Robert Bolen, 85, died on October 21, 2021, at Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home in Russellville.  The son of Homer and Tressie Baer Bolen, he was born on February 19, 1936, at Bismarck, Missouri.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Mary Henkel Bolen, brothers Charles Bolen and Ernest Akins, and sister Nancy Pinkerton Schwab.

Survivors include his wife Norma Williams Bolen; sons David (Patti) Bolen, Stephen (Mary) Bolen, Jamie (Wanitta) Bolen, Danny (Vicki) Booher; daughters Karen (Wade) Kight, Amy (Greg) Grace, Kim (Jamie) McDougal; grandchildren Andrew, Alex, Robert, Ryan, Spencer, Sawyer, Brittany, Josh, Rachel, Ellen, Mikalah, Chance, Jake, Lacie, Madisynn, Kennedi, Landen, Kyle, Lucas, Kelton; 14 great-grandchildren.

Robert spent 66 years of his life in the classroom either as a student or a teacher.  He completed college (BS) at Southeast Missouri State University before beginning his teaching career.  He later completed his MS and PhD at the University of Colorado, Boulder, retiring as Professor of Speech after 36 years at Arkansas Tech University.

Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home, 220 John Babish Lane, Russellville, Arkansas 72801.

All arrangements are private and under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.shinnfuneral.com.