Mr. Robert Eugene Prins, 79 years of Joplin, Missouri departed this life on Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at his home. Robert entered this life on June 3, 1929 in Kansas City, Missouri born to the union of Jack and Pauline (Shaw) Prins. He was raised in the Webb City and Purcell, Missouri area and was a 1947 graduate of the Alba High School. In 1947 he joined the United States Navy. He served his country faithfully for over 21 years, retiring in 1968 as Master Chief. He was a veteran of Vietnam and Korea. After being honorably discharged he returned home to Southwest, Missouri. He was a former city clerk for the city of Oronogo and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Elks Club. Robert was an avid bowler and fisherman. He also had a love for music. He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father, Lloyd Passley; and a brother, Larry Passley. Robert is survived by his three daughters, Sharron Woodmansee of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, Teresa Smith and husband, Kennett, of Pueblo, Colorado and Linda Dahlman and husband, Wayne, of LaRussell, Missouri; three sons, Richard Eugene Prins and wife, Jan, of San Antonio, Texas, Lloyd Prins and wife, Shari, of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Robert P. Prins of Mt. Vernon, Missouri; fifteen grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; a brother, Richard Prins of Jasper, Missouri; a sister, Rosemary Holden of Webb City, Missouri; his neighbor and best friend, Gary Fox of Joplin, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other family and friends. Graveside funeral services with full military honors are 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2009 at the Cave Springs Cemetery near Sarcoxie, Missouri with Richard Prins and Wayne Dahlman officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. at the Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie, Missouri. In lieu of flowers memorial are being directed to the Blake Baptist Church Food Ministry c/o Linda Dahlman 9489 LC 1000, LaRussell, Mo 64848. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.housh-goodwinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie, Missouri.