Robert Johnson "Bob" Aters, age 83, a resident of East Prairie, MO, passed away Monday, September 8, 2025, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, MO.  He was born November 15, 1941, at Sugar Tree Ridge in New Madrid County, MO, son of  the late Charles August "Gus" Aters and Marie Johnson Aters.  Bob worked at a sawmill and was a logger, as well as being owner and operator of a trucking business.  He also worked six years for the Mississippi County Highway Department, a job in which he took great pride.  Bob was still actively employed at the time of his passing.  He was always known for being a dedicated worker.  He enjoyed hunting, family gatherings at the cabin, and fish frys.  He always insisted on someone saying grace before any fish fry gathering.  Bob was known to all for pulling a wagon with his tractor in every 4th of July parade in East Prairie, an event he looked forward to each year, and one which his family hopes to continue as part of his legacy.  He was the best Dad a son could ever have, and he was affectionately known as "PaPaw" and "Granpa Bob" to all the grandkids and little ones. He was also known for being a great uncle to his nieces and nephews and a blessing to all his family members and friends.  He leaves behind many wonderful memories; it would be impossible to list them all.  Bob's main focus in life was always his family.

Bob married Martha Lane Grissom on September 8, 1973; she preceded him in death on March 7, 2025.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Shawn and Rhonda Aters; four brothers, Floyd Aters, Paul Aters, Terry Aters and Ricky Aters; and five sisters, Alice Organ, Rosetta Branam, Shirley Johnson, Thelma Wasson, and Penny Simpkins.  Also surviving are his grandchildren, Addi Aters, Libby Cogdill, Katie (Josh) Cobb, Daniel (Autumn) Cobb II, and Kaylinn Cobb; and great grandchildren, Isabella, Charlotte, Berkley, and Owen Lorenson, and Daniel Cobb III.

In addition to his beloved wife Martha, Bob was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, R.J. Aters and Jimmy Aters; and one grandson, Gage Mackenzie Aters.

Visitation will be held Monday, September 15, 2025, beginning at 11 a.m. until time of funeral service at 1 p.m. at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.  Bro. Jon Archie, pastor of Elm Street Baptist Church, will officiate.

Interment will follow in East Prairie Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Shelby Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Dale Matney, Tra Simpkins, Nathan Aters, Floyd Aters Jr., Daniel Cobb II, and C.J. Aters

Honorary pallbearers will be Heather Hutcheson, Paula Matheney, Christina Branam, Tracy Collins, Tina Garza, and Terry Dale Aters.