Robert Plaster is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary leaders in the recent history of business in the Midwest. Visionary, driven and entrepreneurial, Plaster was a small-town Missouri boy who leveraged his way to become a multi-millionaire businessman and philanthropist whose name is on schools, colleges and charities even today.
His journey is the epitome of passion and determination. Plaster was born during the Great Depression and knew hardship from an early age. These circumstances defined his mentality, driving him to work hard, save effectively, and grasp opportunities most would ignore. His willingness to take risks and savvy understanding of financial markets over time helped him build an empire in energy, finance and real estate.
Advancing natural gas distribution was the basis of his wealth, centred upon the firm he both co-founded and grew – Empire Gas Corporation – into the largest gas distribution company in the country. In addition to his business endeavours, Plaster was a substantial real estate investor, owning large areas of land in Missouri and in other locations. He also owned prime lakefront land and valuable commercial property, enhancing his financial status even more.
But Robert reach extended further than balance sheets and stock values. A committed philanthropist, Blomfield invested in higher learning, religious institutions, and community-building initiatives. His example benefited innumerable students who found opportunity in education and touched institutions that remain important cornerstones of Missouri life.
This article covers it all and takes an expansive view of Robert Plaster’s life – net worth, childhood, education, career, family and some more philanthropy. It also looks at the legacy he will leave behind — one that is rooted in financial success and enduring generosity.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Robert Wayne Plaster |
| Birth Year | 1930 |
| Birthplace | Near Neosho, Missouri, United States |
| Died | 2008 |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Businessman, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist |
| Industry | Energy (Natural Gas), Financial Services, Real Estate |
| Famous Company | Empire Gas Corporation |
| Education | Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $300 million – $400 million at peak |
| Children | Yes (private family life) |
| Legacy | Robert W. Plaster Foundation, university donations, and large real estate holdings |
Robert Plaster Net Worth
During his heyday, between $300 million and $400 million is what Robert Plaster was worth. He made a substantial portion of his fortune as a result of the expansion and ultimate success of Empire Gas Corporation, a business that made him a major player in the natural gas industry.
Empire Gas was established in the midst of great change in the American energy industry. The mid-20th-century era of deregulation posed risks and opportunities. What others considered uncertainty, Plaster saw as a growth opportunity. He aggressively grew his company, which would become one of the country’s largest distributors of liquefied petroleum (LP) gas.
In addition to energy, Plaster has made his fortune by investing in real estate. He also owned significant property in Missouri and held land at Table Rock Lake and Lake of the Ozarks. These holdings appreciated, of course, but they were also part of his identity — sanctuaries for family, business associates and philanthropic events.
Not all entrepreneurs can live a monk’s life, but Plaster lived a testament to hardy Christian values and the principle that if you succeed, you should give back. Much of his fortune was directed into philanthropy. At the time of his death, he had given millions to educational institutions — money that built libraries, business schools and student centres that still carry his name.
After his death in 2008, the Robert W. Plaster Foundation continued to oversee parts of his fortune, spending on scholarships, community projects and continued charitable giving.
Early Life
Robert was born in 1930 in a little town outside of Neosho, Mo., in the throes of the Great Depression. His childhood, like many who lived during those times, was marred by financial hardship, economic instability and always needing to get by.
Plaster had shown a natural curiosity and determination from a young age. Instead, he spent time doing odd jobs to help support his family and squirrelled away any money he could. They formed firsthand impressions of the value of fiscal discipline and personal self-reliance.
Growing up in rural Missouri also rooted him deeply in the values of community, faith and hard work. Those roots stayed with him throughout his life, shaping not only how he did business, but also how he gave back his success to the world.
The great difficulties of Plaster’s childhood never discouraged him-they inspired him instead. Since youth, he aspired for a better life for himself and the family he hoped to have one day, a dream he achieved by working hard and taking calculated risks.
Personal Life
He was private despite reaching great heights of success. He was married and had children, though he was known to keep his family out of the limelight. His closest friends said he was a humble man who followed his Christian beliefs.
Plaster was a man of deep faith, and his philanthropy reflected that. Most of his largesse funded religious efforts, scholarships for Christian students and the extension of church and community programs.
