Robert Voss, 89

Robert Voss, 89, of Desloge, Missouri, died Feb. 11, 2020. Funeral arrangements are private.

He was born Jan. 20, 1931, in Leadwood, the son of F. S. and Blanche Rice Voss.  

He served his country in the Navy aboard the USS Pine Island during the Korean War. During his time in the Navy, Bob visited destinations across the Pacific, including Japan, the Philippines and Taiwan.

As a young man, he worked in his family’s dairy, but most of his career was in the mining industry, which both his grandfathers and his father had also worked in. He was first hired by the St. Joe Lead Company in 1958 as a chemist in the industrial hygiene department and later became a safety inspector; eventually he was promoted to director of safety, responsible for ensuring the safety of countless miners who worked in Missouri’s lead mines. In 1979, four of the five safest underground metal mines in the U.S. were St. Joe mines overseen by Mr. Voss. He was a proud member of the Mine Inspectors’ Institute and served as president of the organization from 1982 to 1983.

Mr. Voss was curious and enjoyed tinkering in his garage workshop. He especially loved to read and could often be found reading books of American history. Harry Truman was a regular topic of conversation for him. He did not play a musical instrument, but he loved music, and a turntable playing Herb Alpert or Chet Atkins was a common feature of his life.

He loved his family, and they loved him. Although his hearing faded over time, that loss did not dampen his wry sense of humor. His baritone voice and smile always brought joy to those around him, even if the jokes did not. He enjoyed spending time with loved ones at his family home at Pontiac on Bull Shoals Lake, a place many in his family called the “Happiness Hotel.”

Survivors include Lorna Kohn Voss of Desloge, his loving wife of 65 years; his children, Robert Kohn Voss and wife Cheri of Pontiac, Laurie Brickey and husband Jack, and Elizabeth Voss, all of St. Louis; six grandchildren, Ian Brickey, Fiona Brickey, Brendan Dittmer, Robert Rice Voss, Zachary Kohn Voss and Braden Lang Voss and wife Sara. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister,  Elizabeth Ann Voss Neilson and her husband, George.

Memorial contributions may be made to Barnes Jewish Children’s Hospital in St. Louis.

Arrangements by C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home, Desloge. 

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423