Robert Curnutt

Robert Noel Curnutt, 56, of Poplar Bluff, joined his Heavenly Father Wednesday, June 21, 2023.

Robert was born Jan. 3, 1967 in Lakeport, Calif., to Bobbie R. (Pilcher) Milde of Poplar Bluff, and the late Russell L. Curnutt of Ukiah, Calif.

Robert spent most of his working career as a carpenter as well as a cook in several area restaurants.

He was an avid antique collector of furniture, glass pieces, wood boxes and trinkets. He very much enjoyed finding what most people would consider junk and turn it into a gem. He was very talented at many creative things, but especially in building wood furniture, in which you were most likely to find him during his time off, in his shop restoring old furniture and building unique wood pieces for his mother and other family members.

Robert had a magnetic personality, was always the comedian of any crowd, even going to the extent of being ridiculously silly to get a smile and laughter.

He had a very special bond with several of his nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews as well as several children of his close friends.

Robert loved the outdoors and being adventurous, and would never miss a chance to drag whichever children around him at the time to rivers, creeks, old buildings and whatever else caught his attention along the way. He always had a way of being completely present with them and acted age-appropriate accordingly, which is why he was a favorite to many.

Robert had a caring, giving soul. He would give a stranger the shirt off his back and his last dollar, if they needed it.

He was a devoted friend, and if you were lucky enough to be his friend, it would be unconditionally forever.

His family was the love of his life, and he wanted nothing more than to spend as much time with them as he could in the final months of his life. And he was able to do just that.

Robert is survived by his mother, Bobbie Milde; two brothers, Russell (Missy) Curnutt of Poplar Bluff, and Randy (Angelia) Milde of Neelyville; three sisters, Bridget Curnutt of Poplar Bluff, Rhonda (Eddie) Sullivan of Harviell, and Lorie (Dwayne) Casinger of Poplar Bluff; seven nephews, Sean (Jamie) Turner, Jordan (Tricia) Earnest; Anthony (Dustie) Curnutt, Christopher (Olivia) Casinger, Tyler Casinger, Dustin Milde and Dakota Milde; three nieces, Rusti (Jesse) Russom, Amber (Wade) Rogers and Susane Burkhart; 12 great-nieces, Chloe, Jessie, Mia, Amberlyn, Emery, Allyson, Ariah, Mallory, Katie, Hayley, Riley and Destiny; 13 great-nephews; Tony, Malachi, Austin, Maverick, Eli, Trenton, Lance, Scotty, Ethan, Hunter, Dylan, Brody and Kaveon; uncle, Duke (Janice) Pilcher of Lakeport, Calif.; uncle Billy Curnutt of Redwood City, Calif., along with many more uncles, aunts and cousins from the West Coast, too numerous to list; and many very special, life-long friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Russell L. Curnutt; grandmother, Violet M. (Duke) Pilcher of Ukiah, Calif.; stepfather, Randle E. Milde of Neelyville; and niece, Rachel Milde.

He was of the Church of God faith.

The family will have a private celebration of Robert’s life at his final resting place in the Kearbey Chapel Cemetery.