Robert Lee Pothoven was born February 22, 1929 in Oskaloosa, Iowa.  He graduated from Pella public schools in Iowa and bravely served in the United States Army during the Korean War.  On October 22, 1955, he married his sweetheart, Ruth Bettis in St. Louis, MO.  He took great pride in building his own home in St. Louis and he worked his entire career as a mechanic with Laclede Gas in St. Louis.

Among Robert’s hobbies were gardening, traveling with Ruth in their RV and pursuing his gift of music.  He enjoyed participating and attending the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY. Robert was also a man of faith and faithful servant in his home church in St. Louis and Church of the Harvest in Branson. Robert had served as an elder in both congregations and was a vital part of church leadership.  He loved God and he loved his church families.

Robert entered into rest at his home in Hollister surrounded by his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry & Dorothy Pothoven and his brothers, Duane Pothoven and Harley Pothoven.

He will be deeply missed by his wife of 69 years, Ruth Pothoven of Hollister; his family, Mary, Judy, Pat and Andy, Uwe & Joan, many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends.

A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at Church of the Harvest in Branson, 501 W. College Street at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

Cremation arrangements are in the care of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory, Branson. Robert will be interred at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield.