Robert Ackerson

Robert Earl (Bob) Ackerson, 78, Drexel, MO passed away May 22, 2005. Visitation will be held 5-6 PM Saturday, May 28, 2005 at Drexel United Methodist Church, 304 E. Walnut, Drexel, MO. A memorial service will follow the visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, Harrisonville Animal Shelter, or Hospice International.
Robert was born April 9, 1927, in K.C. KS. He was raised in Merriam, KS and attended Shawnee Mission (North) High School. In January, 1945, during WWII and his senior year in high school, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served until Feb. 1948, attaining the rank of 3rd Class Petty Officer. After his discharge, he earned his high school diploma and began his career with Ackerson?s Fine Arts Studio, training on the G.I. Bill. Also that year, he met and married his wife, Maxine. From this union, four children were born. The family moved to Hickman Mills, MO in 1953 where Bob was active in the Hickman Mills American Legion, The Ruskin Optimist?s Club, and South Suburban Junior Baseball Association, where he manages and coached his son?s baseball teams for many years. In 1976, he and his wife moved to their small farm in Drexel, MO. Having taken over ownership of Ackerson?s in 1965 and after being in the business 51 years, he retired in 1999. Bob was happiest when he was with his garden growing beautiful vegetables, or on the golf course. He leaves his loving family: his wife of 57 years, Maxine: his four children, Gayle Ann Spears (Mark), Peculiar, MO: Robert Crag Ackerson (Jeanne), Greeman, MO: Todd Alan Ackerson (Teri), KC, MO and Kurt Thomas Ackerson, Tampa, FL; His seven grandchildren: Holly Ann Spears, Laura Lynn Morales, Melissa Kay Echterling (Luke), Rober ScottAckerson (Krissy), Chandra Lee Orthel (Rob), Kip Alan Ackerson, Drew Alan Ackerson, and his step-grandson, Parker Davis: his six great-grandchildren, Alexander Christiano Morales, Javier Gabriel Morales, Robert Quin Ackerson, Robert Gavin Orthel, William Scott Orthel and Eamon Elias Echterling: his sister, Beverly Briar, Hot Springs, AR, his nieces and nephews and his many cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lillian & CB Ackerson and an infant brother, Chilton B. Ackerson. Bob will be remembered as an honest businessman and gifted artisan who beautifully restored oil paintings and other works of art, and enhanced art work with his unique custom framing. (arr. Heartland Cremation & Burial Society 816-313-1677)