In Loving Memory of Robert Alan Esther
September 26, 1949 – December 30, 2024

Robert Alan Esther of Springfield, husband, father, scholar, athlete, coach, and business owner, passed away peacefully at home on December 30, 2024, at the age of 75, from Parkinson’s disease. Born on September 26, 1949, in Lebanon, Missouri, to Calvin Dean Esther and Melba Lee (Schneider) Esther, Robert lived a life that reflected his commitment to his family, continuous education, and hard work.

His academic and athletic achievements marked Robert’s early years. Robert graduated from Bolivar High School with academic honors in 1967 and was the school’s first five-sport letterman.

He began his college education at the University of Missouri at Rolla in mechanical engineering before transferring to Southwest Missouri State College for English. There he earned a Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude, in 1971 and was chosen to deliver the Senior Honors Convocation. In 1974 he earned his Master of Arts in English Literature from the University of Arkansas.

Robert married Zanita Renee Smith on January 6, 1991. Robert and Zanita completed their family with the birth of Michael Alan Teague and Kelsey Lauren Brooke. They raised their kids together and remained madly in love for the rest of their lives. 

Robert worked on his parents’ farm, was an engineer, a teacher, a carpenter, restored vehicles, and ran a service station before he opened his shop, Interstate Auto Service in 1993. He successfully ran the business until he retired and proudly passed it on to his son, Michael.

Robert’s foundational moral principle was “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”, the golden rule. He ran his business generously, often lending people tools or telling them how to fix their car’s issues themselves. His staunch commitment to fairness, integrity, and dignity earned him respect in the community and can be seen in his children. 

Robert was known for his sharp wit, dedication, and thoughtful solitude. Robert poured himself into intellectual pursuits, poetic studies, and writing. He was dedicated to his writing and learning almost as much as to his family. He never failed to attend their events or help with school, even closing the shop to do so, with video camera in hand. 

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Melba, his stepmother Herlene Esther, and his brother, Arthur Esther.

He is survived by his wife: Zanita Esther
Children: Jennifer Hilary Lord and husband Michael, Amber Timmerman and husband Mark, Adam Arnold and wife Brianna, Michael Esther and wife Lisa, and Kelsey Esther
Grandchildren: Peyton and Raeghan Timmerman, Coco Lord, Chloe, Olive, Emma, Nolan Esther, and Heston Arnold.

Robert is also survived by his sister Deanna Burns Esther; his sisters-in-law, Buena Esther, and Cherri Smith; his aunts, Bernita Schamel (passed on 1/6/25) and Berneice Hamilton; many cousins, nieces, and nephews; and hundreds of poems.

We have kept this brief to respect Robert’s wishes for privacy. He is deeply missed and loved and will never be forgotten.

A visitation will be held at Greenlawn North on January 19th, 2-4 pm.