Robert Lowell Western of Springfield, MO passed away Sunday, January 22, 2017 from complications of Parkinson's.

Robert Lowell Western was born in Linneus, Mo. in Linn County on June 21, 1940 to Edward Lowell Western and Lottie Corrine Western Dryden the youngest of two children. Lowell lived in Linneus until his family moved to Springfield, MO when he was eight and attended Sunshine Elementary and Jarrett Junior High and graduated from Parkview High School in 1959. Lowell then married his High School sweetheart, Linda Jean Cook on January 23, 1960 and they were blessed with 57 heartfelt and fun loving years together. He was a much-loved member of the Cook family. He was devoted to his brother Edmond and mother Corrine, enjoying many wonderful meals around her dining table and out of state visits to Brother Edmond and family.

He worked for Dayco Products in Springfield for 40 years, making many lifelong friends which he shared many memories; to them he was known as Bob (Robert). In retirement he had more time to enjoy some of the things he liked best: spending time with family and friends, and traveling to see his grandkids. He was a devoted and passionate fan of the NFL Arizona Cardinals, formerly the St. Louis Cardinals – Go Big Red, and Missouri Tigers. He was a season ticket holder to SMS Bears basketball for over 30 years. He enjoyed Thoroughbred horse racing and the entertaining crowds at the track, and enthusiastically introduced family and friends to the sport. He was a diligent handicapper and his favorite track was Oaklawn Park, but enjoyed traveling to other race tracks to experience their races, crowds, food, and surrounding towns. Wes was an avid boater with his family at Table Rock Lake and with great patience, helped teach many to water ski, while having great fun at the lake. He was a superb steak and chicken griller using his favorite Old Smokey grill. He loved spending time and playing with his children and grandchildren outside in the backyard. He enjoyed listening to music and great singing voices, and was fond of singing along to his many favorite songs and show tunes. He was a long time member at St. Paul United Methodist Church.

Wes will be remembered by his family for his quick wit, funny one liners and his ability to make over statements into hilarious commentary. He had a knack for making any outing an adventure. He will also be remembered as a loving father and the greatest dad. He was a devoted, loving husband and steadfast friend.

Wes is survived by his wife Linda Jean Western, his son Wesley and family in Charleston, SC, his daughter Terri and her family in San Antonio, TX, and his brother Edmond and wife Joan and family in Bakersfield, CA. Wes will greatly miss his three grandchildren: Spencer Elizabeth Henderson, Ainsley Corrine Western, and Asher Rayden Western, his children Terri Lynne and Wesley Edward, and his wife Linda.

Services will be at 10am, Friday, January 27th at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole St. Springfield MO, with Rev. Lori Lampert officiating, with visitation from 5:00 – 7:00pm Thursday. Graveside services will be at 3:00pm, Columbia Cemetery, Columbia Missouri with Rev. Sue Lambert officiating.

In memory of Wes, contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation.