Robert (Bob) William Lewis was born in Springfield, Mo., on July 3, 1949. Bobo left his earthly home on Oct. 8, 2021, at the age of 72.
Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Marilou (Cox) Lewis. His children: Jodi Martindale (Mike), Jennifer Lancaster (Dulin), and Bo Lewis (Jessica). Bonus sons: Todd Price and Spencer Price (Misty). His grandchildren: Ty Martindale, Gabi Lancaster, Madi Lancaster, Hailey Price, Aimee Price, Tommy Price, Ady Price, Christopher Price and grand dog TJ Price. Bob’s siblings are his twin sister, Patti Lewis, Barbara McWilliams (Danny) and Jim Lewis (Renee). He also had 3 brothers and sisters-in-law: Herman Cox (Mary), Ed Cox (Lynda) and Jim Cox (Jan) and his mother-in-law, Marilou Cox. He had a host of nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his grandson, Drew Martindale, his bonus son, Chris Price, and his parents, Gene and Joan Lewis.
Bob’s family moved from Missouri to Texarkana in 1959. Bob was a graduate of Arkansas High School, Class of 1967. During his high school days, he was a Razorback on the Suicide Squad and Varsity football team. His senior year, he was elected All State Football, playing Tight End. Bob graduated from Southern State College in 1971, being a Mulerider football player. He put himself through college on a full football scholarship. After college Bob began a banking career. During his banking career he also graduated from Arkansas Banking Association Lending School, School of Banking of the South (LSU), and Sheshunoff Lending School. He started his career in SW Arkansas, starting in Lewisville, Ark., and moved to various other SW Arkansas banks over the years. In 2007 his career led him to SW Missouri. He loved returning to his home state. In 2013, Arkansas called again. He moved to Hope and retired from First Bank in Hope, Arkansas — 44 years of a great banking career.
Bob was also an avid sportsman. He loved hunting with his parents, siblings, and kids. He loved fishing with his family and buddies, but his favorite was fishing with his daughter and granddaughters, Gabi, Madi and Ady. He was also an excellent shooter. He loved shooting sporting clays. He was a poet and often left poems for his wife. He loved to dance and there was hardly a dance he couldn’t do. He was a great “Peep” to his grandkids. He loved life and all that goes with it. He was an active member in Hope United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School for the Pairs and Spares and the Century Bible Class. He loved running to the church to count money, making coffee on Sunday mornings, bringing the donuts, and taking his grand dog to Kid’s Bible College for the kids to enjoy. He was loved by many for many different reasons.
Bob fought a long and hard battle with cancer since 2005. He was like the energizer bunny, he always kept coming back. Other health issues began to take over and his battle is now over.
He has gone to be with his loved ones and his Heavenly Father. He is strong again and feeling no pain. He was a good and faithful servant for God. His time on earth is over. His job is done. He will be missed and loved by many. He was a special man.
Visitation will be Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, at Hope First United Methodist Church, Hope, Ark., at 2:00-4:00 p.m.The funeral will immediately follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, please donate to First United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.
