Robert Stephens

Robert W. Stephens, 85 of Arkadelphia, AR passed away Nov. 6, 2006 of complications following a broken hip. A native of Gurdon, AR, Stephens attended Henderson State University and the University of Arkansas. During WWII Stephens served as a naval aviator. Stephens holds an M.S. E. and a Diploma of Advanced Study from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. He served as superintendent of Schools in Five Arkansas schools: Horatio, De Queen, Van Buren, Arkadelphia and Magnet Cove. Stephens was a community leader in the Rotary Club of Arkadelphia and was designated a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary International Foundation. In retirement, Stephens served as a state officer of the AARP and he also served as an adjunct faculty member at HSU. In 2003 the Alliance for Continuing Excellence in Teacher Education at HSU held a tribute reception recognizing Stephens' years of service to Arkansas public schools. Stephens is well known for his artistic talent of carving and painting ducks and shore birds.


Stephens is survived by his wife, Claudine, now living at West Shores Senior Living Community in Hot Springs, AR.; his son, Chris Stephens of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; a daughter, Judy Pruitt of Coral Gables, FL; two grandchildren, Stephen Pruitt and Michelle Piedmont of Atlanta, GA; and two great-granddaughters, Isabel and Cora Pruitt.


Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Thursday, Nov. 9, 2006 at the First United Methodist Church of Arkadelphia with Rev. Daniel Kirkpatrick officiating. Visitation will be from 6-8 PM Wednesday, Nov 8 at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First United Methodist Church of Arkadelphia or to the Stephens Academic Fund at HSU Alliance for Teaching Excellence in Arkadelphia.