Robert "PC" Short

Robert “PC” Short, son of the late Shadd and Anna (Slemp) Short, was born April 10, 1961, in Springfield, Missouri, and departed this life on May 19, 2025, at his home in Mansfield, Missouri, at the age of 64 years, 1 month, and 5 days.

Most of those who knew Robert affectionately called him PC, short for “Pork Chop”. PC graduated from Mansfield High School class of 1980. Following high school, he remained in the local area and began working at the shoe factory. His work history includes stints at Bass Tracker and a brief period at Daylight Donuts. He then joined Scotty's Lumber, which later became Lucky Discount Lumber, where he has been a dedicated employee for a combined 47 years.

He was united in marriage to Martha “Marty” Pagel on May 28, 1993. This union brought two “bonus” children into his life. If asked, he would always say they should have been his kids anyway. PC loved spending time with his family. He was known for always giving the best hugs; they made you feel safe, loved, and they were the warmest hugs. He always made sure to let people know he loved his family and always will. Every evening, a playful contest of strength and giggles unfolded between PC and his young grandson, Leo, as they played a game of Tug-of-war with Leo’s blanket at bedtime.

If you wanted to get a conversation started with PC, all you had to do was mention his Mopar. PC's enthusiasm for automotive culture extended to the thrill of drag racing. The roar of the engines drew him to the Rogersville dragstrip, where he wasn't content to remain a spectator. Occasionally, PC would feel the need for speed himself. However, his appreciation for cars wasn't limited to the track. The annual "Cruising Kearney Street" event held a special place in his heart. It was more than just a gathering of impressive vehicles; it was a cherished tradition he looked forward to sharing with his family, creating lasting memories amidst the chrome and exhaust fumes. PC loved restoring cars; this was a passion he shared with his sons. This passion will be carried on as they finish his final restoration, “the Duster”, in his memory. When he wasn't immersed in the world of automobiles, PC enjoyed hunting and fishing, appreciating the beauties of nature.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Shadd and Anna Short, his sister in-law, Brenda (Johnson) Short, and one nephew, Justin “Biscuit” Sanders.

He is survived by his wife, Marty, of the home, his sons, Michael Pagel of Mansfield, Missouri, Amon Short of Mansfield, Missouri, and Brent Welch of West Plains, Missouri, one daughter, Becky Short of Mansfield, Missouri, one brother, Chuck Short, two sisters, Cindy Sanders and her husband, David, and Patty Price and her husband, Rick, three grandchildren, Rosealie, Gideon, and Leo, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Justin "Biscuit" Sanders Memorial Fund in care of the funeral home.