Robert "Bob" Ames Massengale

Robert "Bob" Ames Massengale, 87, of Jefferson City, was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, father-in-law, friend, mentor, athlete, veteran, forester, author, First United Methodist Church and Mizzou loyalist and a man who believed firmly in the Second Amendment, who left his beloved family on Thursday, September 3, 2020. Although he spent most of his life in Jefferson City, he was born the second of three sons, on January 13, 1933, in St. Louis to George Pierce and Emily Ames Massengale. His desire to compete in athletics began in high school where he played football as well as ran sprints on the track team. He admitted to being tired of playing football by his senior year, but decided to play anyway, incentivized by the new plastic helmets the team got for the first time. Track was really the sport for which this man was made. Bob was a standout sprinter and was one of only a few to be a four-year, varsity letter winner during his time at the University of Missouri. He set multiple records in the 440 yard dash and held the 440 indoor records in Brewer Field House all four years. Bob was also the key anchorman for mile relay teams which broke several meet records during 1954. Bob's track success was not surprising as he was part of the Massengale legacy. His father, also a Mizzou track star and graduate, George P. Massengale Sr., represented the United States in the 1920, VII Olympic Games in Antwerp, Belgium. While at Mizzou, Bob won the Big 7 Conference (before the Big 8 and Big 12) Indoor 440 yard dash in 1954 and 1955. He was also selected to run in the National Sugar Bowl Invitational Track meet in New Orleans, LA, where he brought home fourth and second place finishes in the 440. He graduated from the University of Missouri earning a BS in Forestry in 1956 and an MS in Forestry in 1970. He was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and was President of the Mystical Seven honor society. Immediately following graduation, Bob served in the United States Army. He was a soldier with the Tenth Division Light Infantry when it did not include mountain training; therefore, during this unique time, the word "Mountain" was not part of the Unit's name. Part of his tour was spent stationed in Wurzburg, Germany. After his military service, he spent more than 35 years in the Forestry Division of the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). He supervised the Forest Products Utilization & Marketing program and was instrumental in the establishment of the Midwest Wood Industry Show as well as the formation of the Missouri Forest Products Association. Over the years he helped many forest product companies with technical issues, training, wood supply, and assistance with meeting environmental regulations. During this time he also wrote a resource publication called "Missouri Woods," which is still printed and distributed today by MDC for wood identification. Bob was also a devoted member and volunteer for the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson City. Over the years he served on numerous church committees, drove the van on Sunday mornings, and participated in several youth workcamps and mission trips, where his wood working expertise was a true gift. Among his many talents, Bob was also a wonderful and creative writer. He enjoyed exchanging handwritten letters with family and friends that included engaging narrative, hilarious stories and laugh-out-loud jokes. His love of writing took him down a different path in 2006, as he completed his book: "Black Gold: A History of Charcoal in Missouri." His favorite past-time was working, target shooting and piddling at his farm in Centertown. There he enjoyed shooting his vast collection of firearms and working on numerous restored, military vehicles. Bob loved the outdoors as well as spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He also had a special place in his heart for the furry, family members. He enjoyed the companionship of several dogs including Zed, Jesse, Malachi, Agape and Gracie, but perhaps the most unique family pet, he rescued at work. Buttercup the skunk was part of the family and loved for years. Bob is survived by his wife of 57 years, Betty Jo Massengale of Jefferson City; his son, David (Sarah) Massengale of Salem; his daughter, Debra (Cotton) Walker of Jefferson City; his brother, James (Tracey Sands) Massengale of Newberry, Calif.; and four of the most amazing grandchildren he thought anyone could ever have: his granddaughter, Jacquelyn Walker of Jefferson City; and his three grandsons, Quinn Walker of Jefferson City, and Orion Massengale and Zane Massengale, both of Salem. Beside his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother George Massengale Jr., and nephew, Robin Massengale. On Sunday, October 11, 2020, visitation will begin at 12:00 Noon followed by a memorial service at 1:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 201 Monroe Street, Jefferson City (masks will be required). A dessert reception will follow the service - Bob loved his chocolates and sweets! A private family burial with military honors will take place in Jamestown on Monday, October 12, 2020. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson City or to the University of Missouri Forestry Development Fund, Mizzou Gift Processing, 407 Reynolds Alumni Center, Columbia, MO 65211; Note: In Memory of Robert Massengale. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com