Robert (Bob) Crawford Burket, 78, of Van Buren, Arkansas, died on Tuesday, January 22, 2019, at Heart of Hospice, with family and friends by his side. Born in Altoona, PA, to Ross Crawford and Elizabeth Brown Burket, he was raised on the family’s dairy farm in Sinking Valley Township. He attended Penn State University, hence his love for the Nittany Lions. After college he joined the Air Force, followed by a career of civil service for the Department of Defense, and retired after 35 years. He also served in the Navy Reserves, Point Mugu, California, and retired from the 188th Wing of the Arkansas Air National Guard, Fort Smith.
On June 5, 1965, Robert married the love of his life, Charlotte Newman. They created a meaningful life together teaching their chosen children to be kind, honest and to lead by example. He leaves behind a legacy of honor and graciousness interwoven in the lives of his children and grandchildren.
Left to cherish his memory, wife and best friend, Charlotte; son, Jim and wife Kim; grandsons, Brandon and Ryan; and daughter, Jennifer Rochner and husband Mark; grandson, Tye; and granddaughter, Annie.
The family would like to thank lifelong friends Brenda and Virgil Oliver, for their forever friendship and support during this difficult time. They would also like to thank the medical teams for their care and compassion at Heart of Hospice and Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Smith.
The service will be held at 10:00am, Friday, January 25 at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 North 12th Street, Fort Smith. Burial will be at 11:00am at the U.S. National Cemetery, 522 Garland Avenue, Fort Smith.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, www.parkinsons.org
