Bob Klaproth

Bobbie "Bob" Lee Klaproth, 87, passed away Sunday, July 21, 2013, at his home in Jackson.

He was born Dec. 22, 1925, near Jackson, to Herman and Lola Lishman Klaproth. He and Opal Lange were married Dec. 2, 1951, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tilsit.

Bob attended the former Oak Grove School near Jackson. He started farming at the age of 13. His son, Kerry, helped him operate the family's Missouri Century Farm south of Jackson.

Bob previously served on the MFA Oil Board; he was a member of Farm Bureau, Southeast Missouri Cattlemen's Association and the former Pork Producers Association. He briefly served with the National Guard unit in Jackson.

Bob was a lifelong member of New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson and previously served as a leader for the Oak Grove 4-H Club.

Loving survivors include his wife of 61 years, Opal of Jackson; three children, Kerry (Linda) Klaproth and Judy Klaproth-Gentry of Jackson and Dan (Valeria) Klaproth of Poplar Bluff, Mo.; four grandsons, Lee and Philip Klaproth and Michael and Christopher Gentry.

He was preceded in death by two siblings, Betty Klaproth-Miller and Bill Klaproth; an infant brother, Herman Klaproth Jr.; and his parents.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jimmie Corbin officiating. Interment will be in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the church or charity of donor's choice

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mccombsfuneralhome.com.