Robert “Bob” Lee Cobler, age 94, of Forsyth, Missouri.

Robert “Bob” Lee Cobler, age 94, of Forsyth, Missouri, departed this world to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 20, 2024, with family by his side. He entered this life April 30, 1930, the son of Don and Juanita (Dotson) Cobler in Ottumwa, Iowa. Bob was joined in marriage to Creta Allbright on August 11, 1951, prior to going to into the Army.

Bob proudly served our country in the United States Army during the Korean War and obtained the rank of Sargeant. He was awarded several medals including the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, United Nations Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. Bob was a skilled carpenter who created many beautiful clocks, pieces of furniture, and sculptures. During his working years, he was a talented watchmaker and jeweler in Corydon Iowa for thirty years and made many beautiful handmade pieces. Bob was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. The memories and moments created over the past ninety-four years will be cherished by all who knew him forever.

Bob is survived by his children: Debbie Bettis and husband, Steve of Arizona; Susan Brooks and husband, Greg of Rock Island, Illinois, Michael Cobler and wife, Annette of Arizona, and Nancy Foster and husband, Ken of Forsyth, Missouri; as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two siblings, Richard Cobler and sister, Marylin Hutchinson of Iowa.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and wife of fifty-four years, Creta Cobler.

There are no formal services planned at this time. Bob will be inurned at the Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers and cards donate to https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ in Bob’s name. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.

Words from a Friend

Bob Cobler. He lived next door to me in the condos. We became good friends in no time. He was a lovely gentleman with old world manners. I would read western stories and Bible passages to him while he ate popcorn and sometimes slept.

We settled all the world's problems through animated conversation. We admitted we felt better about things, though it affected nothing. Seldom did we disagree and if we did it was amiable. We shared the loss of our spouses. Sometimes there were tears.

One day I ordered a side table that came with "some assembly required." I took it over and dumped it out on the floor and handed him the instructions. After managing to put the wrong screws in, they had gone through on the top of the table. He laughed and laughed. I'm not so sure I thought it that funny. He told me to pound it down some with the hammer and it would be OK. He was right, of course. When we were finished, I found two squares of bubble wrap. We had a great time popping.

He was a quiet man, with that Iowa reserve, but he had a wicked sense of humor. He had a tell though; he would get a sparkle in his eyes, and you knew a zinger was on its way.

His family, four kids, grands, and greats will miss him. I will miss my neighbor, my friend and confidant. I know, however, that he is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in the wonderful place God has prepared for His own. Bob is at peace and at home.

Goodbye old friend, I'll see you later.

LeeAnn Alliman