Robert L. Depper Jr.

He was born in Wood River, Illinois on September 8, 1952, to Robert L. Depper, Sr. and Nelda JoAnn Hooper Depper.

Bob attended high school in Wood River, graduating in 1970. He subsequently attended Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, on an R.O.T.C scholarship. While at Westminster, he met his wife of over forty years, Mary Spencer Depper. They were married in 1975. Following college he served four years in the United States Army at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He began his career in the law in 1978, attending the University of Arkansas School of Law, Fayetteville, Arkansas. Following graduation in 1981, he joined the law firm of his late father-in-law, James V. Spencer, Jr., in El Dorado, Arkansas.

Faith and family were the foundation of Bob’s life. He watched his wife, children and grandchildren grow in their personal lives and careers with such pride and excitement. He could be counted on for wisdom, courage and kindness in any situation. His family was not limited by blood. He welcomed friends with open arms to Depper family Christmases, Thanksgivings and beach vacations. He was known lovingly by those who knew him as Bobby D.

Bob’s passion was the law. Above everything else, he sought justice for his clients. There was never a fight too difficult or legal issue too complicated. If someone was in need, Bob was more than willing to take on their case. He advocated for them zealously, while always maintaining his integrity as an officer of the court.

Even while focusing on his clients, Bob took time to work in his community. He coached many high school mock trial teams, taking joy in seeing young people learn and practice the law. He took on many cases pro bono and was active with the Arkansas Volunteer Lawyers for the Elderly. As a member of First United Methodist Church, he worked with the youth. They referred to him as B-O-B. He was on several committees, and enjoyed reprising his role as “Andrew” in the yearly Easter play.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Robert L. Depper, Sr.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; their children Robert L. Depper, III (Aimée Papazian), Annie Depper, Mary Candace Depper, and James Spencer Depper (Grace); their grandchildren Lucy and Bodhin; his brother Paul (Marsha) Depper; his sisters Deborah (Glenn) Cooper, Penny (Matt) Raymond, and Trisha Depper; his mother, Nelda JoAnn Hooper Depper; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 27, 2016, at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Keith Dodson and Rev. Jim Polk officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Arlington Memorial Park under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Arkansas Legal Aid, First United Methodist Church of Junction City, Arkansas, or Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute (CARTI) to aid cancer patients.

An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com