Robert W. Plaster Net Worth | Surprising Fortune and Legacy

Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $200 Million

If you’ve ever wondered about Robert W. Plaster net worth, you’re not alone. Many people are curious about how a man who grew up during the Great Depression managed to create such a substantial legacy. By some estimates, Robert W. Plaster’s net worth may have been around $200 million, reflecting a remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent businessman and philanthropist.

In this post, we’ll explore the life story, sources of income, and fascinating details about Robert W. Plaster to uncover how he built his fortune.

Early Life and Family Background

Robert W. Plaster was born in the small Southwest Missouri town of Neosho. He arrived during the Great Depression—an era that tested the resilience of many American families. Times were tough, and like millions of others, his family struggled to make ends meet. From a very young age, Plaster was already helping out by working at a local grocery store and delivering papers on a route near Camp Crowder.

His childhood experiences instilled in him:

• A strong work ethic and sense of responsibility.
• An unwavering belief in positive thinking, thanks to his mother, who famously said, “Can’t Never Could.”
• The importance of seizing every opportunity to improve one’s life circumstances.

Growing up poor influenced his ambition and later drove him to explore the free enterprise system, something he believed allowed him to rise from modest means to extraordinary success. Although details about his parents are limited, it’s clear that they emphasized optimism, perseverance, and hard work. These values laid the groundwork for his later achievements.

Education and Early Work Experiences

Attending Joplin Junior College

After graduating from high school, Robert W. Plaster enrolled at Joplin Junior College to study accounting. However, finances were still tight, and after just three semesters, he found himself unable to afford tuition. This hiccup didn’t deter him; instead, he jumped straight into the workforce.

Working for the U.S. Treasury and Propane Industry

Plaster’s first major roles included:

• A position with the U.S. Treasury Department, which exposed him to public-sector operations.
• A job in an LP (liquid propane) gas corporation, where he gained specialized industry knowledge.

Even in these early jobs, he observed that business success often comes from a blend of specialized expertise, determination, and a willingness to learn on the job. His stints in these roles paved the way for his own entrepreneurial pursuits down the line.

Founding Empire Gas Corporation

The Big Leap into Entrepreneurship

In 1963, Robert W. Plaster took a bold step and founded Empire Gas Corporation. This venture quickly exploded in growth, becoming one of the largest retail distributors of LP gas in the United States. In a relatively short period, Empire Gas achieved the following:

• Rapid Expansion: The company spread across the country, serving multiple states and securing a large chunk of the LP gas market.
• Public Listing: Empire Gas was eventually listed on the New York Stock Exchange, underscoring its credibility and success in the industry.

Running a nationwide operation involved significant challenges, including managing supply chains, adhering to regulatory demands, and maintaining quality customer service. Plaster handled these complexities by focusing on efficiency, innovation, and an unrelenting drive to keep the enterprise profitable.

How Rich Is Robert W. Plaster?

Thanks to Empire Gas alone, many people began asking, “How rich is Robert W. Plaster?” By the 1970s and 1980s, his annual income and overall net worth were climbing fast. If we were to guess his monthly income during the peak years of Empire Gas, it might have been well into the six-figure or seven-figure range—ultimately amounting to a multi-million dollar annual income.

Transition to Evergreen Investments

In 1996, Plaster decided to sell Empire Gas. While some entrepreneurs might have taken a breather after such a major transaction, he shifted gears and founded Evergreen Investments, LLC. Evergreen became a vehicle to invest in a variety of enterprises, reflecting Plaster’s belief in the power of diversification. Investing in multiple sectors helped him:

• Spread Financial Risk: Multiple revenue streams can cushion losses if one venture falters.
• Explore New Industries: From real estate to tech, diversification allowed Plaster to stay relevant in changing markets.
• Grow His Wealth: Strategic investments often served as robust pillars in fortifying his net worth.

Through Evergreen, Plaster showcased his adaptability and continued passion for free enterprise.

The Philanthropic Side: Giving Back to Education

Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE)

One of Robert W. Plaster’s most notable contributions is his co-founding of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), an organization dedicated to promoting business and leadership skills among young people. Plaster was an active supporter and member of the Executive Board until his death in 2008. This initiative reflected his deep belief that hard work, coupled with a good education, forms the cornerstone of success.

Robert W. Plaster Foundation

In 1983, Plaster took his philanthropic efforts a step further by establishing the Robert W. Plaster Foundation. The foundation focuses on:

• Funding building projects and facilities in colleges and universities throughout Southwest Missouri and the surrounding region.
• Creating educational opportunities for students who might lack the resources to pursue higher education.

To this day, the foundation honors Plaster’s vision by supporting institutions such as:

• Southwest Baptist University (SBU)
• Missouri Southern State University (formerly Joplin Junior College)
• Central Methodist University
• College of the Ozarks

Plaster believed young people deserve a strong educational start, something he felt he had to cut short due to financial constraints. Through these programs and donations, he hoped to give others the better educational start he never had.

