Robert Tompkins Stutes

Robert Tompkins Stutes, 73, of Blackwell, Missouri, passed away on March 10, 2026. Born on April 11, 1952, in Florissant, Missouri, to James Stutes and Wilma Tompkins Stutes, Robert—known lovingly as Bob, Bobbert, Uncle Bob, and Grandpa—lived a life defined by unwavering devotion to his family, his community, and his faith.

A Computer Network Specialist by profession, Robert brought quiet dedication and care to every role he filled. He was the kind of man who would shoulder another’s burdens without complaint, believing that family was defined by love rather than blood. Slow to anger and quick to forgive, he loved fiercely and protected those he cared about with steadfast loyalty. In his younger years he served as Assistant Pastor of New Birth Church, where he helped establish and run a food pantry, led the praise and worship team on visits to local nursing homes, and officiated numerous weddings.

Robert’s deep patriotism found expression through his involvement with the Patriot Guard and the Wounded Warriors Project, and as a longtime member of the NRA. He found great joy in riding his Harley, in music of all kinds, and in playing bass in heavy metal bands and for many years with the Emmitt Taylor Band, cherishing the friendships and memories those “gigs” created. He also held lifelong passions for computers, technology, Star Trek, and Star Wars, interests that blended with his warmth and humor to make him a cherished presence in the lives of all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Wilma Tompkins Stutes; his brother, Earl Stutes; his sister, Theresa Stutes; and his late wife, Sharon Stutes. Robert is survived by his wife, Vikki Stutes; his daughters, Tambra Stutes (Josh) and Shannon Stutes; his sons, Daniel Arnold (Christine), Shawn Stutes (Rosa), Perry Arnold (Nikki), Travis Sigler (Stephanie), and Trevor Sigler; his grandchildren, Rachael Bielicke, Chaman Stutes, Ciara Stutes, Saphire Stutes, Autumn Chapman, Nolan Chapman, Robbie Arnold, Kristian Gibson, Austin Wallis-Kelsheimer, Jonah Heltzel, Oliver Sigler, Phoenix Declue, Corbin Declue, Autumn Declue, and Mckenna Wilbourn; great-grandchildren Artemis Chapman and Rowen Istre; and a wide circle of extended family and dear friends who were blessed to call him their own. A devout believer in Jesus Christ, he lived daily by the commandments to love God with all his heart and to love his neighbor as Christ loved him. His family finds comfort knowing he rests in the arms of the Savior he served so faithfully.