Robert L. Stigler Sr.

Robert L. Stigler, Sr. was born on April 21, 1950, in Tchula, Mississippi, to Mrs. LueCreasie Stigler. Raised in Lexington, Mississippi, he attended the Lexington school system and graduated from Lexington High School in 1968. Soon after graduating, he relocated to Kansas City, Missouri, and began his career as a Corrugator Operator with the Packaging Corporation of America, where he worked with dedication and pride.Robert was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Though he did not wish to go to war, he served his country faithfully and honorably, fulfilling his duty as a combat medic and earning an honorable discharge, as well as being awarded two Purple Hearts. After leaving the Army, Robert served in the Army Reserve until 1976. In early 1974, he met the love of his life, Sherverla “Pinkie” Stigler, while she was attending Job Corps and a double date soon blossomed into a love all their own. Their bond was immediate, and they soon married. Exactly one day after their first wedding anniversary, they welcomed their first son, Robert Stigler, Jr.—the beginning of a large and loving family that would grow to include three sons and five daughters. In 1998, Robert and Pinkie relocated to Brooklyn Park, MN, where they lived until he transitioned. Robert was a man of many talents and passions. 

He enjoyed working on cars, barbecuing, and cooking for his family. His breakfasts were a family staple, and his cakes and desserts were so well-loved that they became a regular request at family gatherings and church functions. He took great joy in providing for his loved ones, not just with food, but with a home filled with warmth, humor, and faith. He also loved games and was a master chess, dominoes and card player, including spades, bidwhist, and gin rummy. Robert was also very intelligent and good with numbers, and during January to April of each year could be found preparing tax returns as a hobby for friends and family.

A devoted Christian, Robert served faithfully in his church, Freedom Christian Center in Kansas City, MO, and later as an ordained deacon at Spirit and Truth Worship Center in Minneapolis, MN for many years until his health no longer allowed. He was known for his generosity, offering advice, a helping hand, time, a smile, or even financial support to anyone in need. If Robert had it, he would give it. While he was not a frivolous man, he faced life’s challenges with a calm, happy spirit, always holding the line for his family. He was laid-back and easygoing, yet unafraid to speak his mind when it mattered. Sharp-witted and funny, he remained mentally quick and spirited up until his final days. On Sunday, August 3, 2025, Robert transitioned from his earthly body into eternal rest in heaven. 

He is preceded in death by his mother, LueCreasie Stigler; his mother-in-law, Brenda Dixon; his sister, Mae Stigler, his brothers, David Woods, Cleveland Woods, and John Stigler; and his grandchildren, Quintin Stigler, Migizi Stigler, and Mukwa Stigler.Robert leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 50 years, Sherverla “Pinkie” Stigler; his children, Robert Stigler Jr. (Ozanna) of Atlanta, GA, Andre Stigler (Michelle) of Willmar, MN, Tressi Stigler, Shekinah Dillon (Walter), Alecia Stigler, Briahna Stigler, Meikeda Stigler-Robinson (Christopher), and Daniel Pope, all of Minneapolis, MN; his siblings George Stigler (Veronica) of Grandview, MO, Fareeda Muhammad of Kansas City, MO, Bernice Stigler and Georgianner Stigler of Kansas City, KS, and Curtis Stigler (Rebecca) of Lee's Summit, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Mamie Stigler of Grandview, MO, and Angela Woods of Dallas, TX; two granddaughters, Morgan Hannor and Saige Stigler; 12 grandsons, Robert J. Stigler III, Andre Stigler Jr., Gerome Stigler, Walter Dillon Jr., Lamar Stigler, Jonas Dixon IV, Roman Stigler, Laquan Stigler, Hukm Fields Jr., Maurice Stigler, Saleem Stigler, and Wesley Dillon; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.

Robert’s life was one of love, loyalty, and service. He was truly one of a kind—funny, strong, and deeply devoted to his family. His generosity, integrity, and faith will remain an enduring light in the hearts of all who knew him. We are blessed to have had him as long as we did, and today we celebrate all that he was and all that he gave.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday August 22, 2025, visitation will be from 9 A.M. - 10 A.M. with services beginning at 10 A.M. at Golden Gate Funeral & Cremation Services, LLC 2800 East 18th, Kansas City, Mo 64127.

Interment : Leavenworth National Cemetery