Robert Mather

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Robert Hansberry Mather, 68, of Sikeston died Monday, July 29, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center.

He was born Sept. 8, 1933, in Norfolk, Va., son of Paul Lukor and Mary Hansberry Mather. He and Mary Theresa Meier were married Jan. 16, 1960, in Pomeroy, Ohio. She died Dec. 19, 1977. He and Patricia Weber Copeland were married March 2, 1980, in New Madrid, Mo.

Mather was a graduate of American University in Washington, D.C. He retired as a purchasing manager with Noranda Aluminum. He had lived in Sikeston since 1971.

He was a corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, James Mather of Baton Rouge, La., Stephen Mather of Charleston, Mo.; four daughters, Annette Willis of Farmington, Mo., Paulette Boardman of Sikeston, Mary Watson of Pinckney, Mich., and Jeanette Mather of Bel Air, Md.

Also surviving is a stepson, Fred Copeland of New Madrid; two stepdaughters, Lisa Saettele of Ladue, Mo., Leslie Copeland of St. Louis; a brother, Richard Mather of Williamsburg, Va.; and 18 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, and two sisters.

Friends may call at Blanchard Funeral Chapel from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.

A memorial service will be held at 8 p.m. Wednesday at the chapel.