Obituaries

Robert Squyres

Photo of Robert Squyres
Robert Squyres, age 80, of Russellville, completed his long journey home on Monday, August 14, 2017, at St. Vincent's Infirmary in Little Rock. He was born on August 12, 1937, in Alexandria, Louisiana, to Benny and Ethel Squyres. Survivors include the love of his life, his wife, Ann Shirley Squyres of Russellville; a son, Aaron Lee Squyres, and his wife, Kristin of Little Rock; two daughters, Amy Squyres Cooper, and her husband, Hunt of Siloam Springs, and Laura Squyres Little of Searcy; seven grandchildren, Kennedy Squyres, Katherine Squyres, Austin Cooper, Madison Cooper, Mason Cooper, Colby Little, and Aubrey Little. Robert met Ann over a game of Canasta at the Wesley Foundation Youth Center at Louisiana Tech, and they were married on December 29, 1961. Robert received his Bachelors of Science from Louisiana Tech in 1961 and was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. After a honeymoon in New Orleans, Robert and Ann began their journey in life together by moving to Tiller, Oregon, population 150, in a borrowed Volkswagen Microbus with all of their possessions, including Kitty Sam, where Robert began his career with the U.S. Forest Service. After living in Texas and South Carolina, Robert and Ann settled in Russellville, where they have resided for the last 42 years. He served on the Civil Service Commission and was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church, serving in many positions. Robert had many interests, but he was most passionate about working with children. He and Ann led United Methodist Youth Groups in South Carolina and Russellville, served for many years as a Sunday School teacher, and was a long time Little League baseball coach. After retiring from the U.S. Forest Service, Robert began a new career as a "full time" substitute teacher. Throughout the years, Robert had a profound effect on the many people he touched. He always had a kind word and helping hand to anyone in need. He never met a stranger and would be more than happy to tell one of his many stories to anyone he met. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5-6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. A celebration of Robert's life will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, August 18, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Roy Smith and the Rev. Gail Brooks officiating. Interment will be private in Oakland Cemetery in Russellville and under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville. Memorial donations may be made to the Robert W. Squyres Memorial Scholarship Fund at Regions Bank. The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.shinnfuneral.com.

Published August 17, 2017

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