Robert "Bob" Irvin Cregger

Robert “Bob” Irvin Cregger was born February 2, 1943, in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Irvin E. “Blackie” and Viola (Welch) Cregger.  Bob graduated from Lafayette High School in St. Joseph, class of ’61 and began his hands-on education of everything mechanical, electrical and instrumentation.  He was very intelligent and a brilliant designer. He could hand draw anything from sewing tables to screened in porches and bring it to life with perfection. If Bob couldn’t fix it, he knew a guy.  And if he didn’t know a guy, he could find one!    

On March 1st, 1963, Bob was united in marriage to Elizabeth "Betty" Sue Lincoln. Bob and Betty made their home and raised two beautiful daughters in Kansas City North where they lived for 18 years. In the 1980’s they moved to a small farm in rural Platte County where they enjoyed a quiet country life, raising cattle and horses. Betty passed away in 2014, after over 50 years of love and devotion.

Bob found love again and on March 26th, 2016, he was united in marriage to Sharon “Sheri” (Taylor-Noble) Cregger. The two built a beautiful custom home in rural Cowgill, that Bob creatively adapted from the original design and willed into existence.  

Professionally, Bob worked at LFM Foundry in Atchison, KS before moving to Kansas City North when he got a job at K.W. Dart. Bob was a jack of all trades and always had side gigs of snow plowing, tree trimming, welding and always helping out at the Rock Garage. He had his longest career and retired from Bayer A.G. after 25 years of service as an instrumentation electrician, retiring in 2001.

Bob's deep faith led him to serve in several churches, including as a deacon at Friendly Assembly of God and Smithville Assembly of God, later attending Knoxville Community Church and Polo Community Church. We rest assured that we will see him at the tree, and that he is walking in the presence of our Lord Jesus.

Bob loved to travel and took Betty and later Sharon, his kids and grandkids on many adventures.  He loved to laugh; humor and practical jokes were always a big part of our lives.  Bob was ornery, funny and always had a joke.  Shenanigans followed him throughout his life, and he always had a twinkle in his eyes.  He had the ability to remember anything and everything, the keeper of all the family memories.  Remembering names, dates, places, and specific details, he was a great storyteller.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved working on the farm.  Bob was incredibly strong and fearless, but also a soft-hearted and sentimental teddy bear.

On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Bob got to have his Graduation Day to Heaven, surrounded by family and friends, stories and laughter, and lots of love.  Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty Sue; sisters, Doris Terrell, Nadine Williams, Darlene Burchett and Betty Rose Green; and sister-in-law, Lynda Lincoln Mackey. He is survived by his wife, Sharon of the home; loving daughters who he adored, Terri Lou (John) Martin of Reno, NV; Paula Sue Cregger (Dan Newberry) of Savannah, MO;  Papa to his grandchildren Ashleigh Stockdall (Zane) of Agency, MO and Eli Martin of Reno, NV; Papa Bubba to his great-grandchildren, Jacob Cregger, Makenleigh and Colton Stockdall of Agency, MO; several extended family members and many, many treasured friends.

Bob is also survived by Sharon’s children, Angela Clariday (Larry) of Cowgill, MO, Wes Noble of Eureka, KS, and Dustin Noble (Katy) of Liberty, MO; and many grandchildren.

Bob had several lifelong friends that were like his brothers; Don (Mary) Groneweg of St. Joseph, MO, Dennis (Lois) Punzo of St. Joseph, MO, Dorman (Anita) Schofield of Kansas City North, MO, and George Kamin, who lives at the top of George's Mountain, somewhere in Montana.

Bob lived well, loved his family fiercely and filled our lives with laughter, learning, stories, and endless love. We will miss him deeply, but we will carry his love, his lessons, and his legacy with us forever.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association in care of the funeral home. A service celebrating Bob's life will be held at 3:00 PM, Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Stith Funeral Home in Polo. The family will receive friends one-hour prior to the service at the funeral home. A graveside service will be held at 2 PM Monday, May 4th, 2026, at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in St. Joseph, MO. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Polo (660) 354-2214. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com

Fond memories can be share with the family at: terrimartin775@yahoo.com

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