Kaden Phillip Robert, age 15, of Benton MO, passed away due to injuries sustained after a tragic accident on Tuesday June 24, 2014 at Saint Francis Medical Center. Family and friends lined the hallways to pay their final respects. He was born June 2, 1999 in Cape Girardeau, MO to Aaron and Rhonda Robert. He had just completed his freshman year at Thomas W. Kelly High School in Benton, MO. He was very active in sports and everything outdoors. He enjoyed playing baseball, football, weight lifting, and hunting with his dad and adoring his little sister, Claire. He was an honor roll student and a member of Kelly pep club. He was also a member of several traveling teams including; Scott County Sluggers, SEMO Stampede, and most recently the Missouri Rage. Kaden is survived by his parents, Aaron and Rhonda (Riley) Robert of Benton; sister Claire of the home; maternal grandparents, Richard Riley of Blodgett and Carol Riley of Benton; paternal grandparents, David and Carla Robert of Benton; paternal great grandparents, Bill & Pat Schlosser and Mary Ann Robert all of Benton; Uncle Ronnie and Aunt Laura Essner of Benton; Uncle Rich Riley of Benton; Uncle Shant and Aunt Robin Garabedian of Jackson, TN; Uncle George and Aunt Natalie Eftink of Benton; Uncle Brad and Aunt Mindy Crader of Jackson, MO; his cousins Ryan, Lance, Ross, and Seth Essner, Clay and Harley Porter, Jaxson Riley, Ani and Alec Garabedian, and Peyton and Reece Eftink. Kaden was preceded in death by his cousin Kelsi Essner and additional great-grandparents. Kaden, also known as mom's "lil man", Kader Butt, Kater Tater, Daddy's best friend, lil buddy, squirrel, and most recently "Ro-Ro". Kaden lived his life unlike any other person. He never shied away from an opportunity to meet someone, ask a question, or try out one of his great ideas. He marched to the beat of his own drum and always wanted to be first. He always made sure he was on the winning team. His competitive nature would ignite if his team were to fall on the losing side because he hated to lose and no matter what it was the officials fault. He demanded your attention with the goal to be the center. He could capture a heart with the blink of his green eyes, his gleaming smile, unique personality, and infectious laugh. He never saw color, gender, socio-economic status as a reason to not have that person in his life. He knew NO stranger and had the ability to make friends with everyone he met. He loved spending time with his sister, family, and friends, whether it was playing on one of his many sports teams, video gaming, listening to music, dancing, or perfecting another "selfie". Kaden was and always will be an amazing young man filled with compassion, courage, and generosity. He has touched many lives in many ways near and far. His courageous act of generosity through organ donation proves that. Kaden threw us a curve ball and left this world unexpectedly. His passionate wild spirit cannot be tamed and will live forever. Visitation will be Friday from 4-8:00 p.m. in the gymnasium of Thomas W. Kelly High School in Benton, MO. Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 am on Saturday at St. Denis Catholic Church in Benton with Rev. Michael Casteel as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Denis Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Kelly High School Football or Baseball programs or to the City of Benton Park Board to go toward improvements to the Baseball field.
