Robert “Bob” Donald Gish, age 93, of Vandalia, Missouri, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
Bob was born on September 15, 1932, in Mexico, Missouri, the son of Lloyd Gish and Leva Mae Colvin Gish. With his father's passing at the young age of 12 years old, Leva later married Jack Lent, who was a proud father figure to Bob and grandfather to his children.
On September 15, 1955, Bob was united in marriage to Carolyn Sue Gish (Dowell). Together they shared 64 years of marriage and family life until her passing in 2019.
Bob proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War, where he served on the Destroyer, the U.S.S. Braine. Upon returning to Vandalia, he was employed by Mac's Appliance and then McDonald-Douglas Aircraft in St. Louis. Later he worked as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service in Vandalia before being appointed Postmaster at the Farber, Missouri Post Office until his retirement in 1992.
Bob was a member of Adiel Baptist Church and was also a member of the Grand Lodge of Missouri in Vandalia as a Master Mason for over 50 years.
Throughout his life, Bob loved the simple things that brought him happiness. His farm was one of his favorite places to spend his time, whether he was tinkering with his tractors, or simply being outdoors. Through the years, he enjoyed his horses, hunting, fishing, boating, and riding his motorcycle and scooter. Bob’s love of baseball began when he played the game as a young man and remained with him throughout his life. He was a devoted sports fan, with the St. Louis Cardinals holding a special place among his favorite teams the Chiefs and the Mizzou Tigers.
Above all, Bob treasured his family and the time he was able to spend with those closest to him.
Survivors include his two daughters, Rhonda Smith and husband Dennis, and Renee James and husband Merle; two granddaughters, Jolene Chartkov and husband Konstantin, and Brooke James and fiancé Hunter Cussigh; three great-granddaughters, Katie Chartkov, Maggie Chartkov and Lizzie Chartkov; along with extended family and friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn Sue Gish; his parents, Lloyd and Leva Mae Gish; three brothers, Bill Gish, Clarence Gish and James Gish; and three sisters, Virginia Folta, Dorothy Henderson and Mary Ann Seymour.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Waters Funeral Home with Brother Kenny Haddock officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Burial will follow the service at Vandalia Cemetery with full military honors.
Serving as pallbearers will be Dennis Smith, Merle James, Konstantin Chartkov, Hunter Cussigh, Ralph Kuda and Jim Miller.
Honorary pallbearers will be Billy White, Jim Stotler, H.E. Libby and Larry Dowell.
Memorial contributions may be made to Community Loving Care Hospice, in care of Waters Funeral Home.
