Robert Masters

Robert E Masters, 43, of Yakima, WA passed away on June 7th at his home. Robert was born August 14, 1970 to Robert and Connita (Langston) Masters. Bobby grew up in Yakima, graduating from A.C. Davis High School in 1988 where he was a proud member of the Aeolian and jazz choirs. He enjoyed participating in various musicals and choir competitions. After high school, he attended YVCC and WSU. In 1993 Bobby married Amber Schantz and became a father to her daughter, Olivia. Bobby and Amber welcomed three more children: Cole, Alexandra, and Madeline. When his children were young, he enjoyed coaching their sports teams and cheering them on in their endeavors. His youngest daughter Madeline is graduating from high school on Saturday and he was looking forward to watching her receive her diploma and start college at Central in the fall. Robert worked for the State of Washington for over 17 years. He began as a correction officer at Ahtanum View Correctional Complex and later worked at Tacoma Pre-Release. He spent many years working for DSHS as a support enforcement officer, first in Seattle and later in Yakima. He was a lifelong Seattle Seahawks fan and was thrilled to see his team win the Super Bowl. He loved to play pool and played on various teams throughout the valley. Anyone who knows Bobby knows that he had a magnificent singing voice and loved to sing karaoke whenever he had the chance. His rendition of “Me and Mrs. Jones” always brought down the house. His children remember him singing constantly. No matter where he was, his music was also there. Bobby never met a stranger. He could (and would) talk to anyone about anything. In fact, if you had a conversation with him, he would probably bring up something embarrassing you did ages ago and make fun of you all over again. His quick wit and lack of a filter made it impossible for him to pass up an opportunity for a good laugh. Robert is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Connita (Langston) Tate, his father, several uncles, and two cousins. Robert is survived by his children Olivia Schantz and Cole, Alexandra, and Madeline Masters; lifelong friend and mother of his children, Amber Schantz; grandchildren, Landon and Sophia, who were the light of his life; sister, Nickie (Elijah) Smith; two nephews; stepfather, Cameron Tate; grandmother, Nola Anderson; and too many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends to list. Visitation will be held on Thursday between 11am and 1pm with services at 1pm at the Valley Hills Funeral Chapel, 2600 Business Lane, Yakima (in Terrace Heights) followed by a reception at the Trinity Church of the Nazarene, 2805 Englewood. Valley Hills Funeral Home in Yakima is handling the arrangements. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert Masters, please visit our flower store.