Kaden Robert

BENTON, Mo. -- Kaden Phillip Robert, 15, of Benton passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2014, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, from injuries sustained in a tragic accident.

Family and friends lined the hallways to pay their final respects.

He was born June 2, 1999, in Cape Girardeau, to Aaron and Rhonda Robert.

Kaden had just completed his freshman year at Thomas W. Kelly High School. He was very active in sports and everything outdoors. He enjoyed playing baseball, football, weight lifting, hunting with his dad, and he adored his little sister, Claire. He was an honor roll student and a member of Kelly Pep Club. He was also a member of several traveling teams, including Scott County Sluggers, SEMO Stampede and, most recently, the Missouri Rage.

He is survived by his parents, Aaron and Rhonda Riley Robert of Benton; a sister, Claire of the home; maternal grandparents, Richard Riley of Blodgett, Missouri, and Carol Riley of Benton; paternal grandparents, David and Carla Robert of Benton; paternal great-grandparents, Bill and Pat Schlosser and Mary Ann Robert, all of Benton; Uncle Ronnie and Aunt Laura Essner of Benton; Uncle Rich Riley of Benton; Uncle Shant and Aunt Robin Garabedian of Jackson, Tennessee; Uncle George and Aunt Natalie Eftink of Benton; Uncle Brad and Aunt Mindy Crader of Jackson; cousins, Ryan, Lance, Ross, and Seth Essner, Clay and Harley Porter, Jaxson Riley, Ani and Alec Garabedian, and Peyton and Reece Eftink.

He was preceded in death by a cousin, Kelsi Essner, and additional great-grandparents.

Kaden, also known as mom's "lil man," Kader Butt, Kater Tater, daddy's best friend, lil buddy, squirrel and, most recently, "Ro-Ro," lived his life unlike any other person. He never shied away from an opportunity to meet someone, ask a question or try out one of his great ideas. He marched to the beat of his own drum and always wanted to be first.

He always made sure he was on the winning team. His competitive nature would ignite if his team were to fall on the losing side because he hated to lose, and no matter what, it was the officials' fault. He demanded your attention with the goal to be the center. He could capture a heart with the blink of his green eyes, his gleaming smile, unique personality, and infectious laugh. He never saw color, gender or socioeconomic status as a reason to not have that person in his life. He knew NO stranger and had the ability to make friends with everyone he met.

He loved spending time with his sister, family and friends, whether it was playing on one of his many sports teams, video gaming, listening to music, dancing or perfecting another selfie. Kaden was and always will be an amazing young man filled with compassion, courage and generosity. He has touched many lives in many ways near and far. His courageous act of generosity through organ donation proves that. Kaden threw us a curveball and left this world unexpectedly. His passionate wild spirit cannot be tamed and will live forever.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today in the gymnasium at Kelly High School in Benton.

Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Denis Catholic Church in Benton, with the Rev. Michael Casteel as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Denis Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Kelly High School football and baseball programs or the Benton Park Board to go toward improvements to the baseball field.

Online condolences may be shared at amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.