Robert "Bob" Been's Obituary
Robert "Bob" Been, a cherished member of the Bentonville and Rogers, Arkansas community, peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Born on May 28, 1937, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Miles and Hazel (Howard) Been, Bob's journey was one of love, faith, and dedication.
Bob's life was marked by his deep devotion to his family, his faith, and his passions. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his first wife, Jeri Been, whom he loved dearly and his sister-in-law Joyce Evans.
A man of many talents and interests, Bob found joy in music and fishing. From his days in a high school quartet at Classen High School in Oklahoma City to his later years as a member of a barbershop quartet and chorus, Bob's love for singing, especially gospel music, was evident to all who knew him. Equally passionate about the great outdoors, he was an avid fisherman and a valued member of the Bella Vista Bass Club. He enjoyed his career with Evans Electric until his retirement in 2000.
Bob's commitment to his faith was unwavering. He served as the Treasurer of The Gideons International local chapter, embodying his dedication to spreading the word of God. Throughout his life, he was a faithful member of Exchange Avenue Baptist Church in Oklahoma City and later First Baptist Church of Bentonville.
In his roles as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Bob's kindness and love knew no bounds. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth and compassion that will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 14 years, Karen Been, his daughters Shelly Summers of Jenks, OK, and Shara Turk and husband Les of Little Rock, his brother Tom Been and wife Prissy, and his brother-in-law Charles “Bud” Evans. He is also survived by his stepchildren: Keli Folkerts, Kyle Folkerts, and Kari Houtchens and husband Kent, along with his grandchildren, Taylor Ragan, Drew Ragan and wife Carly, Jessica Stagg and husband Matt, Jeffrey Turk and wife Erica, Whitney Hartman and husband Garrett; step grandchildren, Brandon Folkerts, Luke Folkerts and wife Jordan, Maggie Presley and husband Dakota, Olivia South and husband Preston, Jake Folkerts and wife Baleigh, Emme Folkerts, Brad Houtchens and wife Shannon, Heath Houtchens and wife Anne, and Cordell Houtchens and wife Emily, 24 great-grandchildren, his nieces and nephews, and a host of extended family and friends.
A visitation to honor Bob's memory will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home of Rogers, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. Bob will be laid to rest in Bentonville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Gideon’s International, or to a charity of your choice in Bob's memory, continuing his legacy of generosity and love for others.
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