Robert "Bob" Lee Leffeler

Robert “Bob” Lee Leffeler, of Saint Charles, Missouri, formerly of Bowling Green, Missouri, and Batesville, Arkansas, passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the age of 89.

Bob was the loving husband of Carol Jean (Oelklaus) Leffeler; devoted father of Christine (Croft Long) Leffeler and John Bradley (Linda) Leffeler; cherished grandfather of Tanner Leffeler; and treasured great-grandfather of Ryker Leffeler. He is also survived by many loving family members and dear friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Adam John and Myrtle May Leffeler, his siblings and many close friends.

Born on January 26, 1937, Bob grew up in the “bottom” of St. Peters, Missouri, where his family operated a duck hunting club. It was there that his lifelong love of the outdoors took root. Fishing and hunting were favorite pastimes throughout his life. Bob enjoyed not only the thrill of the hunt and the excitement of a good catch, but also the wild game and fish dinners that brought everyone together afterward.

Bob attended St. Charles High School, where he met his future wife, Carol Jean Oelklaus. Together, they built a life filled with hard work, family, travel, and countless memories. Their marriage spanned more than six decades, and in April 2025, they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary with a wonderful party surrounded by family and friends.

A hardworking and resourceful man, Bob began his career as a machinist at McDonnell Douglas. He later purchased farmland near Bowling Green, Missouri, where he built a home, raised crops, and kept pigs. His independent spirit and strong work ethic led him to establish Leffeler Mowing, a business specializing in large-scale grass mowing for railroads, parks, lakes, and airports. Bob took pride in his work and in building a life through his own determination and ingenuity.

When Carol received a promising opportunity at White River Medical Center, the couple moved to Batesville, Arkansas, beginning a new chapter together. Bob loved Arkansas, especially trout fishing on the White River, where he could enjoy the peace and beauty of the outdoors that had always meant so much to him.

Bob also had a particular fondness for driving anything with four wheels and a motor. He delivered new school buses from Conway, Arkansas, to destinations across the country, including New York, Florida, California, and Oregon. These trips provided him with a lifetime of stories and adventures. He especially enjoyed recounting the memorable journeys home, sharing rental cars with fellow bus delivery drivers.

One of Bob's most memorable adventures was a fishing trip to Alaska. He proudly shared photographs of the experience, including an incredible 279-pound halibut catch. This life-long dream trip perfectly captured his enthusiasm for fishing, his appreciation for the outdoors, and his delight in sharing his adventures with his family and friends.

But Bob's love of the outdoors was matched by his love of people. He never met a stranger. Whether meeting someone for the first time, catching up with old friends, sharing a cup of coffee at a local diner or visiting with family, Bob could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. He loved to talk, share stories, and turn a chance encounter into a lasting connection. His gift for conversation, his welcoming nature, and his endless supply of stories made time spent with Bob memorable.

An avid and highly skilled Pinochle player, Bob enjoyed the game from early childhood. Pinochle was much more than a card game; it was a cherished tradition that brought people together. Every holiday offered an opportunity to gather around the cards with family, while vacations with his best friends often included spirited games and plenty of laughter. He also enjoyed playing with local card clubs, where his skill, competitive spirit, and love of camaraderie were well known.

In 1999, Bob and Carol returned to Saint Charles to be closer to their extended family. Family remained at the heart of Bob's life, and he was blessed with a wonderful family and a strong support system who brought him love, companionship, and happiness throughout the years.

Bob will be remembered as a hardworking man with a deep appreciation for nature, a gift for storytelling, and a genuine love for people. His stories will continue to be told, his card-playing traditions will be fondly remembered, and the friendships he built will stand as a testament to a man who truly never met a stranger. Above all, Bob's greatest legacy is the love he shared with his family and friends and the many wonderful memories he leaves behind.

Memorial contributions may be made in Robert's name to Missouri Conservation, in honor of his lifelong love of the outdoors.