Scott, Dr. Bob R. 1932-2025 St. Joseph, Mo.
Bobby Ray Scott, of St. Joseph, passed peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, at the age of 92. He was born on Oct. 31, 1932, in Palmer, Missouri, to Glen A. Scott and Pearl E. (Sago) Scott. In 1956, Bob was united in marriage to Carol Marvine Turnbough and to this union three daughters were born.
Bob spent 30 years as an educator. After completing a Bachelor of Science degree in education with a major in mathematics from the University of Missouri-Columbia, Bob earned a Master of Arts degree with a major in physics from Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, and a Doctor of Education degree with a major in higher education administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He was elected to membership in the following organizations: Pi Mu Epsilon mathematics honorary, Phi Delta Kappa professional education association, and Phi Theta Kappa junior college honorary. After teaching mathematics and science in several high schools, he taught mathematics at Mineral Area College, Park Hills, Missouri.
Bob also served in the U.S. Army at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland, in the late 1950s as a mathematics-statistics military occupational specialist.
In 1968, Bob became the first Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Missouri Western State University, in St. Joseph. During his leadership, bachelor degrees were initiated in the seven departments which he supervised. He also coordinated a bachelor degree program at the U.S. Penitentiary, in Leavenworth, Kansas, in the 1970s, and he initiated an Elderhostel program at MWSU. Bob retired from MWSU in 1986 to begin a beef cattle business, in Easton, Missouri, where his dream of returning to a rural lifestyle and love of farming was fulfilled. After retiring from the cattle business, he and his wife, Carol, returned to St. Joseph in 2016.
Bob was best known for his love and servanthood to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and his love for his family and friends. He began his journey with Christ as a teenager and continued until death. Bob served his Lord with Christian diligence and integrity during his lifetime, teaching the Bible to adult Sunday School classes, serving as a deacon, as well as serving on and chairing many committees in many churches until health issues prevented him from doing so. He remained devoted to his Savior and loved to worship with fellow Christians. He loved family gatherings and especially loved the hugs and smiles that were given to him by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Bob’s guidance, wisdom, and care for others will always be respected and remembered.
Preceding Bob in death were his parents; his brother, Gary; his son-in-law, Chris; and his sister-in-law, Donna.
He is survived by his wife, Carol; and daughters, Deborah Zaroor (Chris), Julie Hoffelmeyer, and Diane Williams (Darryl). Also surviving are his grandchildren, Matthew, Ryan, Caleb, Joshua (Natalie), Daniel (Allyson), Maggie, Daedra (Brad), and Dustin; and great grandchildren, Joel, Joseph, Carter, Jillian, and Zayn. He is also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law, Glen Turnbough, Alice Scott, Brenda and Bob Bauer, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to a charity of choice. The family would like to give special thanks to Freudenthal Hospice and In-Home on Call for their dedicated care. The family would also like to express their special appreciation for Pastor Jim Oswald for his friendship and support through the years.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 1 p.m. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Private Entombment Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will gather with friends 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.
Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
