Robert Fleeman (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Robert Kyle Fleeman, 88, Fair Play, was born February 15, 1928 in Dade County, Mo to Earnest William "Pete" Fleeman and Flossie Omega (Chism) Fleeman.
He attended Hartley School and Bethel School in Cedar County.He accepted Christ at and early age. Moving to Polk County, he attended Potts School and Fair Play School. At the age of 14 he started working at Luther Hudson's Grocery Store in Fair Play. In 1944 he entered the Merchant Marines and served 2 years. On October 27,1947, he joined the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada. He was a member of the Local Pipe Fitters Union 533 of Kansas City Mo being one of the oldest survivors who became members of this Local.
In the early 50's, Kyle and his dad owned and operated the feed and grocery store in Fair Play.
On May 8th, 1948, Kyle and Joetta (Akins) were united in marriage in the home of the Rev. Lewis Mead in Fair Play. To this union three children were born: Rodney Keith, James Robert, and Patricia Ann.
He held the position of Mechanical Superintendent of the Stockton Dam. He assisted in the installation of the first underground communications system for the Strategic Air Command at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska. He was project manager for the Paragon Mechanical Company of Kansas City, Mo the last 17 years of employment, retiring in June 1980.
He was mayor of Fair Play for 2 terms and served on the city board.
He was preceded in death by his son Rodney, his mother and father; brother Gary; brother in laws Frank Lyman and Dale Vance; sister in law Patsy Fleeman; and a niece Diane Curl.
Kyle is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Joetta; a son, James Robert and wife Carol, a daughter, Patricia Ann Roark and husband Johnny; a daughter in law, Josephine Fleeman all of Bolivar. Six grandchildren; Ronda Hall and husband Randy, Jason Roark and wife Rachel, Brandon Roark and wife Abigail, Valerie Hooten and husband Doug; Jonathan Fleeman and wife Anna, and Roger Fleeman and wife Wendy. Fourteen great grand children: Jaden Roark, Bailey and Weston Hall, Logan and Landon Fleeman, Logan, Beckham, and Elizabeth Roark, Ashley Fleeman, Abigayle Roark, Allyson and Mykaela Davis, Kyle Hooten and wife Rose, and Anna Hooten. Two sisters; Velma Vance of Bolivar and Dean Courtney of Springfield. One brother, Darell Fleeman of Nixa. Seven nieces and one nephew, as well as many other relatives and friends.
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