Robert "Bob" Eugene Bland, Sr., age 87, of Freeburg, was born February 4, 1938, in Molene, Illinois, a son of Roy L. and Frances (Carter) Bland, and passed from this life on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Capital Region Hospital, Jefferson City.

He was united in marriage on June 21, 1965, in Vienna, to the former Miss Darlene Clara Williams, and to this union five children were born.

Robert was honorably discharged from the United States Army at the rank of PFC.  A man of excellent character, Robert's Honorable Discharge is a testimony of selfless and faithful service to his country.

He was baptized early in life and at the time of passing was attending Rader United Methodist Church, Vienna.  He worked for Quaker Windows, Freeburg for a short time, was a correctional officer with the Missouri Department of Corrections for twenty years retiring in 1993, and following his retirement was a wood cutter. Bob enjoyed swap meets but mostly gambling at the boats.

Those left to mourn the passing of Bob include: his wife of fifty-nine years, Darlene "Dar" Bland of the home in Freeburg; sons, Robert Bland, Jr. (Cindy), Florida, Richard Bland, Florida; Rex Bland (Misty), Freeburg, Mark Bland (Angie), Rolla; and Luke Bland, Freeburg; daughter, Barbara Welschmeyer (Kenneth), Freeburg; brothers, Richard Bland, Idaho, William Bland (Renee), Oregon; sisters; Candance Bowles, California, and Cheryl Bland, Texas; 18 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren, and several great-great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by one son, Mike Eugene Bland on January 25, 2002; his father Roy; his mother Frances; one brother, James Bland; one sister, Chauntel Bland; and one sister-in-law, Charlotte Bland.

Visitation for Mr. Robert Bland will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, April 27, 2025, and from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon on Monday, April 28, 2025, with his funeral service following all in the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, 406 South Main, Vienna, Missouri 65582 with Rev. Lynn Facemyer, Rader United Methodist Church, Vienna officiating.

Interment will be in the Rader Cemetery, Vienna, under the direction of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Vienna.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Robert Bland, Sr. are suggested per the wishes of the family with envelopes available at the funeral home or in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 250, Vienna, MO 65582.

Online condolences may be shared with the family of Mr. Robert Bland, Sr. at www.birminghammartinfuneralhomes.com