Norman Robert Jr.

Norman A. Robert Jr., 78, of Jackson died Sunday, March 26, 2023, at Ratliff Care Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Jan. 8, 1945, in Cape Girardeau to Norman A. Sr. and Virginia Recker Robert.

He graduated from Notre Dame High School in Cape Girardeau in 1963, where he played basketball, baseball, track and tennis. He attended Southeast Missouri State College from 1963 to 1965, after which he joined the Army, serving at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He spent six years with HHC 1st Battalion 140th Infantry.

On Nov. 26, 1966, he married Janet Fenimore at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau.

He began his career in sales in 1966 with Tom's Peanuts, and subsequently worked for R.J. Reynolds, Drackett and LaMarr Advertising. He was manager at Black Forest and ended his career as the private label buyer at Wetterau Foods in Scott City. He retired in 2000 due to health reasons.

Norm was very active in the Cape Girardeau Jaycees, receiving the Distinguished Service Award and the JCI Senatorship. He became involved with the startup of the Cape Area Youth Soccer Association, where he coached and started a girls traveling team. Norm was involved in local Democratic party activities, serving as county chair for over 10 years, during which he had the honor of meeting President Jimmy Carter and astronaut John Glenn.

He loved the SEMO District Fair, and was parade chairman for many years. He served on the board for over 40 years. He was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Notre Dame University football. He was a 40-plus-member of the SEMO Boosters Club, now Redhawks. He and his family were big supporters of both SEMO men's and women's basketball, football and softball.

He loved to barbecue and cook, and was involved in Uncle Norm's Smokehouse and Applegates in Kelso, Missouri.

He faithfully supported and followed all the activities involving his children.

He was the best door greeter at Southeast Hospital.

In 2016, he and Janet joined La Croix Church, where he became part of the hospitality team, enjoying serving the Green Room on weekends.

Norm loved helping his family, friends, neighbors and strangers.

Survivors include his wife, Janet Robert of Jackson; children, Norman A. "Andy" Robert III of Cape Girardeau, Carrie (Kylie) Robert of Jackson and Justin Robert of Wetherford, Texas; grandchildren, Dalton (Rachel) Robert, Dylan Robert, Kennedy Robert and Finley Robert; great-grandson, Kaynen Robert; brother, Steven (Mary) Robert of Arnold, Missouri; second mom, Pat Robert of Cape Girardeau; brother, Michael (Kristi) Howard of Cape Girardeau; sister, Kathy (Daryel) Carter of Overland Park, Kansas; aunt, Rosemary (Burr) Robert of Cape Girardeau; many nieces and nephews; and his fur companion of many years, Roxie.

Norm was preceded in death by his parents, Norman A. and Virginia Robert Sr., and in-laws, Ralph and Virginia Fenimore.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 30, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Kim Ferguson officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to Southeast Missouri Pets (formerly Humane Society of Southeast Missouri), to SEMO Athletics or a charity of choice.

The family is grateful for the wonderful care Norm received at Southeast Hospital and for the compassionate and loving care from Ratliff Nursing Center, where we now have a new family.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.