Robert Stagner

Robert Edward Stagner, 80, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, at his home surrounded by the love of his family.

Mr. Stagner, the son of the late Lurton and Roberta (McCormick) Stagner, was born Sept. 2, 1940 in Charleston, Missouri.

On July 18, 1980, he married Mary Louise Wells, who preceded him in death on March 14, 2016.

Mr. Stagner was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Poplar Bluff. He began his impressive tenure with M&A Electric Power Cooperative on August 1961 and quickly became the youngest general manager of a Generation and Transmission Electric Cooperative in the United States of America. He was elected to serve on the Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. Board of Directors in 1968, where he was instrumental in the planning, design and construction of 12 new power plants across Missouri, installation of weather radios throughout Southeast Missouri to warn of hazardous weather and the construction of a transmission line across the Mississippi River to name a few of his many accomplishments.

He volunteered at the world’s largest annual flying event in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where he helped teach amateur aviators how to build their own air crafts.

Mr. Stagner retired from his work at M&A on March 2, 2001. During retirement, he worked as the Clock Doc for the region and spent the remainder his life enjoying the love of his wife, family and friends.

Survivors include, four children, Tina (Jeff) Foster of Poplar Bluff, Laura (Jay) Anderson of Jacksonville, Florida, David (Charlotte) Stagner and Robert Stagner of Cape Girardeau; 10 grandchildren, Logan Foster, Dylan Foster, Corey Stagner, Lauren Stagner, Mark McClure, Michelle Reese, Jennifer Barker, Blake Stagner, Alex Stagner, and Nick Anderson; and 21 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and loving wife, Mr. Stagner was preceded in death by a brother, Troy Dale Stagner.

Visitation will be held Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, from 10 a.m. until time of service at the First United Methodist Church in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. at the church with the Rev. David Stewart officiating. Interment will follow in the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 500 N. Main, Poplar Bluff, Missouri, 63901.

Cotrell Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Robert E. Stagner.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com .

Services require a face covering and social distancing when possible.