Robert F. Stringer – Morning Sun

Robert F. Stringer, 65, died at home in Joplin, MO on June 22, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.

He was born January 6, 1959, in Topeka, KS, to Stan and Joan (Renner) Stringer. He was the eldest of eight children. He graduated from Hayden High School in Topeka and went on to attend Pittsburg State University, where he was the starting center on the football team. At Pitt State, during orientation, he met Debbie Dittmann. Their versions of this story differ, but she insists they first spoke when he approached her to ask to borrow a dollar. They started dating soon after, eventually married, and were together for the next 47 years.

Bob attended medical school at Kansas City University of Health Sciences and then moved to Tulsa for an orthopedic surgery residency. In 1990, he and his growing family moved to Joplin, MO, where he would begin his practice.

He was a founding member of Orthopedic Specialists of the Four States and co-owner of Stateline Surgery Center and Premier Surgical Institute, as well as a staff surgeon at Mercy Hospital in Joplin and Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg.

For the past 34 years, it has been Bob’s greatest honor and joy to care for his community. He loved people more than anything and considered it a privilege to be welcomed into their lives. She never met a stranger, never met anyone whose story she didn’t want to learn, never met anyone whose day she didn’t want to brighten. Wherever he went, he went with a smile, carrying his endless optimism and uplifting positivity. He was a cheerleader for everyone he met. A shelter in any storm.

Bob was a member of Hope City Church in Joplin and found his Christian faith to be the driving force in his life. Not even a cancer diagnosis could diminish or diminish his trust in God’s plan. The love, contentment, and assurance with which she faced her final days serve as an example of the power of unwavering faith.

Bob was delighted to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed chaotic scenes filled with friends, family, barbecues, beer coolers, loud music and lots of joking and dancing. He was competitive (but not always successful) at dominoes. She made the best biscuits and gravy. He gave the deepest and most sincere hugs.

His kindness, joy and generosity of spirit have no dimensions that cancer can reach. The legacy he leaves behind will continue to influence those around him for many years to come.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Stan and Joan Stringer, his brother Patrick, and his father and mother-in-law, Bob and Betty Dittmann, with whom he was very close. He is survived by his wife Debbie, his four children: Scott, Katie and husband Troy Scribner, Kellie and Lauren, and his siblings: brother Tom and Jeanette Stringer, sister Kathryn and Mike Hosfelt, brother John and Telisa Stringer, brother . Joe Stringer, brother Michael Stringer and Jason Milbradt and sister Rosie Stringer-Cuellar and Sam Cuellar. He also leaves behind a very loyal and heartbroken Golden Retriever named Jack.

Per his wishes, Bob was cremated. A celebration of life will be held at Hope City Church in Joplin on Friday, June 28 at 3 p.m. A private family burial will be held in Highland Park Cemetery in Pittsburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hope City Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, 1502 S. Joplin Ave, Joplin, MO 64804.