Robert "Bob" Paul Cranfill

Robert "Bob" Paul Cranfill, 93, of Smithton, MO, went to live with Jesus on Friday, May 5, 2023, with his family and Harvey by his side. He was born on January 6, 1930, in Sedalia, MO, the son of Ward Reno Cranfill and Amanda Emily (Runge) Cranfill, who preceded him in death.

On December 31, 1951, in Sedalia, he was united in marriage to Joyce Yvonne Kinner, who resides in the home.

Bob attended Walnut Grove School and Hughesville High School. He enlisted in the Army Air Force and served in the Occupational Services in Guam and the Philippines. He ran and operated a Mobil and Skelly Service Station in Sedalia, MO. Bob attended a State and Federal Meat Inspection School in St. Joseph, MO, and was a meat inspector in Pettis County for several years.

Bob attended Real Estate School in Jefferson City, an aircraft sheet metal school in Chanute Field, IL, and an advanced sheet metal school in Guam. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Bob was a farmer for over 50 years, enjoying his cattle the most.

Bob thought highly of the "Heroes" at the Dialysis Clinic in Sedalia. He dearly loved his church, and all the church members were very special to him as well as many close friends. Bob was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church for 93 years.

In addition to his wife of 71 years, Bob is survived by a son, Dennis Cranfill of Smithton; a daughter, Judy Lynn Smasal (Mike) Sedalia; twin granddaughters, Emily Smasal, of Nixa, MO and Amanda Smasal (Eric Vaughan) of Lee's Summit, MO; a great-granddaughter, Maya Emily Vaughan; his favorite and only sister, Margaret Joe Butler, Lenexa, KS, and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. June 2, 2023, at Rea Funeral Chapel with Pastor Rusty Smith officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the funeral chapel.

Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Sedalia, MO., with full military honors by the Whiteman Air Force Base Honor Team and Sedalia VFW Post #2591.

Honorary bearers will be Mike Smasal, David Staus, Glenn Powell, Leonard Butler, Jerry Thomas, Bob Knight, and John David Runge.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bethel United Methodist Church, Hughesville, MO, in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.