Robert Halferty

Robert Vincent “Bob” Halferty passed away on May 13, 2021 in North Little Rock. Bob was born January 4, 1952 in Poplar Bluff Missouri to Don and Margaret Weitlake Halferty. Being the son of a railroad official, Bob lived in many states before moving to North Little Rock in 1968 to finish his junior and senior year at North Little Rock High School. Prior to that move he lived in McGhee, Arkansas which earned him the nickname “Hoot” by his new friends and fellow players on the NLRHS football team. Bob loved sports, playing all sports offered in the many schools he attended. He also coached his daughter’s softball team for many years. Bob was an avid Razorback fan, watching and supporting all sports they played. He had a passion for fishing which he shared with many including his two fathers in law.

No event in Bob’s life went without a story or two. His best friend, Bill Word, and many other would share stories of their adventures from high school and beyond, leaving no doubt that Bob was a fun and sometimes perilous person to be around. In a new chapter of his life, Bob became a member of Lakewood Methodist Church where he found a passion for the Ozark Mission Project. Bob, affectionately known as “Bob the Builder” spent 15 summers working with youth, sharing stories, having adventures, building wheelchair ramps, porches or anything needed by the community they were serving. He loved this ministry and fellowship with the youth and all other adults who are serving God and their fellow man.

Bob’s most important role was being “ChooChoo” to his nine grandchildren. He adored each and every one of them and was so happy to be able to spend a lot of time together as they grew up. Train trips to Louisiana with them was one of his favorite adventures. As the grands grew older, he was so happy that they still wanted to talk to and hang out with him, and let their friends be beneficiaries of his many stories and kind heart.

Bob worked for the Mopac railroad and later Union Pacific, for 30 years. After retirement, he began working as a Property Manager for Lakewood Methodist Church where he loved to pull pranks on his fellow employees. Most of his grandchildren attended the MDO program there, so he would stop by to say hi and all the children would run up to hug ChooChoo. His mother often commented that there was not a dog or a child who didn’t love Bobby. We will all miss his quick wit, his big heart and many of us, his devotion to his ideals.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Kathy and his children’s mother, Shirley. Bob is survived by his wife JoBeth, his daughters, Vicki Walker and Megan Harris, stepsons Jeff Holsted (Crystal) and Adam Holsted (Carissa) as well as grandchildren Emily and Carley Walker, Jacob, Kobie and Dylan Holsted, Lauren and Jaci Holsted, Kayden Halferty, who is also his adopted son, and Kameron McDay. He is survived by his brothers, Donnie (Faye) Halferty and Mike (Renatta) Halferty, and many extended family members.

Bob wished to be cremated and his ashes spread in his favorite fishing hole. A private service will be held for family.

In lieu of flowers, Bob requested donations be made to Camp Istrouma, 25975 Greenwell Springs Rd., Greenwell Springs, LA 70739, LUMC to benefit scholarships for Ozark Mission Project, 1922 Topf Rd., North Little Rock, AR 72116, Rock City Rescue, 2513 McCain Blvd., Suite 2 #176, North Little Rock, AR 72116 or the charity of your choice.