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Musical pioneer Bob Mabe is remembered

By K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

The Branson entertainment community lost a true legend.

Bob Mabe was the last of the original Baldknobbers cast. Mabe, along with three of his brothers formed the music and comedy show, performing in an older building near the shore of Lake Taneycomo. The original show—the first of its kind in Branson—featured country and gospel music, hillbilly humor and even some old-fashioned country preaching. He and his family have been credited with setting the stage for Branson to become the live entertainment capital of the world.

Bob Mabe

File Photo

Mabe’s wife, Sue, in a Facebook post stated, “Bob loved big and was a larger-than-life entertainer. If you knew Bob, you knew he loved people and loved making all feel welcome. He started entertaining as a young child by singing for his school lunch. He sang professionally for 75-plus years and even sang to his nurses on his death bed. Bob committed his life to serving the Lord. He shared the message ‘You must be born again’ with everyone he met. And even in his passing, he would invite everyone to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. He would encourage all of us to strive to live a life worthy of the gifts God has given us.”

Many in the area shared their thoughts on Mabe, following the news of his passing.

Wayne Glenn, “The Old Record Collector” said in a Facebook post, “Bob Mabe’s passing, in fact, brings down a curtain on the earliest people that were still alive, from that first generation of Branson’s pioneer entertainers. I am talking about the years revolving around 1959, for that was the year the four Mabe brothers and friends began doing their Baldknobber shows in downtown Branson. But, if I do not do anything else in this post, I want to make it clear that Bob would want it known that he was a believer in the power of Jesus Christ. He was saved as a young person, and through the ups and downs of his long life, he never lost his faith in the Lord. And, Bob tried to share his testimony every chance he had.”

Media professional Carrie Anne Mitchell noted, “Bob Mabe was one of the most talented and kindest souls I have ever met. His faith in God was inspiring, his musical talents legendary and his smile big and always infectious. A true Bransonite star has now earned his wings. He will be truly missed by many in Branson.”

Branson entertainer Dalena Ditto noted, “My dad spoke of the Bob-O- Links Country Hoe Down. He loved the show. Bob was a great entertainer and an even better Christian. The world could use a lot more gentlemen like Bob Mabe.”

Joe Tinoco remembers meeting Bob upon arriving in Branson. Said Tinoco, “When I first came to Branson in 1991, Chisai Childs took me all over to perform, and I would get up and sing with a lot of the classic Grand Ole Opry stars that performed nightly with the Texans and the Bob-O-Links. It was a blessing that I will ever forget for such a young man starting out my career in Branson. Bob opened up so many doors for performing, well beyond just the Baldknobbers, for so many people, including myself. He was so kind and always helpful and will be greatly missed as one of Branson’s greatest pioneers of music.”

Headliner of his own morning show, Doug Gabriel shared, “Bob Mabe was a true legend in helping Branson become the live music capital of the world. I remember seeing the Bob-O-Links show as a teenager and remember him always being so kind to everyone. He was a great man of God and is enjoying being with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ up in heaven. He will never be forgotten and he will truly be missed. I’m thankful to God I’ll see him again in heaven.”

Entertainer Randy Plummer shared his remembrances of his friend Bob Mabe, “He was a dear friend and a true Branson pioneer, and I have always looked up to him. When I first visited Branson in 1971 with my parents, Darrell and Rosie Plummer, Bob Mabe and his brothers let Harold Goad, my sister Melody and myself make an appearance at their theater, the Baldknobbers Hillbilly Jamboree. They were kind to us then and the family is kind to us now. Bob was such a fun, sincere Christian man, and I will never forget him. He nicknamed me ‘PLU-mmer’, and we had many laughs about it. God bless you, Bob. You are home with Jesus, and I’ll see you again!”

In a Facebook post, Branson Mayor Larry Milton offered his sympathy to Mabe’s family, stating, “Bob Mabe, and the entire Mabe family, helped lay the groundwork for the Branson we know and love today. His presence will be felt in our city for generations to come, and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. My condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.”

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