Robert "Bob" Orscheln (2024)

Robert "Bob" Orscheln, Age: 71

Robert "Bob" Orscheln, 71, of Columbia, MO, passed away on August 29, 2024. Born in Moberly, Missouri, on December 28, 1952, to Don and Joan Orscheln, Bob grew up in Moberly, where he attended St. Pius X School and graduated from Moberly High School in 1971. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Economics from Carroll College in Helena, Montana, in 1975.

On August 21, 1976, Bob married Beth Wright, in Moberly, MO. The couple soon moved to the Kansas City area, where they built a life together, raising four children in Liberty, MO. Bob’s professional journey was marked by his entrepreneurial spirit; in 1983, he co-founded Orbseal, a provider of engineered sealant solutions for the automotive industry. After the company’s sale in 2004, Bob became President of Orscheln Products, a leading supplier of parking brake levers and cables.

Bob was not only a successful businessman but also a dedicated community leader. He served on the boards of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, several Catholic school boards, and the advisory board of the University of Central Missouri. His commitment to service extended to his roles as Director and President of the Liberty Hospital Foundation, a supporter of Coyote Hill, and an advocate for the Vitae Society and Love Columbia.

Family was the cornerstone of Bob’s life. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Beth Orscheln, and their children: Constance Gillaspie and her husband Brandon of Columbia, MO; Neale Orscheln and his wife Angela of Overland Park, KS; Ashley Burns and her husband Connor of Kansas City, MO; and Lydia Kelling and her husband Ross of Kansas City, MO. He was a proud grandfather to Valle, Gracie, Ainsley, Ariel, Avery, Anaya, Alari, Isabelle, Maddox, and Violet.

Bob is also survived by his stepmother, Judy Orscheln, and his mother-in-law, Jeanine Wright, as well as his siblings: Barry Orscheln, Mary Joan Wood, Faith Kemp, Gayle Morris, John Orscheln, Patti Orscheln, Donald "Chick" Orscheln, Seton Monnin, Cara Tsunehiros, Anne Hunt, Leslie Broker, and Lisa Lemaster. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Paula Pugh, and his father-in-law, Guy Wright.

Bob was known for his deep faith and his joyful spirit. He loved spending time with family, golfing, enjoying lake time and boating, listening to music, and traveling. He had a strong relationship with Jesus, and his generosity, persistence, and commitment to quality in all he did were evident to everyone who knew him. Bob’s humor and his ability to make others laugh will be fondly remembered by all.

A mass will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 3 p.m. and the celebration of Bob’s life will be held immediately after at The Orscheln Heights Pavilion, 2011 Overcenter Dr. Moberly, MO 65270. In honor of Bob’s vibrant personality, guests are encouraged to wear colors to the celebration.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be made to Love Columbia (lovecolumbia.org) or Coyote Hill (coyotehill.org).