He was also an outdoorsman and loved nature. His purchases of real estate have been not only investments but also extensions of his personal passions. His homes around Missouri were retreats for peace, contemplation and hospitality.
Though he had a great deal of wealth, friends and colleagues said he could be remembered more for his generosity and kindness, rather than his fortune. It was a principle he adhered to and was a strong believer in sharing success, which he demonstrated in practice.
Professional Life
His professional career is the core of his success story. It reflects his sharp instincts, resilience, and ability to see opportunities where others saw obstacles.
Early Career in Finance
After completing his studies at Southwest Missouri State University, Plaster entered the financial sector. He worked in investment services, gaining insight into money management, corporate finance, and markets. These skills became the backbone of his entrepreneurial pursuits.
The Birth of Empire Gas Corporation
Plaster’s defining achievement was the founding of Empire Gas Corporation. Established during a time of change in the energy sector, the company quickly grew into a powerhouse. It distributed liquefied petroleum gas across the United States, servicing thousands of homes, businesses, and farms.
Empire Gas became one of the largest energy distribution companies in the country under Plaster’s leadership. It employed thousands of people, stimulated local economies, and built Plaster’s reputation as a visionary businessman.
Diversification into Real Estate
Realising the cyclical nature of the energy business, Plaster diversified his portfolio by investing in real estate. He bought commercial properties, residential land, and lakefront developments. His holdings near Table Rock Lake and the Ozarks grew into significant parts of his legacy, both as financial assets and personal passions.
Philanthropy and Public Recognition
Later in life, philanthropy became just as important to Plaster as business. His donations transformed universities across Missouri. At Missouri State University, for example, the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Centre stands as a testament to his generosity. Similar facilities exist at the College of the Ozarks and Southwest Baptist University.
By the time of his passing, Plaster was recognised not only as a successful businessman but also as one of Missouri’s most generous philanthropists.
Education
Robert Plaster, a University of Missouri at Kansas City student studying business, was enrolled at Southwest Missouri State University. His was not a privileged background, but his years at university had prepared him well for life ahead.
Education became one of his enduring interests. He was a great believer that no student should be held back by lack of means, and his contributions reflected this belief. Students who exemplify hard work, leadership, and community are still being supported by the Robert W. Plaster Foundation.
Children
Robert Plaster’s offspring’s information is not known, and not much information is available except that were children to Robert Plaster. His family has also steered clear of the spotlight, choosing to quietly handle his legacy.
The Plaster family remains active in the Robert W. Plaster Foundation, which directs his philanthropy and ensures his charitable legacy lives on. The family themselves continue to possess a share of many of these real estate properties, holding onto them as part of his never-ending legacy.
Final Word
The life of Robert Wayne Plaster is the epitome of the American dream. A Ride from Depression Era Missouri to the helm of one of the nation’s largest gas distribution companies- his story is of grit, vision and faith.
His net worth — an estimated $300 million to $400 million — was in many ways a product of his business skill, but this was not only a legacy that could be measured in money. His act of generosity revolutionised higher education in Missouri and left an indelible mark, from scholarships and buildings to foundations.
The lasting impact of Robert Plaster, whose influence was felt through the opportunities he opened up for others — for students who could get an education they would not otherwise afford, for communities that benefited from his generosity and blessing, and for future entrepreneurs whom his story motivated. He still sets an example of achievement and philanthropy.
FAQs about Robert Plaster
Who was Robert Plaster?
Robert Plaster was an American businessman and philanthropist best known for founding Empire Gas Corporation and supporting numerous educational institutions in Missouri.
What was Robert Plaster’s net worth?
At his peak, his net worth was estimated at $300 million to $400 million, primarily from energy and real estate ventures.
What company did he found?
He founded Empire Gas Corporation, one of the largest distributors of liquefied petroleum gas in the United States.
Was Robert Plaster a philanthropist?
Yes. He donated millions of dollars to universities, community programs, and faith-based initiatives. Many buildings and scholarships still carry his name.
What is the Robert W. Plaster Foundation?
It is a charitable organization established to continue Robert Plaster’s philanthropic legacy, focusing on education, scholarships, and community development.
When did Robert Plaster die?
Robert Plaster passed away in 2008, but his legacy lives on through his foundation, family, and the institutions he supported.
