Robert E. Sterling, 91 of Gladstone, MO was surrounded by his family when he went home to be with the Lord on June 22, 2014. Bob was born November 22, 1922 in Smithville, MO to Vesta Mae and Arthur Sterling. He played football and graduated from Smithville High School where he met his high school sweetheart, Helen Moore. They were later married on August 16, 1942 and were married for 64 years.
Bob obtained the rank of Eagle Scout in Boy Scout Troop 412 in Smithville. He attended the University of Missouri and played football until after Pearl Harbor, when he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force for pilot training. He flew 46 combat missions in B25’s and A20’s in Burma and later spent 6 months in the European Theater in Germany. He also received a brick for Walk of Honor at Liberty Memorial with his name on it.
He became a State Farm Agent and retired in 1995 after 49 years as an agent.
He was a member of the First united Methodist Church in North Kansas City for 64 years. He was actively involved in the church choir. Bob was an avid golfer and a Chiefs and Royals fan. His greatest joy was his family. He loved and cherished his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bob’s favorite saying has always been “My marriage to Helen has made me the Happiest Man in the World.”
Bob is survived by his four children, daughters, Stephanie Nugent (Paul), Suzie Kritta (Bill), Sally Willhoite (John) and son, Mike Sterling. He is survived by 16 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Jan Warring (Bud).
The family would like to thank Senior Helpers Care and NorthCare Hospice House for the love and care Bob received with them. The family will greet family and friends at First United Methodist Church of North Kansas City on Tuesday July 1st, 2014 at 1:00pm with a Celebration of Life Service following at 2:00pm. Burial will be at Terrace Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to The Shepard Center of the Northland where Bob and Helen attended the meetings and discussions before she passed away Jan. 28, 2007 or to the church.