Estel Boyd Robirds, 89
Funeral services for Estel Boyd Robirds, 89, of Theodosia, were held March 29, 2024, in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home chapel in Gainesville with Jon Humbert officiating. Burial with full military honors was in Lutie Cemetery in Theodosia.
He died March 25, 2024, at his residence. Estel was born Oct. 15, 1934, in the family home at Longrun, the eighth of 11 children of Clifford and Flossie Taber Robirds.
He had many roles throughout his 89 years on Earth: son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, soldier, barber, politician and farmer.
Estel’s first real job was as a farm hand driving tractors and truckloads of sugar beets in Wyoming; he was 15.
In 1957, he married Sue Gray, and five months later he was inducted into the military. He served in the Army, rising to the rank of Sergeant in 20 months. He was stationed in Germany patrolling the German-Czechoslovakia border during the Cold War.
After his discharge, Estel and Sue lived in Independence, Missouri, where Estel graduated from barber college. He worked as a barber for 50 years and owned two barber shops, the first one in Independence and the second in Theodosia. He opened it in 1973 when he, Sue and the girls moved to Ozark County.
The family took over the Gray farm in Longrun and raised beef cattle – the best and worst job he ever had.
Estel loved to visit with people in and outside of the barber shop. Through these connections, he developed an interest in politics, and at the age of 59, he began a new career – as a Missouri State Representative. He served as a representative for 10 years, then returned to Ozark County to the barber shop and to his cattle.
He was a member of the Theodosia Methodist Church and past president of Ozark County Farm Bureau.
Estel was so much more than a few words can describe. He could tell a good story, entertain and inspire. He will be missed.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Nina Sue Gray Robirds, of Theodosia; daughters Lora Lea Robirds Locker and her spouse Mark, of Blue Springs, and Jane Ann Robirds Magness and her spouse Kenny, of Theodosia; grandchildren Sam Locker and wife Emily, Kerry Locker, Justin Magness and wife Brandie and Jordan Magness and wife Megan; and four great-grandchildren, Jonah, Allie, Millie and Jack Magness.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, seven brothers and three sisters.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lutie Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville.