Robert "Bob" Forest McNeece

Robert “Bob” Forest McNeece, 90 of Odessa, Missouri passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 11, 2025, at the funeral home. Interment with Military Honors will be in the Odessa Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Heart of America Alzheimer’s Association. Memories of Bob and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page.

Bob was born on February 5, 1935, in Centerview, MO to Forest “Jack” Julian and Virgeleen May (James) McNeece. Bob was a Veteran of the United States Navy and received the United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. On November 15, 1959, Bob was united in marriage to Shirley Jean Hobbs in Odessa, MO Shirley preceded him in death on March 29, 1969. On November 21, 1969, Bob was united in marriage to Beatrice “Bea” Geneal Curbow in Odessa, MO. He was a life member of the Odessa V.F.W. Post 5675. Bob owned and operated McNeece Trucking for many years. In addition to spending time with family and friends, Bob enjoyed fishing, dancing, gardening, bird watching, riding his Harley, and snowbirding in Texas.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Bea McNeece of Odessa, MO; four children, Wayne McNeece of Odessa, MO, Brenda Crawford of Odessa, MO, Lori Nelson of Blue Springs, MO, and David Barker of Odessa, MO; 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild; and many relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents and first wife, Bob was preceded in death by three children, Greg Barker, William “Billy” McNeece, and Robert “Bobby” F. McNeece, II; a granddaughter, Casi Lee Barker; and a brother, Warren Leo McNeece.