Robert "Bob" F. Berger

Robert "Bob" F. Berger - age 93 of Polo, MO passed away Sunday afternoon, September 10, 2023, at Cameron Regional Hospital in Cameron, MO. Bob was born on May 9, 1930, the son of Morris E. and Mary (Miller) Berger in Derby, CT. He was a graduate of Commercial High School. Following high school he served in the United States Army from 1947 until 1949. After his honorable discharge he reenlisted in the United States Air Force and served during the Korean Conflict until his honorable discharge as a staff sergeant in 1952. Bob then served in the Air Force Reserves until 1962.  

Following the service, he moved to Kansas where he drove a truck in the oil fields for 5 years.  He then moved to Kansas City where he drove for Watson Brothers Truck Line and attended automotive and diesel mechanic trade school.  Bob then worked for Cummins Diesel for 2 years and then worked as a mechanic for Byers Truck Line and then switched back to driving over the road.  Byers sold to Holmes Truck Line, where he stayed until retirement.  Before retirement Bob had moved to Polo where he remained for the rest of his life. 

On May 13th, 2001, he was united in marriage to Anna Billington at the Polo United Methodist Church. Bob was a member of the Polo American Legion Post# 557 where he had served as past commander and served on the honor guard.  He was a member and past master of Polo Masonic Lodge#232 and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Acacia Chapter #42 in Polo.  He played in the Old Country & Gospel Band, later called the Bob Berger Band.  Bob loved playing his fiddle and singing for the residents of many nursing homes in the area, including the VA Home.  He especially loved to play and sing at the First Christian Church in Polo where he was a member.  
Bob loved everyone he knew, it was a great ride while it lasted, he wishes to express his gratitude to everyone.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and 2 great-grandchildren, Jacob Hatfield, and Emma Todd. He leaves behind his wife, Anna whom he deeply loved; daughter, Terry (Pat) Stodden; grandchildren, Nick (Jenny) Stodden, Sandy Stodden, Becky (Shane) Hatfield, Jennifer Stodden, Stacy (Chris) Todd, Breana (Blake) Levins and Devin (MaQenzy) Stodden; great-grandchildren, Sierra, Shelby, Caleb, Mackenzie, Lillian, Leroy, Berkely and Adolin; brother, Charles (Barbara) Berger; stepchildren, Michael Billington, Paul LeRoy (Sharon) Billington, Bruce Wayne (Sherri) Billington, Robert Lee (Kelly) Billington, Billy Ray (Angie) Billington, Joseph Hugh (Nicole) Billington; great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, step grandchildren, step great-grandchildren and many, many friends. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Anna Billington in care of the funeral home.  A Masonic Service will begin at 11 AM, Wednesday, September 13th, 2023, followed by a service celebrating Bob’s life and Military Honors, at Polo Community Church (600 Main Street Polo, MO 64671). The family will begin receiving friends at 10 AM Wednesday at the Church. Burial will be at a later date at Cowgill Cemetery, southeast of Cowgill, MO. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Polo (660) 354-2214. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com 

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