Robert Sapp

Robert L. Sapp, lifelong resident of Boone County, passed away at his home on Friday, September 4, 2015. Robert Laverne Sapp, the second son of Ina Mae (Grindstaff) and Fred Shadrick Sapp was born on March 23, 1934 in Boone County, MO. He graduated from Hickman High School in 1953 then served in the U.S. Army for two years, from 1953-1955.

Robert was a lifelong farmer. Along with his brother, Marvin, they farmed 1100 acres including acreage in the McBaine Missouri river bottom that is now part of the Eagle Bluff conservation area. Besides farming, Robert owned and operated an excavating company for several years. He developed Vantage Pointe subdivision in Columbia and Mystic Ridge subdivision in Centralia. He was a partner in developing Thornbrook subdivision located where he had resided and farmed for almost 50 years; the new Beulah Ralph grade school in also located on the same farm. Robert was a founding partner of Columbia Ready Mix. He was a member of the American Legion and the Eagles Club. Robert played baseball for many years and was one of the best hitters in semi-pro baseball in the area. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Missouri Tigers fan. Robert was a very proud father and grandfather. Robert courageously fought skin cancer and heart disease for many years.

On March 20, 1954, Robert married the love of his life, Jane Crews, of Columbia and together they shared 61 years of marriage; she survives of the home. Other survivors include his daughter, Deborah (Mike) Walther, of Columbia; son, Dr. Randall (Jenny) Sapp of St. Joseph, MO; granddaughters, Katelyn Sapp, of KC, Rachel and Madison Sapp of St. Joseph; brother, Marvin (Kathleen) Sapp of Columbia and 5 nieces; 1 uncle; 4 aunts and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Alex Durgin.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Hospice Compassus and to Robert’s nurse, Nikki.

Private family graveside services will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the American Heart Association.