Robert Eugene Edwards

Robert Eugene "Bob" Edwards, 69, of Fayetteville, died Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, following a struggle with dementia. Bob was born Feb. 4, 1950 in Ravenna, Ohio. He served in the Army in Thailand during the Vietnam conflict as a communications officer. Later he returned to service in the Air National Guard at the 188th Unit in Fort Smith. Bob retired from the University of Arkansas, where he worked as a computer technician, and ran his own computer business, Lord and Edwards Enterprises. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harris Edwards and Jeanne Skapura, and his brother Richard Edwards. Bob was passionate about Jesus, and his gift of faith was a powerful witness to those close to him. He often said, "The only thing that's good in me is Jesus" and talked about Him with everyone he knew. He challenged us to pray big prayers. He especially was drawn to pray for kids with cancer. It was during one of those prayer times that he felt God impressed Micah 6:8 on his heart and called him to run the St. Jude Marathon and raise money. Over the next five years, God enabled Bob to raise $20,000 for the kids of St. Jude. He also was strengthened to lose 50 pounds and run two half marathons and five full marathons. Dementia hit Bob hard in his last years, and it stole a lot. But the deepest things in him could not be taken. His soul was untouched by the disease. He loved to worship and would still try to sing along as long as possible. He still was excited when his wife Rosa came home from work. He was thrilled at his kids' weekly visits and enjoyed other visitors as well. He remained happy and positive through the worst of the disease. Most importantly, he always knew that he loved Jesus and that Jesus loved him. Bob is survived by his wife Rosa of the home and her parents, Carnis and Betty Jones of Fayetteville. Everyone who knew Bob knew of his love for his wife Rosa. In their marriage of 25 years, he was not a perfect husband, but he did try to love her as Christ loves the church. He loved leaving sweet notes everywhere and surprising her with acts of service or small gifts. He loved her parents deeply and even in his last months often would be motivated to get out of bed by the reminder that he could go visit them. Bob was profoundly, deeply proud of his kids and grandkids. He frequently said, "They turned out great despite me." He was goofy, ornery, and spontaneous with them. He is survived by his son, Robert Feezor of Norman, Okla.; daughter, Jeanne and husband Marlon Douthit of Broken Arrow, Okla.; son, David and wife Cindy Edwards of North Little Rock; daughter, Tiffany Edwards of central Arkansas; grandson, Jesse and wife Allyson Douthit of Maryland; granddaughter, Cassidy and great-granddaughter, Zella Rosa Crawford of Broken Arrow; grandson, Jaxon Douthit of Broken Arrow; brother, Tom and wife Deanna Edwards of Fort Smith; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a host of friends. The family wishes to thank Good Shepherd Senior Care, Circle of Life Hospice, and the VA Home Based Primary Care Team. Funeral services will be Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. at Calvary Chapel Fayetteville, 385 E. Sunbridge, with Rev. Phil Heppner officiating. Graveside service with military honors will be at Mount Comfort Cemetery, 3816 W Mt. Comfort Rd., with Dr. H.D. McCarty officiating. Honorary pallbearers are Jesse Douthit, Johnny Hodge, Dave Anderson, Todd Simpson, James Brassell, Adrain Smith, Dave Whittenberg, Bryson Porter, and Rev. Charlie Collins, Jr. At Bob's request, a celebration meal to share memories of Bob will be held at the family home immediately following the graveside service and is open to all who knew and loved Bob. To place an online tribute visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com. Those wishing to make donations in lieu of flowers may contribute to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord."