By Greg Grisolano
ggrisolano@joplinglobe.com
One of Missouri Southern State University’s and Crowder College’s strongest supporters passed away Saturday.
Robert W. Plaster, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, died at his home in Lebanon. He was 78.
A longtime supporter of Southern, Plaster’s name graces the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center and the Plaster School of Business Administration there. He also received Southern’s first honorary degree during commencement ceremonies in May 2007.
MSSU President Bruce Speck on Saturday called Plaster a “staunch supporter” and said that he leaves behind a legacy of support for higher education throughout Southwest Missouri.
Speck said he recently had a chance to meet Plaster and told him about the university’s plans, and heard the story of Plaster’s business success. Plaster was the founder and longtime CEO of Empire Gas and chairman of Evergreen Investments.
In 2006, Plaster made the largest contribution ever to Missouri Southern, a seven-figure gift to the foundation. The exact amount has never been released.
“He was a good friend of Missouri Southern,” said Curt Betebenner, director of the MSSU foundation. “He did a lot of good for the region, and in particular for higher education in the region.”
Plaster was an accounting student at Southern in the 1950s when it was known as Joplin Junior College.
He became a significant donor to several other higher education institutions in Southwest Missouri, including Missouri State University, Southwest Baptist University and School of the Ozarks.
The Elsie Plaster Center at Crowder College in Neosho is named for Plaster’s mother, who was a lifelong Neosho resident, Crowder President Alan Marble said.
“We’ve obviously lost a great friend,” Marble said Saturday. “He was a great American We’re grateful to have known him.”
Marble said the auditorium was made possible by a six-figure gift from Plaster about 20 years ago, and that he continued to be a “faithful supporter” of Crowder.
Frustrated with county laws, Plaster more recently made headlines for his effort to turn his land along Table Rock Lake into an independent village under what was then the 2007 “Village Law.” Missouri lawmakers repealed the controversial legislation during the most recent legislative session.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon.
Metro Editor Andy Ostmeyer contributed to this report.
