Robert Edward Glenn

Dr. Robert Edward Glenn, 84, beloved father, grandfather, and husband of 57 years to our sweet mother, Oaklawn Park handicapper and true friend and mentor to so many, passed away on Friday, April 23, surrounded by family and friends. Dr. Glenn lived a fulfilling life, serving as pediatrician both in private practice in North Little Rock for 20 years and later at Arkansas Children's Hospital where he saw patients and taught residents at the University of Arkansas Medical School (UAMS). Dr. Glenn worked at Children's for 18 years and was one of five doctors honored as part of the hospital's history. He was honored for establishing a baby wellness program so residents could see patients on a weekly basis in preparation for their future. Dr. Glenn was born on Oct. 24, 1936, in Memphis, and grew up in Crawfordsville, Ark. He was the son of Grover and Annie Morris Glenn, with his Aunt Lena Morris stepping in to raise him as his mother died when he was four years old. In high school, he played all three major sports and was the captain and quarterback of Crawfordsville's six-man football team. After graduating high school in 1954, he went to Christian Brothers in Memphis, then joined the Air Force and spent time in Germany before returning home to attend the University of Arkansas A&M Monticello. While in Germany, he realized his love of medicine by performing an emergency delivery of his son, Robert. He knocked on a random door and used what little German he knew to explain the situation. He started med school at UAMS and hosted parties for his fellow students, playing the piano, banjo, and ukulele, with everyone singing along. He finished tenth in his graduating class and always joked he would have finished first if he didn't have kids. He is preceded in death by the love of his life, Jenny Lynn Thomasson. A storybook couple who shared their love for each other and enjoyed giving to others in need. They loved celebrating life with their family and friends. Dr. and Mrs. Glenn made lifetime friends through their unselfish work in the Catholic Church, including many years at Immaculate Conception in North Little Rock. They attended the Catholic Cursillo and Marriage Encounter retreats, becoming staunch members and leaders in both organizations. Their marriage encounter local group continued meeting monthly for more than thirty years, creating loyal friendships that remain today. Whenever it was time for Dr. and Mrs. Glenn to host their marriage encounter group, Dr. Glenn would spend hours in the kitchen whipping up a favorite Glenn family meal, hot tamales. After med school, he started private practice in North Little Rock and lived there for the next 53 years. It was during this time his love of thoroughbred racing grew at Oaklawn Park. Dr. Glenn wasn't a casual observer looking at a racing form to see if they were using his favorite silk designs or if the horse had a cool name. He was looking for winners! In what can only be described as formulas like the problems on the board in "Good Will Hunting" or the wild algorithms created by Professor John Nash in "A Beautiful Mind." Dr. Glenn created different systems only he understood. He won the pick-six several different times and finished third in a handicapping contest. Every year during racing season, Dr. Glenn's phone would ring with family and friends asking for winners. It never bothered him and he always shared knowledge with everyone. Other than his family and Arkansas Razorback sports, horses were his love. Dr. Glenn is preceded in death by two brothers, Grover, and Billy, and is survived by his four children, Lynda Glenn, Fountain Hills, Ariz., Robert Glenn Jr, Jacksonville, Ark., William Glenn (Stacey), Pascagoula, Miss., and Stephen Glenn of Fayetteville, Ark., ten grandchildren, with two preceded in death; six great-grandchildren and one great-great- grandchild. Private services are being coordinated by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home and burial will take place at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, please share an act of kindness with others. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.