Robert Plaster, an American business pioneer from Uniontown, Pennsylvania, built an extraordinary legacy in the Southwest Missouri region. His journey from modest beginnings to becoming a prominent Missouri entrepreneur showcases the power of determination and business acumen.
As of 2024, estimates place Robert Plaster’s net worth at approximately $5 Billion, though figures at the time of his death varied considerably. His rise to prominence in the business world represents one of the most remarkable success stories in the American Midwest.
Robert Plaster Net Worth 2025 & Biography
Born in 1949 in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, Robert Plaster began his entrepreneurial journey at Southwest Baptist University. During his university years, he developed a keen understanding of business principles that would later shape his success.
His vision for business excellence led him to establish Empire Gas, which became one of the largest Midwest propane distribution companies. Throughout his career, his net worth fluctuated, reaching $500 Million in 2024, though at the time of Robert Plaster’s death, estimates placed his wealth between $50 million to $200 million.
The early years of his career were marked by calculated risks and strategic business decisions. His natural ability to identify market opportunities set him apart from his contemporaries. In the competitive energy sector, he demonstrated remarkable foresight in expanding Empire Gas across multiple states, establishing a robust distribution network that would become the cornerstone of his financial success.
Mary Jean Plaster, his devoted wife, supported his ventures as they raised their four children together. Their partnership proved instrumental in building what would become a significant business empire in the American Midwest. The family’s influence extended beyond business into substantial charitable giving and support for higher education philanthropy. Together, they created a legacy that combined commercial success with community development.
Robert Plaster Notable Contributions
The Robert Plaster Foundation stands as a testament to his commitment to education and community development. Understanding the transformative power of education, he established numerous initiatives to support academic excellence. His most visible contributions include the Robert W. Plaster Sports Complex, which has become a center for athletic achievement and community gatherings. The Plaster Student Union serves as a hub for student activities and campus life, fostering the kind of entrepreneurial spirit that characterized Plaster’s own journey.
The Robert Plaster Stadium and Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center further demonstrate his dedication to creating lasting educational infrastructure. These historic structures Missouri continue to serve thousands of students annually, embodying his dedication to legacy in education. Each facility was designed not just as a building, but as a catalyst for learning and professional development.
Robert Plaster (2004-2008) Earnings
His final years showed remarkable financial success:
2008: $10 million – $20 million
2007: $8 million – $18 million
2006: $6 million – $15 million
2005: $5 million – $12 million
2004: $4 million – $10 million
Robert Plaster Source Of Income
The cornerstone of his wealth came from Empire Gas Company, which revolutionized propane distribution across the Midwest. His innovative approach to business operations and customer service transformed the industry standards. After selling this venture, he established Evergreen Investments LLC, demonstrating his expertise in venture capital. This new venture allowed him to diversify his investments and support emerging businesses.
His diverse portfolio included significant real estate holdings and strategic business investments across multiple sectors. This diversification strategy protected his wealth while creating new opportunities for growth. Through careful management and strategic planning, he built a sustainable income stream that continued to generate wealth for his family and support his philanthropic endeavors.
Robert Plaster Assets
Among his most significant Robert Plaster assets was a portfolio of commercial and residential properties strategically located throughout the region. His business acumen led to successful ventures in various industries, creating a diverse wealth foundation. The family’s investments through Evergreen Investments LLC continued to grow their asset base even after the sale of Empire Gas.
These assets included not just physical properties but also intellectual property and business systems that continued to generate value. His approach to asset management demonstrated a deep understanding of long-term value creation and wealth preservation.
Robert Plaster Mansion – Evergreen Crystal Palace
The Robert Plaster house, known as the Evergreen Crystal Palace, stands as his most impressive personal asset. This magnificent 28,000-square-foot mansion, valued at $80 Million, showcases extraordinary architectural design and luxury amenities. Built in the 1990s, it remains one of the most remarkable residences in Southwest Missouri, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and stunning architectural details that reflect both luxury and practical design considerations.
The mansion serves as a symbol of his success while also demonstrating his commitment to creating lasting value through real estate investment. Its design incorporates both luxury and functionality, reflecting Plaster’s practical approach to wealth management.
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FAQ’s Regarding Robert Plaster Net Worth
What did Robert Plaster do for a living?
As a pioneering Missouri entrepreneur, he founded Empire Gas and later expanded into various business ventures through Evergreen Investments LLC. His business acumen extended beyond the energy sector into real estate development and strategic investments. Throughout his career, he maintained a focus on creating sustainable business models that generated long-term value for stakeholders and communities.
What happened to the plaster family empire gas?
After selling Empire Gas, the Robert Plaster family Empire Gas legacy continued through strategic investments and business ventures. The family reinvested the proceeds through Evergreen Investments LLC, diversifying their portfolio and creating new opportunities for growth. This transition demonstrated the family’s ability to adapt and evolve their business interests while maintaining their commitment to economic development in the region.
How old was Robert Plaster when he died?
Robert Plaster’s death occurred on Oct. 11, 2008, at age 78, though some sources incorrectly list him as 59 years old. During his lifetime, he accomplished remarkable business achievements and established a lasting legacy of philanthropy and community development. His passing marked the end of an era in Southwest Missouri business leadership, but his influence continues through the institutions and organizations he helped establish.
What was the Evergreen Crystal Palace used for?
The Evergreen Crystal Palace served as the private residence for Robert Plaster and his family, showcasing his success in business. Beyond its role as a family home, the mansion became an architectural landmark in the region. The 28,000-square-foot structure incorporated innovative design elements and luxury amenities that set new standards for residential architecture in Southwest Missouri.
Did Robert Plaster have kids?
Yes, Robert Plaster children included four offspring with his wife Mary Jean Plaster, who continue managing the family’s business interests. The next generation has maintained their father’s commitment to business excellence and community development. They actively participate in the management of family investments and the ongoing work of the Robert Plaster Foundation, ensuring the continuation of his legacy.
Conclusion
Robert Plaster’s impact extends far beyond his financial success. From his humble beginnings in Uniontown, Pennsylvania to building a substantial business empire in the American Midwest, his story embodies the American dream. His journey from founding Empire Gas to establishing the Robert Plaster Foundation demonstrates how business success can be leveraged for community benefit.
His commitment to education and community development, demonstrated through numerous building contributions including the Robert W. Plaster Sports Complex, Plaster Student Union, and Robert Plaster Stadium, ensures his legacy continues to influence future generations. These institutions serve as physical reminders of his dedication to higher education philanthropy and community enhancement.
The combination of business success and philanthropic vision makes him a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs. His approach to wealth creation and distribution showed that commercial success and community benefit could go hand in hand. Through careful management of his real estate holdings and strategic investments, he created sustainable value that continues to benefit the region.
His cause of death was attributed to natural causes, but his influence lives on through his family’s continued management of his business interests and charitable foundations. The Plaster family maintains his vision of supporting free enterprise and education, ensuring his impact continues well beyond his lifetime. As of 2024, the institutions and organizations he helped establish continue to thrive, serving as testaments to his foresight and generosity.
Today, the Robert Plaster legacy serves as an inspiration for future generations of entrepreneurs and philanthropists. His life demonstrates how vision, determination, and commitment to community can create lasting positive change. Through the continuing work of the Robert Plaster Foundation and his family’s ongoing stewardship of his business interests, his influence continues to shape the future of Southwest Missouri and beyond.
