Robert “Bob” D. Chambers, 74, Savannah, Missouri, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2026.
He was born December 15, 1951 in Albany, Oregon, to Elmer C “Buzz” and Betty R. (Spillman) Chambers. Bob grew up in St. Joseph and graduated from Benton High School.
After high school, Bob began a long career in trucking, first for his family’s business EC Chambers, then he started on his own, and after that, 25 years at Simmons.
Bob married Carol Phipps. He later married Bonnie Chambers, who preceded him in death.
Bob loved Grand Lake in Oklahoma, where he lived the last 40 plus years of his life. He loved boating, fishing and skiing, as well as hunting and playing pool. In his earlier years, he loved attending state trap-shooing events with his friends.
He greatly enjoyed spending time with his family and all of his VFW family and friends. He was known as an ornery fellow who loved to make people laugh, but was also very good to people, sharing his bounty from hunting or fishing with others. He also was known as “Tomato Bob” for his huge garden full of up to 2,800 tomato plants, which he sold at stands in the Grove, Oklahoma, area. The customers loved Bob and came back every year, waiting for his tomatoes.
When not on the lake or tending to his tomatoes, Bob loved to relax with a good Western show or movie, playing solitaire, and going to the casino.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie; and parents.
Survivors include his daughter, Angela New (William); grandchildren, Austen Rocha and Ashton Kincaid; sister, Sharon Wood (Gordon); nieces, Stephanie Davis and Lynette Kain; several great-nieces and nephews; other extended family members and friends; and former wife, Carol Miester-Canaday.
We would like to thank Mosaic Hospice and Palliative Care for the amazing support, compassion, care, and love they showed us all.
Celebration of Life 11:00 A.M. Saturday, April 11, Patee Park Baptist Church, 1107 S. 10th St., St. Joseph, MO 64503. The family suggests memorial contributions to Mosaic Life Care Hospice.
