Bobby Lee Fruits

Bobby Lee Fruits passed away peacefully at his home in Mountain View, Missouri, on April 26, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on September 9, 1934, in Danville, Illinois.

 

At the age of 10, Bobby was baptized and saved, beginning a life rooted in faith and service. As a young boy, he enjoyed fishing and dancing, an early passion sparked by his sister Mary Esther. At 17, with his parents’ consent, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served bravely in the Korean War. During a harrowing battle near the 38th parallel, Bobby endured three days trapped beneath a truck with a fellow soldier, surviving only by faith, courage, and resilience. He was a disabled veteran and received a Purple Heart.

 

After his military service, Bobby pursued trucking school in Wyoming and later studied law enforcement. He served as a sheriff’s deputy in Murphysboro, Illinois, and also held roles as a firefighter and fire chief. A dedicated public servant, Bobby rose to the highest ranks in both the Masons and Shriners, devoting over 40 years to helping children in Illinois and East St. Louis receive care to walk again. 

 

Bobby retired from Smith Transport as a proud Teamster but never stopped moving. He earned a real estate license, served as a reserve officer, and worked for the Missouri Department of Conservation. Known for his signature vanilla tobacco pipe and ever-present smile, Bobby cherished time with his beloved wife Donna, and their grandchildren.

 

He enjoyed spending time with his son-in-law Terry fishing, hunting, farming, and building stuff together.

 

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Tina Marie Fruits; his parents; brothers, George, Rev. Ira Jr., Archie, Rev. Willard, and Edward; and sisters, Mary Esther Sullivan, Ida Mae Dorhman, and Betty Fruits.

 

He is survived by his wife, Donna; children, Cindy Fruits, Sherie Henry of Mountain View, MO, Betty Carter of West Plains, MO, Stephanie Briggs and husband Terry of Pomona, MO, and Danny Carter of Ferguson, MO; grandchildren, Kevin Carter of Springfield, MO, Seth Smith of Pomona, MO, Britnee Duncan of West Plains, MO, and Heidi Briggs of Pomona, MO; great-grandsons, Braxton Duncan and Malakai Briggs Woodard; brother, Charles Fruits; and many cherished nieces, nephews and in-laws.

 

Bobby wants to say “Thank you Donna for letting me love you and taking a chance on me. You have given me the best years of my life. I’m proud of my family and all that I have taught them. Nothing brought me more joy than watching them all grow. Terry, watch over my girls and take care of yourself, man. Love, Bobby Lee Fruits.”

 

Blessed is the Peace Keeper. Bobby was a Master Mason Imperial Potentate, a Korean War Veteran, and always a Marine. A real superhero doesn’t wear a cape, they wear dog tags. Semper Fi.

 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 17, at 10:00 a.m. at Yarber Mortuary Mountain View, Missouri.  Inurnment will be in Veteran’s Cemetery, Mountain View. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.