Robby Gale “Rob” Sportsman, 85, of Festus died Jan. 13, 2021, in Festus. Mr. Sportsman was a Korean War veteran and a member of VFW and Amvets posts in Florida. He was an avid follower of Jesus Christ. He enjoyed riding bikes, line dancing with his wife, supporting veterans and others in need and spending time with family. Born March 12, 1935, in Clarence, he was the son of the late James Robert and Alma (Sisk) Sportsman.
He is survived by his wife: Linda (Whitter) Sportsman of Festus; eight children: Terri (Frank) Ashmore of Fenton, Cindy Sportsman of Eureka, Becky Harris of Fenton, Robert (Sonia) Sportsman of Jacksonville, Fla., John (Connie) Sportsman of O’Fallon, Dana (Billy) Richards of Barnhart, Daneen (Rusty) Buehler of Crystal City and Dawna Kenkel of O’Fallon; 13 grandchildren: Heidi Bickl, Jessie (Will) Walker, Alexandria Sportsman, Daniel Loberbaum, David Loberbaum, Steven (Ivetthe) Kenkel, Stephanie Honea, Bobby Honea, Josh (Mandy) Buehler, Jake (Amber) Buehler, Kristin Shelton, Tiah (Will) Archer and Travis Scheske; two siblings: Pat (the late Leonard) McGee of Ft. Orange, Fla., and Walt (Amalia) Sportsman of Locanto, Fla.; 18 great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by a daughter: Jennifer Sportsman; a grandson: Tyson Garcia; and two sisters: Darlene Sue (the late Norton) Henke and Sandra Lawson.
A memorial gathering will be from 1-2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021, at Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23, at the funeral home, officiated by Dennis Whitter and Rick Whitter. Burial will take place at a later date in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.