Personal Life and Lesser-Known Details

Despite being a public figure in the business world, Robert W. Plaster kept many personal details private. Here’s what we can piece together about him:

• Full Name: Robert W. Plaster
• Birthplace: Neosho, Missouri, USA
• Nationality: American
• Date of Death: (exact birth year unknown, but believed to be around 1930)
• Age at Passing: Likely in his late 70s
• Spouse: He was married to Mary Plaster
• Kids: Four children (information about siblings is not widely publicized)
• Eye Color: Likely brown or hazel (no confirmed records)
• Hair Color: Brown, with an eventual transition to gray in later years
• Height: Approx. 5’10” (some accounts vary)
• Weight: Estimated at 170–180 lbs during his prime, though this is unverified
• Shoe Size: Likely around 10–11 in U.S. measurements, but again not documented
• Religion: Christian, given his active involvement in community and educational causes typical of the region
• Industry: Liquefied Petroleum Gas, Investments, Philanthropy

Why We Don’t Know Everything

During his lifetime, Plaster was more focused on expanding businesses and supporting educational causes than on personal publicity. It’s no surprise that certain personal stats like precise height, weight, or monthly income never made it to the public domain in an official capacity.

Sources of Income and Business Ventures

1. Empire Gas Corporation

• Primary driver of Plaster’s early wealth
• Generated consistent revenue through retail LP gas distribution

2. Evergreen Investments, LLC

• Plaster’s post-Empire Gas venture
• Likely included real estate, stocks, and private company investments

3. Honorary Degrees and Board Memberships

• Though not direct sources of wealth, these positions often broaden networking horizons and may lead to lucrative business relationships or investment opportunities

4. Other Business Interests

• Plaster served on various boards and participated in philanthropic campaigns, which, in turn, could lead to further business connections

At his peak, if we think about Robert W. Plaster’s salary, it probably reached into millions annually, especially when you factor in stock options, dividends, and investment returns from multiple ventures.

Robert W. Plaster Net Worth vs. Other Philanthropists

It’s always interesting to see how one philanthropist compares to others in similar fields. While exact figures for philanthropic entrepreneurs can vary, here’s a quick snapshot of how Plaster might stack up against other well-known donors:

• John Templeton (Templeton Funds): Built wealth in mutual funds and donated much of it to philanthropic causes.
• T. Boone Pickens (BP Capital Management): Amassed billions in the oil and finance sectors, later focusing on charity.
• Robert W. Plaster (Empire Gas, Evergreen Investments): Possibly reached around $200 million, a fraction of what larger oil barons or tech moguls might hold, but still significant enough to leave a lasting legacy on educational institutions.

While not as internationally recognized as some, Plaster’s impact in Southwest Missouri and its universities is profound, establishing him as a regional heavyweight in philanthropy and business.

Fun Facts and Lesser-Known Details

If you dig a little deeper into Plaster’s story, you might be surprised by these tidbits:

1. Early Riser: Known for sticking to a disciplined schedule, often starting his day before dawn.
2. Positive Thinking Mantra: “Can’t Never Could” wasn’t just a phrase. He embodied it throughout his life.
3. Paper Route Hustle: Balancing a paper route at Camp Crowder and a grocery store job as a kid showed the endurance he’d later apply to bigger ventures.
4. Didn’t Finish College: Dropped out due to financial constraints but never stopped learning on the job.
5. Impromptu Mentor: Colleagues often cited him as a mentor who provided career advice and financial tips freely.
6. Honorary Doctorate: He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from Southwest Baptist University and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Missouri Southern State University.

Continuing Influence on Education and Business

Even though Robert W. Plaster passed away in 2008, his influence continues. Students across various universities benefit from the scholarships, buildings, and programs funded by the Robert W. Plaster Foundation. Some of the well-known structures bearing his name include:

• Plaster Sports Complex
• Plaster Student Union
• Plaster Athletic Center
• Plaster Stadium
• Plaster Free Enterprise Center

These facilities don’t just carry his name; they embody his philosophy that success is attainable through hard work, perseverance, and optimism. Every time a student steps into one of these buildings, they walk in the shadow of a man who believed in unlocking potential through education and enterprise.

Where is Robert W. Plaster’s Legacy Headed?

Thanks to ongoing grants and endowments, the Robert W. Plaster Foundation shows no signs of slowing down. The foundation’s primary mission is to continue:

1. Expanding Educational Facilities: Constructing new buildings and upgrading older ones to keep campuses competitive.
2. Offering Scholarships: Providing tuition assistance to deserving students who show promise but lack resources.
3. Encouraging Free Enterprise: Supporting programs and curricula that teach the principles of entrepreneurship and economic freedom.

All these initiatives contribute to a lasting legacy that transcends the net worth figure we usually associate with business magnates. Plaster’s journey stands as a reminder that economic freedom and education can transform lives and communities.

Final Thoughts

The life of Robert W. Plaster is a remarkable tale of ambition, resilience, and generosity. Rising from a childhood framed by the Great Depression, he proved that with an unshakeable work ethic and a positive outlook, financial success is possible—even in the toughest of times. From his earliest work experiences delivering groceries and newspapers to founding and selling one of the largest LP gas distributors in America, Plaster’s determination never wavered.

Although certain personal details—such as his exact height or shoe size—remain elusive, they pale in comparison to the broader impact of his endeavors. Whether it’s the legacy of Empire Gas Corporation, the investments he made through Evergreen Investments, or the educational buildings funded by his foundation, Robert W. Plaster’s net worth is about far more than just dollars and cents. It’s about creating opportunities for future generations to thrive in ways he was not initially able to afford.