a Kyle Busch fan. Robert was an animal lover and made sure all the neighborhood cats were well fed. He also enjoyed his red Corvette.

 Robert was very “spunky” gentleman and took great pride in the things he could still do at his age, including push mowing and tending flowers in his daughter, Abby’s yard, and walking the Katy trail with his son Bob. He was also a proud graduate of the Cass County Sheriff’s Citizens Academy and would work at events when the Sheriff’s department would need extra volunteer manpower. Robert had been a volunteer driver for Pleasant Hill Meals on Wheels.

Robert loved spending time with his children and made it a point to have breakfast with them at least three times a week. He looked forward to family get-togethers and especially the food that was served. On his birthday he always wanted to go to Golden Corral so he could select anything he wanted to eat. Robert was fun and loved to entertain those around him, even if it meant putting on an old pair of metal spiked golf shoes and walking around on his daughter’s icy driveway.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Florence Yarber; brothers, James and Burl Yarber and his half-brother, Everette Lee.

He is survived by his son, Bobby Yarber and wife Terri of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; his daughter, Abby Webb and husband Garrick of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; brother, Don Yarber and wife Dorothy of Belton, Missouri; grandchildren, Dan Yarber of Pittsburg, Missouri, Heather Adams and husband David of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, and Clint Yelton of Houston, Texas; great-granddaughters, Carlee and Macee; other relatives and many friends.

The family of Robert A. Yarber will receive friends from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Friday, May 6, 2022, at the Wallace Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill, Missouri. A Memorial Service will immediately follow at 6:00 p.m. with Rev. Kent Deubner officiating.

Per Robert’s wishes, cremation has been accorded.