Robert Plaster was an influential American entrepreneur with a remarkable legacy in business and philanthropy. His net worth, estimated at $5 Billion In 2024, reflects his hard work and vision. Plaster founded Empire Gas Corporation, which became a leading player in the propane industry. He also made significant investments through Evergreen Investments LLC, expanding his wealth and influence. His business ventures weren’t limited to just gas and real estate; he also contributed to the development of communities in Southwest Missouri.
Beyond his financial success, Plaster was deeply committed to education and philanthropy. He generously donated to various schools, leaving lasting marks at Missouri State University, Southwest Baptist University, and Missouri Southern State University. His efforts helped fund structures like the Plaster Sports Complex and the Plaster Student Union. Robert Plaster’s net worth was built on a combination of smart business moves and his passion for helping others.
Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Robert W. Plaster |
| Date of Birth | Sept. 3, 1930 |
| Place of Birth | Uniontown, Pennsylvania |
| Age at Death | 59 years old (Died October 11, 2008) |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Businessman |
| Net Worth | $5 Billion |
| Primary Source of Income | Empire Gas Corporation, Evergreen Investments LLC, Venture Capital |
| Key Contributions | Philanthropy, Education, Business Growth in Southwest Missouri |
| Notable Investments | Empire Gas Corporation, Plaster Sports Complex, Plaster Student Union |
| Spouse | Mary Jean Plaster |
| Children | Four |
| Major Property | Evergreen Crystal Palace (28,000 square feet mansion) |
| Death | October 11, 2008 |
Who is Robert Plaster
Robert W. Plaster was an American entrepreneur known for his role as the founder of Empire Gas Corporation and chairman of Evergreen Investments LLC. He rose from humble beginnings in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, to become a key figure in the Southwest Missouri business community. Throughout his life, he was committed to education, business growth, and philanthropy. His legacy is built on his work in the propane gas industry, his support for SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise), and his numerous contributions to educational institutions, including Missouri State University, Southwest Baptist University, and more.
He also made lasting contributions to the Robert W. Plaster Foundation, funding initiatives that have shaped the region’s educational landscape. Through his ventures, Plaster was a catalyst for economic development in Southwest Missouri and is remembered as one of the region’s most influential business figures.
Early Life
Born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, in Sept. 3, 1930, Robert Plaster grew up during the Great Depression, an era that taught him the value of hard work and perseverance. His family faced financial hardships, but Plaster’s entrepreneurial spirit began to take shape early. After moving to Southwest Missouri, he developed a keen interest in business and attended Southwest Baptist University, where his mindset for success began to evolve.
At Southwest Baptist University, Plaster honed his business acumen. He understood the importance of education, which later fueled his generosity toward educational institutions. This strong foundation helped him succeed when he ventured into the propane gas industry, eventually founding Empire Gas Corporation, which became one of the largest gas distribution companies in the Midwest.
Robert Plaster Net Worth 2025 & Biography
By 2024, Robert Plaster’s net worth is estimated at a whopping $500 million, showcasing the success of his Empire Gas Corporation and his investments in various industries. However, at the time of his death in 2008, his net worth ranged between $50 million to $200 million. Plaster’s wealth was a result of years of hard work, his strategic business decisions, and his diversified investments in real estate holdings, venture capital, and Evergreen Investments LLC.
Plaster’s legacy is not only defined by his fortune but also by his unwavering commitment to supporting education and community development. He believed that education could change lives, and he ensured his financial success would positively impact countless students and institutions. His contributions continue to make a lasting difference in Southwest Missouri.
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Robert Plaster Notable Contributions
Throughout his life, Robert Plaster was dedicated to helping others. His most notable contributions were to the field of education. Through his generous donations, many buildings across Southwest Missouri bear his name. At Missouri State University, he funded the Robert W. Plaster Sports Complex and the Plaster Student Union, ensuring future generations had access to top-notch facilities.
Other educational institutions benefited from his philanthropy as well. For instance, Southwest Baptist University named Plaster Stadium in his honor, while Missouri Southern State University boasts both the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center and the Robert W. Plaster School of Business. These contributions have played an instrumental role in developing the local education system, helping students prepare for successful careers.
