Robert Wayne Trantham, age 85, a resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Hedrick Medical Center, Chillicothe, Missouri.
Robert Wayne Trantham was born on November 21, 1940. He was the only son of Alfred and Laura (Bale) Trantham. He came from humble origins. His parents didn’t have much but they worked hard to give him a good upbringing and instill in him good values. He met his wife, Patricia Reno, back in 1959 and they ended up marrying that same year and would celebrate 67 anniversaries throughout the years.
Robert served in the United States Army in military intelligence and did a tour in Vietnam in the mid 1960’s. His first son, Robert Allen Trantham, was born in 1965, and his second son, Christopher Todd Trantham, was then born in 1976. Following in his parent’s footsteps, he worked hard to give his family everything they needed and still found time to coach his son’s sports teams as they were growing up.
Robert was involved in several organizations in Liberty, Missouri, including being past President of the Liberty Jaycee’s, JCI Senate and a Charter member in the Liberty Sertoma Club. He was also an active member of the Kiwanis, Chillicothe Shriners Club, Moila Temple Shriner and the Vern Glick American Legion Post #25. His other involvements include being past President of the Chillicothe Friendship Masonic Lodge #89 AF & Am, and a lifetime member of the NRA. In the early 80’s, his job had him calling on auto dealers and let to the opportunity to purchase Bill Woods Ford in 1983. With a little help from his parents (whom he paid back in full) and a partnership with Gary Miller, he was able to purchase the Ford dealership in September of that same year. With the help of some really good people in key positions over the last 43 years, he and his sons have been able to work together ever since.
Robert is survived by his wife, Patricia of the home; his sons, Rob Trantham and Chris Trantham; his daughter-in-law, Alyona Trantham; and his two grandchildren, Anthony and Adrian Trantham. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Bob, as he always went by, would mention on occasion, that he was living the American dream. That he came from essentially nothing financially and through hard work and sacrifices, was able to build something meaningful to share and pass down to those he loved. He honored his commitments and always said a man is only as good as his word. Though he wasn’t perfect, he was close enough to those who knew and loved him.
Funeral services will be held at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. A scheduled visitation will be held at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The registry book will be available for signing at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 12 noon until 7:00 p.m. Burial will be held at Utica Cemetery, Utica, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to LICOVA (Livingston County Veterans Association) and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.