Robert W. “Bob” Roth, 78, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, March 22, 2026.
He was born January 19, 1948, to George W. and Jacklynn (Hillyard) Roth in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Bob was a 1966 graduate of Central High School in St. Joseph. In 1967 he was drafted into the US Army and served two years in Germany. He returned to Missouri Western State University, graduating in 1973.
Bob joined the family business Hillyard, Inc. as a fourth-generation family member. Bob retired as President and Chairman of Hillyard Inc. in 2015.
Bob was an active supporter of the St. Jospeh Chamber of Commerce, St. Joseph Booster Club, Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, YMCA, America’s 2nd Harvest Food Bank, and Special Olympics. He was a member of Charity-Zeredatha Lodge #189 A.F. & A.M.; a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite, Moila Shrine, where he was a member of the Sand Crabs, and Royal Order of the Jesters Court No. 98, where he served as a Past Director.
Bob was the first graduate of the college to be a member of the Board of Regents at Missouri Western State University, where he served as past President. Bob served as the Basketball Hall of Fame president for 10 years and this eventually led to the formation of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, where he served as its First President. Bob helped build its 1st museum in Springfield, Missouri. He was inducted into the Missouri Western Sports Hall of Fame, served as President of the Youth Hockey Board, Missouri Western Gold Coat Club, and lifetime member of the St. Joseph Country Club, where he was an avid golfer.
Bob’s love of basketball led to opportunities that most fans only dream about. Bob had the opportunity to attend over 30 Final Four Basketball tournaments throughout his career. In 1997, Roth received the Carrie Franke Award from the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association. In 2003, Bob received the Guardian of the Game Cliff Wells Appreciation Award from the National Association of Basketball Coaches.
When Bob was not working alongside his brother and other family members growing their family business, he enjoyed spending his time with his family, including his five grandchildren. Bob and his wife, Susan, had many dear friends that included dinner clubs, vacations, and enjoying what life had to offer. Bob was generous with both his time and his knowledge. Bob was always willing to support local initiatives to help make St. Joseph a better place.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Susan; children, Jackie Grimwood (Bill) and Randy Roth (Carra); grandchildren, Ellie Grimwood, Jack, Vivian, Eleanor, and August Roth; and brother, James “Jr” Roth.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 1:00 P.M. Friday, April 10, St. Joseph Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Missouri Western Athletics Department, 4525 Downs Dr., St. Joseph, MO 64507.
