Robert Anthony Yanders, Jr., 44, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away suddenly at his home on Monday, August 21, 2023. He was born on July 3, 1979, in Gary, Indiana, to Robert Yanders and Lavonne Bracken.
Robert is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer, with whom he just celebrated 14 years of marriage; son, Isaiah, daughter, Ella, and nephew, Anton Brookshire; brother Sylvester Yanders (Alondra), children Jersey, Ania, Jayla, Camila, and Robert Noah; and sister Shana Bracken, children Auvione and Auvionna; in-laws, Greg Royal (Janell), Brandon Royal (Sarah), children Olivia and Natalie. He is preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn Bracken.
During his basketball career, Rob was a legendary high school player at Milwaukee Vincent, a beloved floor general for successful SMSU-West Plains and SMSU squads, and a four-time European champion playing professionally overseas. The kindness shown to him during his time in Southwest Missouri prompted his move back and subsequent investment in this community.
It is easy to say that basketball was Rob’s passion, but those who knew him understand that his passion was overflowing, and he used sports as a tool for developing others. More than an athlete, Rob was a naturally gifted speaker, motivator, and leader of men and women. However successful his basketball career, his lasting legacy will be who he was as a man and Father.
He surrounded himself with individuals who desired to improve, regardless of background, color, or creed. Rob’s goal of turning others into leaders strengthened when he became a Father. He wanted his children to be around leaders of strong character. That desire played a big part in his designs to better his community. Which he certainly did.
He adored his wife and children – They were the loves of his life. As his wife Jen put it, “Those who got to know the public side of him were privileged. Those that got to know the private side of him were beyond blessed.”
Rob loved his wife and children fiercely and somehow always had more love to give. From moving his Mother to Springfield to stepping up for his nephew, Anton, to welcoming his players into his own home, Yanders was an unstoppable force when it came to stepping up for those around him.
He was an avid reader and journaler. He poured himself fully into anything he pursued. He is at peace, but there’s no way he is resting. There is no doubt that he is forming a heavenly basketball league as we speak!
His training facility (and favorite place in the world besides his home), The Basketball Movement, has helped transform thousands of athletes into better players and people. His Yanders Law AAU teams have turned out hundreds of outstanding men and women while wearing the name Yanders across their chests. Most recently, Rob’s We Are United prep academy quickly became a premier destination for young men to further their education and compete at a high level.
Rob would host charitable events such as his Angels of the Hardwood basketball camp, do motivational speaking for other coaches and programs, and personally impact the lives of thousands of athletes with his patented mixture of tough love, warmth, and genuine caring.
Robert Yanders is already sorely missed. His vision for our community will endure through those of us who have witnessed his passion. There will never be another Rob Yanders, but he will live on through the countless lessons he taught us about hard work, compassion, and using your gifts to make the world a better place.
Remember, as Rob always used to say, “God is good!”
Memorial Donations may be made to the Memorial Fund in Honor of Robert Yanders to support his wife and children at all participating Oak Star Banks or to Robert’s non-profit, Yanders Law, at all participating OMB Banks.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 27th, at Greenlawn East from 3:00-6:00pm. Funeral service will be held on Monday, August 28th, at Ridgecrest Baptist Church at 10:30am. There will be a private graveside burial immediately following at Hazelwood Cemetery. In addition, there will be a Celebration of Life Monday at Robert’s gym from 4:00-6:00pm for all current and past Yanders Law, The Basketball Movement, and We Are United Prep players and families.
