Robert "Bob" Power

Dr. Robert (Bob) C. Power died August 3, 2021.  He was born in his grandmother’s farmhouse on August 7, 1935 in Lockesburg, Arkansas, the son of the late Prentice and Charlene (Charlie) Harrison Power.  He was also predeceased by his sisters, Tomye Power, Helen Power Clark, her husband, Frank Clark, and nephew, Joey Clark, all of Hope, Arkansas; brother-in-law, Mike Vogelgesang of North Little Rock. Bob asked that God allow him to cross the Rainbow Bridge where his four fur boys, DU-P, Arthur, Charlie and Benji are waiting for him with smiles, happy barks, wagging tails and puppy dog kisses.  Eager, his remaining fur baby, will miss him greatly.

Bob is survived by his wife, Arleta Power; children, Renee Power of Orlando, Florida and Robert K. Power of Denton, Texas; grandsons, Brady and Patrick Power of Carrollton, Texas; stepson, Roy G. Standridge, Jr. (Melinda) of Roland; step-grandchildren, Rachel and Jason; step-great-grandchildren, Judah, Micah and Isaiah of Greenbrier; step-grandson, Cory Bennet (Jessica), step-great-grandsons, Maddox and Jace of Mountain View and Tara Ashcraft.  Also surviving are a sister, Mary Louise Harrison and nieces, Mary Harrison and Nola Stout of Hope; brother-in-law, Maynard Vogelgesang of North Little Rock and sister-in-law, Mary Lou Suitt of Maumelle; two nephews, two nieces, five great-nieces, two great-nephews and one great-great-niece.

Bob spent his early years in Nashville, Arkansas, growing up among family members, working on family and nearby farms. He had various odd jobs to earn money from family members and other residents in Nashville.

From his first day in public school, his teachers recognized his intellectual abilities. His incredible photographic memory and high intelligence were apparent.  He maintained a 4.0 grade average throughout his education and worked at various odd jobs each year to supplement his family’s income.

Bob’s family moved to Hope when he was fifteen years old.  He continued working while maintaining his 4.0 grade point.  In his senior year at Hope High School, his English teacher, Mrs. Amore, asked him what his plans were following graduation.  When he told her he wasn’t sure, she told him he was going to be a doctor.  He was a little stunned but very grateful for her interest and was motivated to pursue his career.  She and others in the Hope community provided financial assistance.  Civic organizations, the Lions Club, the local PEO chapter and others assisted with tuition. He continued to work at various jobs while continuing his education, as a butcher, reading gas meters, and as a salesman at a local clothing store.

He completed his pre-medical education at the University of Arkansas.  Following graduation, he joined the Army and completed his residency in a new field of medicine known as Gastroenterology. After 13 years and tours of duty at Fort Bragg, M.D. Anderson and Fort Sam Houston, he resigned his commission as a Lt. Colonel in 1973 and returned to Little Rock to fulfill a commitment to join the first modern Gastroenterology Clinic in Arkansas, Gastroenterology Associates, P.A. From a daily list of patients, he could recall lab values, procedural reports, diagnosis and outcomes.  His phenomenal memory resulted in quicker treatment as his procedural and medical knowledge became widely known and respected.  He retired in 2004.

Bob was a tried and true sports fan. He loved football, basketball and baseball and followed them closely.  From the age of 12, he was a huge fan of the Philadelphia Athletics, now known as the Oakland Athletics.  The Washington Redskins were his favored pro-football team. But nothing compared to his passion and support of the Arkansas Razorbacks, especially the football and basketball programs.  He had remarkable recall of players, past and present, remembering specific dates, plays and scores.

Armed with a wealth of knowledge, his photographic memory, clinical skills and compassion, he cared for many and was dedicated to his patients, clinics and hospitals he covered for thirty-nine years.  His retirement years were spent at lake houses in Rogers and Heber Springs, traveling, reading and playing with his dogs.

Bob was a kind and caring son, husband, father, grandfather and friend.  He was a good “old soul” who believed in God, his family and his country.  His laughter, twinkling blue eyes and mere presence will be missed.

The family is grateful to Bob’s caregivers, Jordan Hensley and Chris Brock.  They treated him as an adult, respected his person and gave him excellent physical care.

Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choosing.

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