Robert Pikey

Robert "Bob" George Pikey, 83, a loving husband, father and friend, died Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born June 20, 1940, in Cape Girardeau, the son of Richard and Vivian Boone Pikey.

Robert attended Notre Dame High School, where he played varsity basketball and graduated in 1958. He then received a Bachelor of Arts from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, graduating in 1962.

He started his professional career in 1962 with Sandoz Pharmaceuticals, working there for nearly 35 years. He was the recipient of multiple awards, including numerous regional and national sales awards. In 1977, he was promoted to senior professional sales and maintained that status for 20 years. To be eligible for this honor, one needs to remain in the upper 10% of the national sales force. Robert was well recognized as a leader within the Sandoz corporation and served on national strategy teams for key pharmaceutical products. He had a unique ability to bring in top medical leaders to speak on his products because he was so respected in the pharmaceutical field.

In 1981, he founded and developed Cape County Pharmaceutical Golf Tournament, which continued until his early retirement in 1996. After a brief retirement, he re-entered the workforce, joining Wakefield Pharmaceuticals and working five more years before retiring for good in 2001.

Robert was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau and an honorary member of First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau. After retiring, he spent a significant amount of time volunteering at local homeless shelters, often staying overnight.

He enjoyed tennis, attending SEMO basketball games and biking, completing several 100-plus-mile biking events. Robert's true joy came from his family: He was dedicated to creating a lifetime of memories that will last generations. He took enormous pride in his children and grandchildren, who lovingly referred to him as "Poppy".

Robert was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dawson Pikey.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Donna Pikey; children, Michelle Price and husband, Mike, of Overland Park, Kansas, and Dr. Kevin Pikey and wife, Cara, of Overland Park; his four grandchildren, John, Drew, Ryan and Morgan; and the mother of his children, Margaret Pikey. He is also survived by his siblings, Richard of Creve Coeur, Missouri, and Nell Jane Wadlington of Crystal Lake, Illinois, as well as a cousin and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau, followed by a service at 2 p.m. He will be laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery in New Madrid, Missouri, next to his parents and brother.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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