Robert "Bob" Allen Pata

Robert Allen Pata, known as “Bob”, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 2, 2022 in Springfield, Missouri. He is survived by his wife Joan; his son Nathan Pata; daughter Annsley Hiles; son-in-law Jeremiah and his grandchildren Brendon and Timothy; brother Richard Pata and Bob’s sister-in-law Judy Pata. Bob is also survived by his stepson, Matthew, his daughter-in-law, Dr. Ayesha Qureshi, and his granddaughter Lyla. Also surviving Bob are his brother-in-law Dr. Richard Puchta, sister-in-law Linda and their family as well as his brother-in-law Kenneth Puchta, sister-in-law, Nita and their family.

Bob was born August 16, 1940 and raised in El Centro, California by his parents, William and Evlyn Pata, and his brother, Richard. El Centro is a small desert town close to the Mexican Border town of Mexicali, Mexico. Since there was no air-conditioning at that time, during the summer months Evlyn, Bob, and Richard would travel to live in the the San Diego mountains to escape the intense heat of the Imperial Valley. His father would work in the heat and travel to the mountains to spend the weekend with the family. In 1956, the family moved from El Centro to a new home built on the family ranch in rural Holtville, California.  By then, air-conditioning was commonplace and the family home became the summer refuge rather than retreating to the mountains.  

After graduating from Central Union High School in 1958, Bob attended The University of California Davis. To complete his Bachelors Degree in Economics, he transferred to San Diego State University. Bob joined the California Army National Guard and served for six years. Bob went on to earn an MBA.

Bob began his professional career working for the Production Credit Association. He later worked for the State of California and spent the major part of his career working for the U.S. Department of Commerce as an International Trade Specialist. He loved his work and how it allowed him to travel throughout the world. Some of his favorite travels were to South Africa.

When Bob lived in California, he was an active member of the Pacific Locomotive Association and the Niles Canyon Railway. He just loved trains—riding trains, learning about trains, playing with toy trains, he loved it all.

Bob and Joan were among the first residents of Kelby Creek in Nixa. Over the past 12 years, Bob has joyfully served the Kelby Creek Community in a variety of ways, and he relished and appreciated the friendships that were formed in Kelby Creek.  For a local community college, Bob really enjoyed teaching English as a second language to Spanish speaking immigrants.

Bob loved growing in his relationship with the Lord through home fellowship for over 30 years in addition to Bible Study Fellowship. Bob and Joan were part of a Home Church that centers on the ministry of Pastor Jack Hibbs and Chino Hills Calvary Chapel Church. Bob loved his Home Church. 

He had a great sense of humor and was a loyal friend. Bob still communicated with his High School friends. As Bob’s brother Richard said, “Heaven will be blessed to have Bob; but we will miss him.”

In leiu of flowers, family is asking for memorial contributions to be given to Kenneth A. Puchta and Joan Puchta Pata Scholarship Fund at Bridge of Faith Community Church. Please send contributions to P.O.Box 1059 Rockaway Beach, MO 65740

A celebration of life to honor Bob is scheduled for 2 pm on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa. A visitation will be held from 1 pm until service time.

Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.