Robert Sappington (Veteran)

Robert Elson Sappington, 80, of Ashland, Mo., died Sunday, January 17, 2010, at his home. Bob was born September 5, 1929, in Ashland, Mo., the son of Claude and Frances Sappington. He was married to Vera Gertrude Wilson on April 5, 1951. Bob graduated from Ashland High School in the class of 1947, and served in the U.S. Air Force from October 1948, to August, 1952. He was employed with Shelter Insurance Company for 39 years in the data processing profession. Bob and Gertrude both retired in August, 1991, from Shelter Insurance. He was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 152. He was a lifetime member of Ashland Optimist Club. He was a member of Southern Boone Senior Center. He was a member of Ashland Baptist Church. He served as an elected member of the Ashland School Board for several years and was also elected president of the school board. He was a past member of the Cedar Valley Riders. He was one of the founders of the youth baseball and softball for central Missouri. He was the leader for many years for the youth baseball and softball teams in Ashland and he was honored by the Ashland Optimist Club with Sappington Field dedication in 1996. He was a music lover and enjoyed playing guitar all his life. Survivors include: his wife, Gertrude; three sons, David E. Sappington and his wife Linda of Ashland, Mo., John W. Sappington and his wife Genette of Jefferson City, Mo., Keith A. Sappington and his wife Shelly of Columbia, Mo.; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Claude; mother, Frances; and brother, William (Bill) Sappington. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 20, 2010, at Ashland Baptist Church. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 21, 2010, at Ashland Baptist Church. Burial will be in New Salem Cemetery, Ashland, Mo. Memorial contributions are suggested to American Legion Post 152, Ashland Optimist Club, Southern Boone Senior Center, or Ashland Baptist Church Building Fund. Funeral arrangement under the directions of Robinson Funeral Home, Ashland, Mo.