Robert Blackwell Cloninger, Sr.

Robert Blackwell Cloninger, Sr., beloved husband of Reverend Kim Kelton Cloninger and very proud father of Reverend Robert Blackwell Cloninger II (Betsy) and Reverend Mark Lawrence Cloninger and grandfather to Caroline Elizabeth Cloninger and Robert Blackwell Cloninger III, passed from this life on July 13th, 2018. Bob loved his family with all of his heart, animals (especially his German Shepherd, Belle). He loved God and honored Him by supporting a family of ministers and being actively involved as a longtime member of Goddard United Methodist Church. Bob was an avid gardener, and especially loved tending his rose bushes. Bob was a computer-engineering instructor at the University of Arkansas—Fort Smith. Bob held a bachelor's degree in psychology from Hendrix College, a master's degree in adult education from the University of Arkansas—Fayetteville, and a master's degree in information quality from the University of Arkansas—Little Rock. In May 2018, Bob was awarded the Lori Norin Faculty Appreciation Award given by the Student Government Association. Over the course of the last eighteen years, Bob was able to instruct and guide a number of his students, which he counted as one of his greatest blessings. At the age of seventeen, Bob enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served his country on active duty for four years and he finished his military career serving in the inactive reserves. Those who will continue to celebrate his memory include Kim Kelton Cloninger (his wife of forty years), his sons Robert Blackwell Cloninger II (the daughter-in-law whom he loved, Betsy and their beautiful children Caroline Elizabeth and Robert Blackwell III) and Mark Lawrence Cloninger. His siblings include Susan Bradley Cloninger (Matt), John Lawson Cloninger (Louise), and Fred Maxey Cloninger (Polly). His mother-in-law Renna Kelton. He is survived by many nieces and nephews. Bob fought the good fight, he ran the good race, and he is now no longer in pain. Memorial service will be Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at 5:30 PM in the Goddard United Methodist Church under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. The family will greet friends following the Memorial Service in the Church Parlor. Memorials may be made to Goddard United Methodist Church, The Goddard Hospital House, or the Hope Humane Society. To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.