Robert (Bob) Allen Beal

Robert (Bob) Allen Beal, a 69-year-old resident of Decatur, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2024. He was born October 17, 1954, in Coffeyville, Kansas, to Albert LeRoy Beal and Marjorie Anne Lamm Beal. The family later moved to Decatur, Arkansas when Bob was 6 years old. He attended and later graduated from Decatur High School in Decatur, Arkansas. He was very active in sports. Bob joined the United States Navy in 1973 at the age of nineteen. Following boot camp in Orlando, Florida, he served in Jacksonville, Florida, and San Diego, California for his temporary service, before being assigned to his duty in Athens, Greece, in the Police Support Office at Athens Air Force Base. He completed his Naval service in Charleston, South Carolina, where he served on the USS Sellers DDG-11 missile destroyer. Bob earned the National Defense Service Medal and was honorably discharged. He was proud of his military service and felt honored to have served his country. Bob met his wife and soul mate Peggy upon his return to Decatur from his Naval Service. He often said it was fate that brought them together at a basketball game. They shared forty-four beautiful years of marriage and were blessed with amazing children and grandchildren. Bob enjoyed a great career as a salesman with Shell Oil Company, achieving multiple awards and honors. He was well-known and respected in the industry and took pride in caring for his customers. Outside of work, he enjoyed leading the youth of the community as a coach and mentor and served on many committees as well as serving on the Decatur School Board. His favorite quotes were, “No whining” and “No crying.” Bob most recently enjoyed his woodworking hobby. He was very creative with his work. Bob would say, “Of all the titles I have held, the greatest are Dad and Poppi.” Bob was also a faithful Christian. In years past, he served on many committees at the church and was also involved in youth leadership. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, LeRoy Beal and Marge Beal; brother, Ron Beal; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Leona and Charley Knox; sister-in-law, Lexe Beal; brother-in-law, Truitt Knox; and nephew, Dusty Cook. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Beal of Decatur, Arkansas; daughter, Shasta Van Sickle and husband Scott of Golden, Colorado; sons, Colby Beal and wife Caitlin of Cave Springs, Arkansas, and son, Hunter Beal of Fayetteville, Arkansas; cherished grandchildren, Skylar Van Sickle, Peyton Van Sickle, and Clover Beal; brother, John Beal and wife Jeannie of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; sister, Rhonda Beal Grossich and husband Al of Tulsa, Oklahoma; seven very special Knox brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, and loving friends. A visitation will be held at Decatur United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. The memorial service, officiated by Tylar Lee, will follow the visitation at 1:00 p.m. Burial with military honors will follow at Decatur Cemetery.

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Robert (Bob) Allen Beal

October 17, 1954 - March 30, 2024