Robert Gerald Stephens' Obituary
Robert (Bob) Gerald Stephens, 79, of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away March 9, 2015, at Willard Walker Hospice Home. He was born July 30, 1935, in Chester, Ill., the son of Robert E. and Alberta (Pat) Stephens. He earned a Ph.D. from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Ind., in 1971, where he became a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and upon graduation, accepted a position in the University of Arkansas Elementary Education Department, where he taught for 25 years. Bob loved teaching, and especially loved his students, and he was proud of the excellent teachers they became. He retired as a Professor Emeritus in 1997.
Bob was a longtime volunteer youth baseball coach in Fayetteville, and coached his youngest son, Mike, in Pee Wee, Little League and Babe Ruth.
He helped establish kindergarten programs in the smaller public school districts in Northwest Arkansas in the mid-1970s, and helped create the K-4 Program for the Elementary Education Department at the University of Arkansas. Dr. Stephens also assisted Bill Mandrell with the expansion of the The New School in Fayetteville to include Grades 1-3. He was also an integral part of the grant writing team that led to the opening of the Jones Center in Springdale.
Bob was predeceased by his father, grandparents, sister Marcia Rose, brother-in-law Daryl Hughes, nephew Rick Stephens and wife Angel, and niece Michelle Rose.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Kay; his children, Cheri Frizzell of Fayetteville, Bob Stephens Jr. and wife Pati of Colorado Springs, Colo., Mike Stephens and wife Jennifer of Springdale, and Jana Harper and husband Jay, of Farmington; grandchildren, Brandon Frizzell, Josh Stephens, Ashton Stephens, Kelsey Stephens, Lacy Stephens, Callie Harper and Katie Beth Harper; his mother of Terre Haute, Ind.; brother, Dr. Jim Stephens and wife, Elaine, of Brazil, Ind.; brother Richard and wife Jane Ann of Terre Haute, Ind.; sister, Patti Hughes, of Terre Haute, Ind.; and several beloved nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends today from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Moore’s Chapel, with a private memorial service following on Friday. Arrangements are under the direction of Moore’s Chapel. Donations may be made in honor of Dr. Stephens to the Willard Walker Hospice Home and the Alzheimer’s Association.
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