Robert "Bob" