Robert Michael Jr.

COMMERCE, Mo. -- Robert Charles "Bob" Michael Jr. died Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at his home in Commerce surrounded by family and loved ones.

He was born June 21, 1937, on Shady Lane Drive in Blytheville, Arkansas, to Robert Charles and Berniece Hooper Michael Sr.

He graduated from Benton High School in Benton, Missouri, and attended Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau.

Bob was a dedicated farmer all of his life! He started farming at a very early age, helping his dad on the farm using a mule and a plow. Over the years, he developed his love for farming using "John Deere" green machinery. He loved all of the seasons of the year and what the land gave him as he watched his crops grow from planting to harvest.

He proudly served on the Big Island Levee Association in Scott County and served as the president of the association for many years. One of the fondest memories from that time was a Blackhawk helicopter landing on his property behind his house to pick him up to survey the levee damage during one of the many floods that have wreaked havoc on the fields on Big Island. He worked hard with the other members of the Big Island Levee Association to do everything possible to protect the valuable Big Island farm ground for so many years.

Bob officially retired from farming in 2016, but unofficially gave plenty of advice on what needed to happen on the farm each day.

He was a member of Unity Baptist church, but also attended services from time to time at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Commerce.

In his early years he loved racing. He competed in speed boat races and drag racing for several years. He achieved his first win the day his daughter, Rhonda, was born! He also enjoyed competing in tractor pulls and won a lot of those, bringing home trophies.

He loved his family and celebrations, especially those that included a big meal! He enjoyed being a grandpa to Michael and Marcus and participated in many activities with them in Scouts, helping build derby cars, and took them on tractor rides and shared lots of great instruction and advice throughout their lives.

He loved his wife and his girls and all the laughter and conversations that always surrounded them. He was a believer in working hard and loved farming and every struggle and reward that came with it.

Bob was preceded in death by a daughter, Shauna Kay Michael; his parents, Robert Charles and Berniece Michael Sr.; and his wife, Sandra Kay Michael.

Bob is survived by daughters, Rhonda Shea (Don) Painton and Leslie LeAnn "Jade" Michael; grandchildren, Michael Painton (Dirk Gottgens) and Marcus (Kathy) Painton; a brother, Joe Lee (Julie) Michael; a sister-in-law, Donna Jo (Eugene) Hindman; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Benton. Masonic service will be at 7 p.m.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home with the Rev. Michael Woods officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery in Morley, Missouri.

Donations may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church at Commerce.

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