Robert Parker Roach, 75 of Springfield passed away Thursday, May 20, 2010 in his home. He was born January 24, 1935 in Pulaski County, Missouri. Bob started an educational career in 1960, as a Social Studies teacher in Waynesville, Missouri. From there he continued as a principal, taught at the post secondary level in the University of Florida and in the University of Missouri, Columbia. He later worked as Director of Gifted education for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. After retiring from DESE he moved to Springfield to accept a position as Director of the Center for Gifted Education in Drury University. Bob's commitment to youngsters and education was evident in his leadership in establishing the Missouri Scholar's Academy in the University of Missouri. Bob was a favorite among a wide circle of colleagues, friends and neighbors, who will always remember his stories. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Annabelle; two sisters, Marjorie Ransdall and Ruby Bremmerkamp; and a niece, Jo Ann Carroll. Bob is survived by two nephews, Billy Lee Ransdall of Waynesville, and Edward Miles Jones of Warrensburg; a niece, Myla Wright of Jefferson City and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews including Robert Abraham Williams and Parker Joseph Breeden who are his namesakes. Russ Johnson was a long-time special friend in Florida. A gathering to remember Bob will be held on Thursday, May 27, 2010 at 2 p.m., in the Stone Chapel Lounge in Drury University. Memorial donations may be made to Drury's Center for Gifted Education, 900 N. Benton Avenue, Lay 103, Springfield, Missouri 65802.