Robert Glidwell (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Robert Ray Glidwell of Bolivar, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday morning, November 28, 2018 at Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility at the age of 91. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 17, 1927 to Mack and Viola Glidwell. On November 10, 1947 he was united in marriage to Ethel Evelyn Smith in St. Louis, Missouri and to this union two sons were born, Ken and Bob.
At the age of 17, Robert joined the navy and served in WWII. In 1945, he began a career as an employee of Manhattan Coffee Company (service technician) and retired from there in 1989. After retirement, Robert and Ethel moved to Bolivar to be closer to family.
Robert was a believer and attended Bolivar First Baptist Church faithfully when his health permitted. He enjoyed the St. Louis Cardinals, working on clocks, drives in the country and meeting new people. He was always there to support his grandchildren at concerts and sporting events. He and Ethel enjoyed traveling to states and countries where son Ken and family were stationed. Robert valued time spent with friends and family at Mom’s Deli, McDonald’s and Wendy’s.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ethel; son, Ken; brother, John; grandson, Dustin and dear friend and companion of 7 years, Phyllis Smith.
Robert is survived by a sister, Hiawatha Johns of St. Louis, MO and brother, Ken of Poplar Bluff, MO and 10 nieces and nephews. He is also survived by son, Bob and wife Delrae of Bolivar; daughter-in-law, Sharon of Lorton, Virginia; three grandsons, Tom (wife Lisa) of Lorton, VA; Ryan (wife Hannah) of Springfield, MO and Brock (wife Danae) of Branson, MO. He was “Papa” to 4 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild (another on the way). Robert leaves behind many caring relatives and good friends.
Services for Robert Glidwell will be Monday, December 3, 2018 at 11:00 A.M., with Visitation one hour prior at 10:00 a.m. at Butler Funeral Home.
Burial to follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Bolivar, Missouri.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?