Robert Esmond

ROBERT L. ESMOND Robert Luther Esmond, son of Luther and Thelma Boxx Esmond, was born, August 26, 1935 in Kansas City, Missouri. He departed this life, surrounded by his family, Thursday, September 20, 2007, in his home, Gravois Mills, Missouri at the age of seventy-two years and twenty-five days. On January 30, 1993, in the West Lake Church, Laurie, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Melba Irene Rector and together they shared the last fourteen years. He was preceded in death by his parents and his step-father, Fred Jones. Surviving are his wife, Melba of the home; a daughter, Kim McGary and husband Raymond of Versailles, Missouri; a step-son, Bill Reed of Springfield, Missouri; three grandchildren, Rachel, Robert and Brett McGary all of Versailles, Missouri; a step-grandson, Brett Jones of Springfield, Missouri; a sister, Betty Martin of Independence, Missouri and a host of other relatives and friends. He was raised in the Van Buren and Kansa City, Missouri areas. He served his country proudly in the United States Army from 1958 to 1964. During his working career he owned and operated three businesses. BKS Fleet Supply in Kansas City, Missouri, which he considered his baby. For twenty-seven years, Air Brake Specialties, Inc. in Gravois Mills, which he was still operating at the time of his death. He also owned Powerbilt Clutch in Salem, Missouri. He was a member of the Zach Wheat American Legion Post in Sunrise Beach, Missouri and the Elks Lodge #2705 in Laurie, Missouri In his spare time he loved to fly his own air plane, golf, camp, spend time floating on the Current River, motorcycle and travel. His was an avid Kansas City Chiefs Fan. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. Robert was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother and was a caring neighbor, employer and friend. We celebrate his life and many accomplishments and will treasure all of the memories he created fro his family and friends. A memorial service with military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 22, 2007 in Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 9-10 a.m., Saturday in the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton.