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Bob was a man who loved to visit and never met a stranger he could not share a joke with.

Robert Alan McMinn, known to many as Bob, was born on July 26, 1939, in Maries County, Missouri, the son of the late Fred and Tina Terwilliger McMinn, and passed away on September 20, 2026, at his home in St. James, Missouri, the place he loved so much. His life was marked by hard work, faithful devotion, a ready sense of humor, and a deep love for his family, his church, and the simple joy of working with his hands.

Bob worked as a mechanic all of his life. He was a self-taught mechanic who learned by trial and error and from those around him. He paid close attention, remembered what worked, and quickly learned what did not. Being a mechanic was truly in his blood. The grease on his hands, the smashed fingers, and the back that bore the marks of years of labor all told the story of a man who gave himself fully to his work and continued at it throughout his life.

After retiring, Bob remained happiest when he was still creating and building. He spent many hours in his shop doing woodwork and working with his hands on projects he loved. His craftsmanship could be seen throughout his home, and his family treasures the keepsakes he made, each one carrying a part of him and standing as a lasting reminder of his care, skill, and love. These cherished pieces will continue to be passed down through future generations.

Bob was a man who loved to visit and never met a stranger he could not share a joke with. His warm, easy way with people made others feel welcome, and his presence brought laughter and conversation wherever he went. He found joy in being with others.

His faith was an important part of his life. While Bob accepted the Lord later in life, he loved the Lord and worshiped at Broadway Baptist Church, where he was very active. He and his beloved wife, Carol, always tried to praise God every Sunday. Many at church will remember seeing Bob in the kitchen, visiting with the cooks, enjoying an early sample of what was being prepared, and occasionally offering advice that was, at times, welcomed with a smile.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol Joyce McMinn, who entered into rest on December 28, 2017.

Bob leaves behind a loving family who will carry his memory forward with gratitude and affection. He is survived by his son, Michael Alan McMinn, and his wife, Tammy, of Newburg, Missouri; his daughter, Rose Nannette McMinn, of Clinton, Tennessee; and his daughter, Lori Lynne Hill, and her husband, Timothy, of Leavenworth, Kansas. He also leaves his granddaughters, Jessica McRae and her husband, Chad, and Stacia Pleimann and her husband, Mike, and his great-grandsons, Cohen McRae and River Pleimann, who are part of the generations blessed by his life and love.

Bob was the last of his siblings to pass away. He is preceded in death by his brother, Clinton McMinn, and his wife, Dorothy, his sisters, Mary Blackwell, Allie Prewett, Lucy Spencer, Virgie Maxwell, Margie Davis, and Nina Barks.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him but remembered with special tenderness by those who shared in his laughter, benefited from his skill, worshiped beside him, and received the gifts of his steady hands and generous heart.

Bob’s life was one of labor, faith, humor, and love. In the home he cherished, in the church he served, and in the family he loved so well, his memory will remain a blessing.

A memorial visitation will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the Jones Funeral Home, with a Celebration of Life at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James with Pastor of Broadway Baptist Church, Michael Anderson, officiating. Bob's favorite hymns will be played for his service.

Memorial donations may be made to the Vichy Volunteer Fire Department, where Bob spent many afternoons and evenings, enjoying meals, singings, and fellowship.

All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.