Bob E. Wirth

Bob E. Wirth, 88, died Monday, Feb. 9, 2015, at his home in Lebanon.

He was born Jan. 22, 1927, in Bolivar, to Carl and Jennie (Andrews) Wirth.

On July 14, 1956, he married Wynona Ecker.

He spent much of his early life in Nevada, Mo. He served as a U.S. Army medic and ambulance driver in the Korean War, attaining the rank of sergeant and being awarded numerous decorations before his honorable discharge. He later served in the U.S. Army Reserve.

The first part of his career he spent in Nevada and Independence, Mo., working as a linotype operator. Later he became an official court reporter and served in that capacity for 22 years for five different counties.

Bob E. Wirth also served as an evangelist and pastor over the years, ministering to people in hospitals, prisons and individual homes. He helped build the Community of Christ churches in Camdenton and Lebanon. He was involved with the Lebanon community, supporting the Ministerial Alliance, Habitat for Humanity and Crosslines with his efforts.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Kleetis Wirth; and a niece, Janet Corn (Phelps).

He is survived by his wife, Wynona, of the home; two daughters, Gwen Lind and her husband, Sid, and Stephanie; four grandchildren, Jared Lind and his wife, Crystal, and Bethany Eggenberger and her husband, Jared, and Shannon and Shawn; a special sister, La Neta Phelps; other siblings, Opal, Don, and Laurel Wirth; cousins, Darryl and Mary Andrews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service for Bob E. Wirth is scheduled for 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Chapel For Peace, 909 W. Battlefield Road, Springfield, MO 65807. A flag ceremony will be performed as part of the service, and a light meal will be served afterward. All his friends are welcome.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to www.outreach-international.org, an organization that works with communities to create lasting solutions to poverty.