Richard Robertson
Richard Taylor Robertson was born April 28, 1947 to Richard T. Robertson and Wynette Burks Robertson in Neosho, Missouri. He passed away on July 16, 2019 at Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains, Missouri. He grew up in Neosho, attended SMS in Springfield for his bachelor’s degree in mathematics. Later he earned a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling at SMS. He taught school at Dora, Missouri from fall of 1974 to spring 1976 and at West Plains High School from 1976 to 2006. He was married on December 28, 1976 to Jan Tillman in West Plains. Rich and Jan raised two sons, Taylor and Isaac.
Rich is survived by his wife, two sons, and their special friends Sara Griffith and Emma Haymaker. He is also survived by one sister, Rosa Barton, sister-in-law, Loraine Tillman, sister-in-law Cathy Gregory (spouse Ed), a nephew C W Tillman, a niece Amanda Beedle, and several close cousins.
He loved challenging students to think and teaching students how to fall in love with learning. His curiosity towards learning inspired numerous kids throughout his years teaching. In his off time, he was an aspiring meteorologist, an avid camper and loved floating Missouri streams in particular the Bryant. In retirement, he grew to love quilting and gifted family and friends with his unique quilts.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to either OMC Cancer Center or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. A casual gathering of friends and family will be held on Saturday, July 27th from 4 to 7 p.m. at Buck Park on BB Hwy to celebrate and remember his life. Food and drinks will be available.
Amber(Cozort)Redburn
July 17, 2019 @ 6:25 pm
Mrs. Richard Robertson and Family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family upon the loss of Richard. You and your family will be in my daily prayers and thoughts. I never had Richard as a Math Teacher, but I enjoyed his sense of humor and his great personality in just meeting him in the hallway, etc. He will be missed. May God comfort, encourage, and support you and your family thru this difficult time. May God bless all of you.
In Christian Love,
Amber(Cozort)Redburn
Isaac Robertson
August 2, 2019 @ 2:26 pm
Thank you for the kind words and sympathy, it means a lot for our family.
Philip and Donna Bridges
July 17, 2019 @ 7:25 pm
We are so sorry about Richard’s passing. We love your family.
Isaac Robertson
August 2, 2019 @ 2:33 pm
Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Bridges, our family really appreciates all you have done over the years.
Anne Cochran
July 17, 2019 @ 7:42 pm
So sorry Jan and family. He was a remarkable man. We always thought a lot of Richard. Prayers extended to you and our love.
Hassel and Alice Vandergriff
July 18, 2019 @ 5:49 am
Dear Jan and family, we are so very sorry to hear of Richard’s passing; he was a wonderful guy, and he was a lot of fun to work with at WPHS. You are in our prayers!
Isaac Robertson
August 2, 2019 @ 2:41 pm
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Vandergriff, we appreciate the thoughts and prayers, and so glad that he brought joy to others while roaming around the school everyday.
Connie Van Gorder
July 18, 2019 @ 9:45 am
Jan…so sorry to hear about Richard. Happy to have been able to call him a friend. Love and condolences to everyone.
Clifford M. & Lonie Ruth Ross
July 18, 2019 @ 10:45 am
What can we do to help you at this time of loss for you. Please just give us a call and we will be there for you. God Bless and Keep.
Isaac Robertson
August 2, 2019 @ 2:44 pm
Thanks Clifford and Lonnie, appreciate all the help and prayers, and will be in touch if we have anything come up.
Marvin Collins
July 19, 2019 @ 10:05 pm
Our prayers are certainly with you, Jan, and the boys, upon the loss of Richard. There will never be another like him, for sure.
Isaac Robertson
August 2, 2019 @ 2:46 pm
Thank you, we all appreciate the prayers and thoughts for our family. Glad to hear he made a positive impact in your life.
Suzannah Pace
July 22, 2019 @ 10:10 am
Jan, Taylor and Isaac-
So very sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. While math was not my top subject in high school, having Mr. Robertson was a delight; he was always a thoughtful and witty guy. Thoughts of comfort and peace to you all right now.
Jim Cosby
July 22, 2019 @ 3:48 pm
Dear Jan and family,
Rich was such a dear friend. We connected almost immediately when we met in Kansas City in 1969. I was so thrilled to reconnect years later to enjoy his wisdom, laughter, and sage perspectives on so many different topics. His passing leaves us so sad and we hold you in our hearts through this difficult time. When Rich and I worked at the Sign Coffee House in Westport, I learned what a good teacher he would become. I am sorry we can’t be with you for the Celebration of his life on Saturday, but we will be remembering him and you on that day and many to follow. Peace by with you. Love, Jim and Fran
Pam Fredrick
July 24, 2019 @ 11:23 am
Dear Jan, Taylor and Isaac,
Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time. So very sorry to hear the loss of a wonderful man. In God we Trust! Love the Fredrick Family
Leslie and Colin Collins
July 26, 2019 @ 11:09 am
So sorry to hear this Jan. Please know you are in our hearts and thoughts
Brenda Tripp
July 29, 2019 @ 2:44 pm
Thinking of you in the loss of your husband and father. Prayers for your comfort and peace in the days ahead.