Robert George

Robert Wilburn George, M.D., 86, of Cape Girardeau, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, was welcomed into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Feb. 11, 2020.

Bob was born Jan. 29, 1934, to William Joseph and Mary Magdalyn Sloan George in Jackson, Tennessee, He was baptized Feb. 18, 1934, in St. Mary's Church there.

Bob attended Morris School for Boys, a Franciscan Brothers School in Searcy, Arkansas. He did not graduate but instead enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951 at the age of 17. He served as a tank corpsman in the Korean War and was honorably discharged Feb. 22, 1954.

After being discharged, Bob obtained his GED. He then became a lifelong learner, especially in the area of science and the healing arts. Bob first obtained a laboratory technician degree and worked for many years at Deaconess Hospital in St. Louis. He then attended Logan School of Chiropractic and became a doctor of chiropractic. After practicing for many years in the St. Louis and Puxico, Missouri, areas, Bob was encouraged by his wife to achieve his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor of medicine. At the age of 44, Bob enrolled in medical school and graduated in 1981 as an M.D. from the University of the Caribbean. He was a beloved physician and healer to many people in the Puxico and Cape Girardeau areas, affectionately known to all simply as "Doc."

Bob was first married to Eileen Evelyn Hoffman. To this marriage was born one beloved daughter, Mari Christine. Bob and Eileen dissolved their marriage but remained lifelong friends. He married Ruth Lee Snider Brockmeier on Nov. 11, 1978. Bob was a faithful and devoted husband to Ruth Lee until death did physically separate them July 4, 2014. Their love was a love that never died.

While living in Puxico, Bob attended the First United Methodist Church as there was no Roman Catholic Church in town. After moving to Cape Girardeau, Bob and Ruth attended St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Bob and Ruth attended church faithfully and were a witness to a Christ-centered marriage. They made many friends at the 7:30 a.m. Mass with whom they breakfasted and visited, enjoying many game nights and Super Bowl parties.

Bob and Ruth also loved to dance with Bob demonstrating his superior partnering skills as they danced everything from the foxtrot to the jitterbug (Bob's favorite) to square dancing at the Puxico Homecoming. Bob also loved to eat, enjoying cuisine as varied as the Steak 'n Shake to his personal favorite, Seventh Inn in Ballwin, Missouri.

Bob was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 11205, Cape Area Medical Society and a life member of Veterans of Foreign War.

Bob was also an accomplished athlete. He obtained a black belt in jiujitsu. He also loved racquetball and tennis. He was a fierce competitor who was ultimately defeated only by his knees. Bob turned his competitive sights to poker, which he continued to play all his life. He enjoyed the company of David Giles, Tom Doyle, Mike Michelen, "Duck" Gockel and Dennis Lorch, who played many games of "high stakes" poker with pennies, nickels and dimes.

In addition to his daughter, Mari McKnight of Douglasville, Georgia, survivors include two stepchildren he treated as his own, Ruth Ann (Kevin) Brockmeier Orr of Cape Girardeau and John (Cyndi) Brockmeier of Arnold, Missouri; grandchildren, Savannah Rose McKnight, Heath (Ashley) Orr, Meghan Orr and Elizabeth Orr, Trey (Jessie) Brockmeier and Katie Brockmeier; great-grandchildren, Aiden Anderson and Natalie Orr; nephews, John and Tim George of Seattle; and numerous stepnieces and -nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Jay and Charles; his first wife, Eileen Hoffman Gruenloh; and the love of his life and second wife, Ruth Lee George.

Bob was generous to a fault and lived to serve. He would (and did) give you the shirt off his back. He is fondly remembered for his love of holidays, especially St. Patrick's Day, which celebrated his Irish heritage. There is no doubt by those who knew Bob he entered heaven joyfully where he is now singing and dancing with the angels and saints. Ruth no doubt greeted him with the refrain, "Oh, Bob!"

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with Deacon Mark Kiblinger officiating. Burial, with full military honors, will be at Puxico City Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Stoddard County Children's Home, P.O. Box 164, Dexter, MO, 63841.

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

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.