Robert W. (Bob) Stophlet, 94, passed from this life Friday, March 30, 2018 at his home. He was born to the late Fred and Iva (Wells) Stophlet on July 10, 1923 and was a lifelong resident of Rogers. He was the loving husband of 70 years to the late Joyce (Kendrick) Stophlet.
Bob graduated from Rogers High School in 1942 and enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. Part of his WWII active duty included time on a Destroyer Escort ship in the North Atlantic Ocean. When he returned to Rogers after the war one of his first jobs was as a ranch foreman and bodyguard for a gentleman at Monte Ne. He then was able to purchase land which was part of his great-grandparents’ original homestead in the Prairie Creek area. That’s where he began his life-long passion with cattle farming.
As Bob progressed through his post-war years, he worked at Munsingwear, the U.S. Post Office, and took local classes on farming. Later he began his 20-year sales career with Bruce-Rodgers Wholesale Plumbing Supply. He was a sales representative with routes throughout NW Arkansas. When he retired, in 1977 from his sales job, he was able to spend time farming with locations in Rogers, Bentonville, and Vaughn. Cattle farming was his main focus through his remaining years. But he still found time to enjoy his hobbies, such as quail hunting, fishing excursions, and deer hunt camping trips. Bob and his family were part of the original Southside Church of Christ organizers. He and others spent many hours in planning for the future Southside and its growth from 1958 to the present day. His love of Southside and its principals continued throughout his years.
He is survived by his daughter; Jeanne Hickman of Rogers and his son; Mike Stophlet and wife, Cindy of Fayetteville; six grandchildren, Jason Hickman of Rogers, John (Ashley) Hickman of Farmington, Rachel (Ben) Steele of Tampa, Drew Stophlet of Fayetteville, Dr. Grant Stophlet of Dallas and Catherine Stophlet of Fayetteville; and seven great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be on Thursday, April 5, 2018 from 5 until 7pm at Rollins Funeral Home Chapel. Services will be on Friday, April 6, 2018 at 3pm in Rollins Chapel, with burial to follow at Rogers Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Green Valley Bible Camp, c/o Southside Church of Christ.
Online condolences can be made at www.rollinsfuneral.com
