Robert Plaster was a successful businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who passed away on October 6, 2008, at the age of 91. He was the founder of several companies, including Empire Gas Corporation, Evergreen Investments, and R & H Construction Company. He was also a generous donor to various educational and charitable causes, especially in his home state of Missouri. In this article, we will explore Robert Plaster cause of death, his life story, his achievements, and his impact on the world.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Robert Plaster was born on August 8, 1930, in Joplin, Missouri. His father ran a successful construction company, and his mother was a homemaker. Plaster was a self-made man who attributed much of his success to hard work and determination. He dropped out of high school at the age of 16 to help his father with the family business. After returning from the war, he finished high school and attended college on the G.I. Bill. He graduated from Missouri Southern State University with a degree in accounting. In 1952, he married his high school sweetheart, Peggy Sue McAdams. They had three children together: Robert Jr., David, and Susan. The couple divorced in 1972 but remained close friends until Peggy Sue’s death in 2009.
Business Career and Achievements
After college, Plaster went to work for his father’s construction company. In 1960, he started his own company, R & H Construction Company, with just $5,000 in savings. The company specialized in building schools and hospitals. It quickly became successful, and by 1965 it was grossing over $1 million per year.
In 1963, Plaster founded Empire Gas Corporation, a propane distribution company that grew to become one of the largest in the nation. He sold the company to his son, Steve, and other company managers in early 1996 for $120 million.
In the 1970s, Plaster invested in a computer administration company for hospitals called Meditech. The company became a leader in healthcare technology and went public on Wall Street in the 1990s.
Plaster also founded Evergreen Investments, a venture capital firm that invested in various businesses, such as self-driving cars, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality. He was also the CEO of CITGO Petroleum Corporation.
Plaster was known for his innovative and visionary approach to business. He was always looking for new opportunities and challenges. He once said: “I don’t like to do things that are easy. I like to do things that are hard.”
Philanthropy and Legacy
Plaster was not only a successful businessman but also a generous philanthropist. He donated millions of dollars to various causes, especially education and free enterprise. He believed that education was the key to success and that free enterprise was the best way to create wealth and prosperity.
Plaster was the founder of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), an international organization that encourages students to apply business skills to solve social problems. He served on the executive board of SIFE until his death.
Plaster also supported many educational institutions in Missouri and beyond. He donated to Missouri Southern State University, Drury University, College of the Ozarks, Evangel University, Southwest Baptist University, Missouri State University, Ozarks Technical Community College, and many others. He funded scholarships, buildings, programs, and research projects.
Plaster’s name can be seen on many campuses across Missouri. Some examples are:
The Robert W. Plaster School of Business at Missouri Southern State University
The Robert W. Plaster Center for Free Enterprise and Business Development at Drury University
The Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center at College of the Ozarks
The Robert W. Plaster Stadium at Evangel University
The Robert W. Plaster Graduate School of Business Administration at Southwest Baptist University
The Robert W. Plaster Student Union at Missouri State University
The Robert W. Plaster Center for Advanced Manufacturing at Ozarks Technical Community College
Plaster also donated to various charitable organizations, such as Convoy of Hope, Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Club of America, Salvation Army, American Red Cross, and many others.
Plaster lived a lavish lifestyle but also shared his wealth with others. He owned several mansions across the country, including a 30k square foot palace on Table Rock Lake that featured a 20+ car garage, a helicopter pad, a shooting range, and 14 bedrooms.
Plaster died of natural causes on October 6th ,2008. He left behind a lasting legacy of business success and philanthropic generosity.
Conclusion
Robert Plaster cause of death was not tragic or sudden, but rather a peaceful end to a long and fruitful life. He was a remarkable man who overcame adversity and achieved great things. He was an entrepreneur, a visionary, a leader, and a benefactor. He made a positive impact on the world and inspired many people to follow their dreams. He will be remembered as one of the most influential and respected figures in Missouri and beyond.
