Dr. Richard Roy Cohoon, age 90, of Russellville, died Saturday, March 4, 2023, at his home.  He was born May 23, 1932, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Roy Elliott and Margaret Cora Swafford Cohoon.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Kelly Ann Cohoon.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Mary Elizabeth Wright Cohoon; a daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Jim Clark of Russellville; two grandchildren, Joshua Perks of Russellville and Haley (Kevin) Brashear of Seattle, Washington.

Dr. Cohoon grew up in Oklahoma City. After graduating high school, he entered the Officers' training program with the Navy and earned the rank of Commander. He served 4 years of active duty and another 25 years as a Naval Reservist.

After earning his baccalaureate degree from Oklahoma City University in 1954, he added a Master of Science degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1959 and a Doctor of Education degree from Oklahoma State University in 1974.  Dr. Cohoon spent the first few years post-graduation serving in the private sector as a geologist. He began his career at Tech in 1960. He retired in 2012 after 52 years of service, earning him the distinction of the longest serving faculty member in Tech history.

He joined Arkansas Tech as an instructor and was subsequently promoted to assistant professor, associate professor, professor, distinguished professor and professor emeritus. He served as a division chair, department head and as a dean.  He was presented with the Faculty Award of Excellence in the service category on the day of his retirement.  He received the honorary title, Professor Emeritus of Geology, in 2014 and the university bestowed upon him its highest honor – induction into the ATU Hall of Distinction – in 2015.

He was appointed to the Arkansas Geological Survey in 1987 by Governor Bill Clinton and served as chair for a number of years.  After his retirement from Tech he wrote and published two road guides; Geologic Road Guide to Highway 7 and Geologic Road Guide to Highway 10. Dr. Cohoon was passionate about his work and found great joy in studying, teaching and mentoring students over his career. He touched the lives of countless students and stayed in close contact with many of them well beyond their graduations. He genuinely took joy in the success of students and never stopped giving his all as teacher, leader and guide.

Dr. Cohoon was an antique car enthusiast and kept detailed records of the vintage cars he owned and worked on through the years. Taking great care and pride in them was a life-long hobby and he enjoyed taking his family and friends on rides in his beautiful vehicles.

In later years he enjoyed having coffee with many of his friends and former colleagues and came to regard his coffee outings as one of the highlights of his week.  But of course, his greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband to Mary, a loving and committed father to his daughters, Kelly and Lisa, and later an adoring grandfather to his grandchildren, Josh and Haley. He was an ever-present guide and loving force to his family who will miss him deeply. His earthly life is now over, but his legacy will be the wisdom and love he shared so freely with those who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 6, 2023, at the Shinn Chapel with the Rev. Don Erwin, Dr. Cathy Baker and Mr. Terry Suen officiating with visitation following the service at The Train Depot in Russellville.  Burial will be private at Oakland Cemetery in Russellville, under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dr. Richard Cohoon Scholarship, benefiting geology students at Arkansas Tech University.  Online donations can be made at: www.atualumni.com/cohoonscholarship or ATU Foundation,| 1509 N Boulder Ave, Room 209, Russellville, AR 72801, please include "In memory of Dr. Cohoon" on the memo line.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.