Robert "Bob" Paul Blank

In the afternoon of August the 28th, 2012, God called home Robert "Bob" Paul Blank, 74, of Cape Girardeau, MO. He was born January 26, 1938 at home to Charles Paul and Gladys Whitticre Blank both of Cape Girardeau. On January 19th, 1957 he and Gaye Foeste were united in marriage at Trinity Lutheran Church. She was his partner, best friend, and love of life. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, a brother (Bill Blank of Cape Girardeau), a sister (Barbara Blank of Cape Girardeau), a daughter (Deena Ring of Cape Girardeau), son (Scott and Lisa Blank of Cape Girardeau), three grandchildren (Timothy Simmons, Travis Simmons, and Benjamin Blank), all of Cape Girardeau, one nephew (Jim and Jessie Gunn of Rolla, MO), and one niece (Nancy and Fred Harms of Pekin, IL). He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters. Bob had a strong work ethic that started early in life, carrying various odd jobs to help contribute to his family. Upon graduating from Cape Girardeau Central High School, Bob went to work for Simpson Oil Company as terminal manager. Eager to start his own business, Bob opened a Mobil service station for a brief time before going to work with his in-law�s at Southern Oil Company managing a service station. Seeing an opportunity to expand the business, Bob started Bi-State Oil Company in the early 1970�s, a bulk tank delivery business that expanded to operating three trucks. His business vision lead him back to the service station business some time later when he and his wife remodeled and re-opened his in-law�s store on Morgan Oak Street as a convenience store, new to the industry at the time. His direction and leadership lead to their opening of a second store in Cape Girardeau. For some forty combined years Bob handled the stores and trucks while his wife, Gaye handled the office and finances. What a team they made! Bob had a strong commitment to family, community, and faith. After high school he joined the National Guard serving for 10 years and earning the rank of sergeant. Later he served on both the Trinity Lutheran and Cape Girardeau Public School Boards, president of the Trinity Lutheran School Board. He was very proud to be a part of the board that helped pass the school bond issue to build the Career and Technology Center, Central High School, and Blanchard Elementary. In addition, Bob held two terms on the Cape Girardeau Planning and Zoning Commission. Fulfilling his joy of athletics, Bob served on the Capaha Field Improvement Committee, helping to improve the quality of sports and the atmosphere for which it was played at Capaha Field. He loved the game of baseball and was a season ticket holder for many years of the Cardinals. In his profession, Bob was a member of the Missouri Petroleum Marketers Association for many years. Bob was a devoted member of St Andrew Lutheran Church, and served as church treasurer. While playing an active role in his children�s activities, Bob enjoyed spending time with the Boy Scout Association. He was instrumental in starting the Merchant Flag Program with Boy Scout Troop 21 that still exists today. His commitments to the Boy Scouts rewarded him with the honorary Order of the Arrow Award. Upon his retirement from the oil business, Bob continued to stay active as a founding board member of Alliance Bank in Cape Girardeau. Serving the bank in various board roles and advisory leadership positions for several years until his health did not allow. Bob enjoyed the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, most of which, he just enjoyed being outside. This lead to spending time at the family farm and tending to his tree farm. His interests in forestry lead to obtaining a tree farming certification as master tree farmer. Bob has been very successful in planting and growing a variety of trees. Bob will be missed for his leadership, wisdom, and love. Friends may call Friday from 3-8pm at Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Funeral Home and funeral will be Saturday, beginning at 10am at St Andrew Lutheran Church. Entombment will follow at Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum. Pallbearers include, George Bockhorst, Jim Gunn, Gerald Jones, Tim Simmons, Travis Simmons, and Randy Stovall. Honorary pallbearers include; Benjamin Blank, Don Brown, Mel Dockins, and Ron Hunt. Memorial contributions can be made to St Andrew Lutheran Church or Cape Girardeau Public Schools Foundation.

Tributes

Robert "Bob" Paul Blank

August 28, 2012