Robert F. Stringer – The Morning Sun

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

He was born on January 6, 1959 in Topeka, KS, the son of Stan and Joan (Renner) Stringer. He was the eldest of eight children. He graduated from Hayden High School in Topeka and then attended Pittsburg State University, where he was the starting center for the football team. During his orientation at Pitt State, he met Debbie Dittmann. Their versions of this story differ, but she insists that the first time they spoke was 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 the University of Health Sciences Medical School in Kansas City and then moved to Tulsa for a residency in orthopedic surgery. In 1990, he and his growing family moved to Joplin, MO, where he would begin his practice.

He was a founding member of the 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 he considered it a privilege to be welcomed into their lives. He never met a stranger, never met someone whose story he didn’t want to learn, never met someone whose day he didn’t want to brighten. Wherever he went, he went with a smile and brought forth his endless optimism and uplifting positivity. He was a cheerleader for everyone he met. A shelter in every storm.

Bob was a member of Hope City Church in Joplin and considered his Christian faith the driving force in his life. Even a cancer diagnosis could not diminish his faith in God’s plan. The love, contentment, and security with which he approached his final days serve as an example of the power of an unwavering faith.

Bob loved to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. He loved chaotic scenes full of friends, family, barbecue grills, beer coolers, loud music and lots of banter and dancing. He was competitive (but not always successful) at dominoes. He made the best biscuits and gravy. He gave the deepest, warmest hugs.

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

He is preceded in death by his parents, Stan and Joan Stringer, his brother Patrick, as well as 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, as well as 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.

Bob was cremated, in accordance with his wishes. A celebration of life will be held at Hope City Church in Joplin on Friday, June 28 at 3:00 PM. A private burial will be held at 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.