Robert Gale Polk

Robert Gale Polk was born on March 11, 1933, in Ellington, Missouri, to Ray and Hazle (Howard) Polk. He passed away on December 9, 2024, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of ninety-one years. Robert enlisted in the United States Army and served his country faithfully during the Korean War. For his honorable service, he earned several decorations, medals, badges, and awards including the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. On November 20, 1955, Robert was united in marriage to the love of his life, June Booker, in Salem, Missouri. Together they shared sixty-nine years of marriage and created a life filled with lasting memories. Robert and June were blessed with three children, fifteen grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. Robert started his working career as a cook with White Castle and worked with his mother at Polk Cafe. He was an entrepreneur at heart and owned and operated Walnut Bowl and the Village Inn as well as being a partner of the Ranch Motel with Ray Gollhoffer. While his true passion was taking care of his family, he also liked spending time outdoors and tending to their farm. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, especially quail, along with his dog Dutchess. Robert liked being near the water, whether it was fishing from the pond or waterskiing at Norfolk Lake with June. He also loved to fly and spent a lot of time in his Cessna 172 and riding his Gold Wing motorcycle, making trips as far as Canada. Robert was a devoted husband, dedicated father, loving grandfather, and caring great-grandfather. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his world. He was a man of faith and attended First Baptist Church with June and his children. Later in life, he cherished spending time with his Hobson Community Church family. Robert is survived by his loving wife: June Polk of the home; children: Gail Feil of Republic, MO, Gary Polk and wife Denise of Salem, MO, and Bernice Heinzler and husband Terry of Saddlebrooke, MO; fifteen grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding him in death were his parents: Ray, who passed away in 1936, and Hazle Polk; brother: Howard Polk; sister: Lelia Pace Smith Cage; and grandchildren: Christopher Polk and John Feil. He will be deeply missed but always remembered for his kind heart and joyful spirit. His legacy will live on forever in the countless lives he has touched. Funeral Services for Robert Gale Polk were held Friday, December 13, 2024, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Clinton Massey officiating and Will Feil sharing the eulogy. Song selections played were “How Great Thou Art”, “You Raised Me Up”, and “I’ll Fly Away”. Additional song played by Clinton Massey was “In The Garden”. Serving as Pallbearers were David Feil, Adam Feil, Will Feil, Andrew Heinzler, Hayden Polk, Gary Polk, and Mitchell Heinzler. Military Honors was provided by the United States Army and American Legion Post 99. Burial was in the Carty Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be in memory of Robert Polk to the Hobson Community Church and left with Wilson Mortuary. Memorial envelopes will be available. Online Condolences may be left at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Robert Gale Polk

March 11, 1933 - December 9, 2024