James Robert “Bob” Healy

James Robert “Bob” Healy, 91, died on Oct. 22, 2026, in Springfield, Mo. He was born on Feb. 22, 1935, in Stonefort, Ill., to Terrah B. Healy and Beatrice E. Healy.

Bob grew up working on the family farm in Doniphan, Mo. While a teenager, he enlisted in the United States Army and served with the 11th Airborne Division at Fort Campbell from 1954 to 1956. During that time, he met the love of his life, Betty Faulkner of Williamsville, Mo., and they married on Aug. 4, 1955. After his military service, he opened Healy Automotive in Williamsville before spending 22 years as an over-the-road truck driver.

In 1985, Bob answered the call to preach the gospel and was ordained as a Baptist minister. That same year he began pastoring Faith Bible Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff, Mo., which he led faithfully until his retirement in 2010 at the age of 75. The ministry was Bob’s defining career, a calling he took seriously through tremendous study and bold preaching.

Upon retirement, Bob moved to Springfield, to be closer to his children, and he spent his remaining years serving his local church and enjoying his family. His favorite times were Sunday lunches with his children and grandchildren, where he told stories from his life, and he loved spending Sunday afternoons playing dominoes, Rook, and working on puzzles with them. Bob was a beloved Papa to his grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his wife of 71 years, Betty Healy, and by his four children: Annita K. Rosenblatt (Steve) of San Antonio, Texas; James R. Healy, Jr., of Springfield; David A. Healy (Sarah) of Ozark, Mo.; and Douglas L. Healy of Ozark, Mo. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and all ten of his siblings.

A visitation and funeral service were held Monday, October 26, at Adams Funeral Home Ozark and were officiated by Pastors Curt Zachary and Derek Eckles. The burial took place immediately afterwards at Missouri Veteran Cemetery in Springfield. Arrangements were under the direction of Adams Funeral Home Ozark.