Robert A. Taunton

Born January 3, 1942 he was the son of Riley Archie and Lois Erlene Gates Taunton. Robert was well-known for his athletic prowess, lettering in track, football, basketball and baseball and later receiving an offer to tryout with the St. Louis Cardinals. He attended Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Education and began his coaching career soon afterward. He enjoyed his years as football coach at Barton and El Dorado High. “Coach” was much beloved by his former players, having acted as a surrogate dad for more than a few, and remained close to many of them for the rest of his life.

His love of hunting, fishing and the outdoors led him and Lisa to relocate to Colorado in 1995. Making this move resulted in a cherished lifetime friendship with Tom and Tammi Bieser, who, in turn provided Rob and Lisa an endless amount of adventure and joy.

Robert was generous with his love and time, but not his pocketbook (tight as tree bark)!!!! He was crafty and sly, and was often compared to Tom Sawyer when it came to delegating chores. As one of his nieces said “Uncle Bob was Uncle Bob”. He made us laugh, he was funny and comical, we always felt good in his presence, and he loved us unconditionally.

Preceding him in death along with his parents was his wife Lisa Taunton.

Surviving are his son, Brett Taunton, of Hot Springs, AR, step-daughter, Casey Cates of El Dorado, step-son, Coley Cates of Madison, MS, sisters, Erlene Swan (Jerry) of Crossett and Anita Liles of Raleigh, NC and a brother, Donny Taunton of Crossett. Surviving grandchildren are Brooke Taunton, Gabriel Pinkerton, Hannah and Jack Lolley, Virginia and Miller Cates.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 11, 2017 at Union Methodist Protestant Church near Strong with Rev. Donald Ray Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Unity Baptist Church Cemetery in Crossett under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Young's Funeral Directors.

The family cannot overstate how appreciative we are of the Union Methodist Protestant Church. At every opportunity they have exemplified the Lord’s wish to love thy neighbor.

Memorials may be made to Union Methodist Protestant Church, or the Unity Baptist Church Cemetery.

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