Robert "Bob" Coen Mattox, a resident of Hale, Missouri, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2026, at the age of 86, at St. Luke's Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri. He was born the son of Ralph and Itilene Elizabeth (Couch) Mattox in Hale on May 19, 1940, Bob lived a life full of service, family, and dedication to his community.

A proud graduate of Hale High School in 1958, Bob then served his country honorably in the United States Navy from 1960 until 1964, embodying a spirit of commitment and dedication that resonated throughout his life. He was united in marriage to Linda Shoemaker on September 24, 1965 in Hale, Missouri. She preceded him in death on July 31, 1998.

Bob was a dedicated member of the Hale Baptist Church, serving as deacon and song leader for 50 years and custodian for 42 years. He was also a member of the Hale Lions Club and the Hale VFW, and later the Carrollton VFW. He was a truck driver for Formel Baking in Carrollton, and later for MFA. He then drove a school bus and was head custodian for the Hale School District for 22 years. His commitment to safety and kindness left a lasting impression on countless students and families over the years. He loved spending time on the lawn mower and provided the sharpest blades around. Beyond his professional life, Bob was a train enthusiast, he would stop what he was doing just to watch a train. He enjoyed model cars and spent countless hours helping at Lindley Funeral Homes at their various locations.

Robert was a devoted family man. He is survived by his three sons, Ron Mattox and wife, Bobbi of Chillicothe, Missouri, Dwayne Mattox of Laclede, Missouri, and Ryan Mattox and wife, Jami of Jefferson City, Missouri; two daughters, Anita Ewing of Trenton, Missouri and Lisa Bryson and husband, Billy of Hale, Missouri; his sister, Dorrene Votaw of Middleburg, Florida; and his brother, Gerald C. Mattox (Leah) of West Burlington, Iowa. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, Karissa (Willie), Kayla, Kelsey (Jackson), Kordell, Jewel (Tom); eight great grandchildren, Silas, Teagan, Tinsley, Greylie, Rayleigh, Nolan, Ariel, and Thomas, and two more on the way, whose lives he touched deeply with his wisdom and love; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Ralph C. Mattox and Itilene Elizabeth Mattox, Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Mattox, his brothers, Harley Mattox and his wife, Carlene, and Ted Mattox and his wife, Nancy; his twin sisters, and sisters-in-law, Donna Thomas and Carol Fanjul.

Funeral services will be held at the Baptist Church of Hale, Hale, Missouri on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. A scheduled visitation will be held at Lindley Funeral Home, Hale Missouri on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The register book will be available to sign at Lindley Funeral Home, Hale, Missouri on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 12 noon until 7:00 p.m. Burial will be held at the Hale Memory Gardens, Hale, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hale Baptist Church and may me left or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home. PO Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Hale, Missouri.