Robert Plaster (2004-2008) Earnings
Between 2004 and 2008, Robert Plaster earned between $4 million and $20 million annually, with the most significant earnings occurring in his later years. His income was derived from several sources: his gas business, Empire Gas Corporation, and his real estate and venture capital investments. Plaster’s financial strategy, particularly with his Evergreen Investments LLC, helped him build wealth that would continue to benefit the Southwest Missouri region for years to come.
Despite his substantial earnings, Plaster was known for his generosity. His business ventures were not just about profit; they were also about creating opportunities for others. Whether through funding new educational programs or contributing to the development of SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise), he always kept an eye on the bigger picture.
Robert Plaster Source of Income
Robert Plaster’s source of income was diverse and robust. His primary income came from his pioneering business, Empire Gas Corporation, which was one of the largest LP gas distribution companies in the Midwest. This business provided him with a steady stream of revenue for years, but it wasn’t his only source of wealth. As the chairman of Evergreen Investments LLC, Plaster also capitalized on venture capital opportunities, investing in real estate and other profitable enterprises.
These investments, combined with his successful gas company, helped him amass considerable wealth over time. He had a unique ability to spot opportunities and build enterprises that could thrive for decades. This diversification made him not only wealthy but also influential in the business and philanthropic communities.
Robert Plaster Assets
At the time of his passing, Robert Plaster left behind a significant portfolio of assets. One of his most iconic assets was the Evergreen Crystal Palace, a stunning 28,000-square-foot mansion located near Table Rock Lake. This mansion, built in the 1990s, was a symbol of Plaster’s success and his luxurious lifestyle. It featured extravagant amenities and became an architectural landmark in the region.
In addition to his mansion, Plaster’s real estate holdings included commercial properties and land investments across Southwest Missouri. These assets, combined with his ownership stakes in various businesses, ensured that his financial legacy would continue after his death. His contributions to education, particularly his donations to local universities and the Robert W. Plaster Foundation, solidified his reputation as a businessman with a heart for the community.
Robert Plaster Mansion – Evergreen Crystal Palace
The Evergreen Crystal Palace stands as a testament to Robert Plaster’s success in business and life. This 28,000-square-foot mansion located near Table Rock Lake was constructed with the finest materials and extravagant design features. It is an architectural marvel that reflects his hard-earned wealth and status.
The mansion features an expansive layout with luxurious living spaces, a vast garage, and a helipad. It’s more than just a home; it’s a symbol of Robert Plaster’s achievements and his significant influence on Southwest Missouri. The Evergreen Crystal Palace has been one of the most talked-about properties in the region, attracting attention for its size, opulence, and the legacy left by its owner.
FAQ’s
What Was Robert Plaster’s Net Worth at the Time of His Death?
At the time of his death in 2008, Robert Plaster’s net worth was estimated between $50 million to $200 million, with a diversified income from business ventures.
How Did Robert Plaster Make His Fortune?
Robert Plaster made his fortune through Empire Gas Corporation, Evergreen Investments LLC, real estate holdings, and his successful involvement in venture capital and philanthropy.
What Were Robert Plaster’s Major Contributions?
Plaster contributed significantly to education, funding buildings like Plaster Sports Complex, Plaster Student Union, and Plaster Stadium at various Southwest Missouri universities and colleges.
What Is the Evergreen Crystal Palace?
The Evergreen Crystal Palace is Robert Plaster’s 28,000-square-foot mansion, a symbol of his wealth and success, located near Table Rock Lake in Southwest Missouri.
Who Were Robert Plaster’s Family Members?
Robert Plaster’s family included his wife, Mary Jean Plaster, and their four children. His family was involved in maintaining his legacy after his passing.
Conclusion
Robert Plaster’s net worth of approximately $5 Billion in 2024 reflects his immense contributions to business and philanthropy. His legacy spans multiple industries, from his founding of Empire Gas Corporation to his leadership in Evergreen Investments LLC. Plaster’s vision for education, evident in his numerous donations to Southwest Missouri schools, left a lasting mark on the region. His investments in real estate, such as the Evergreen Crystal Palace, further solidified his status as a successful entrepreneur.
Though his net worth at death was estimated between $50 million and $200 million, Robert Plaster’s influence continues through his family’s ongoing efforts. His Plaster Foundation and various contributions to education and community development will ensure his legacy endures for years to come. Plaster’s story remains an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere.
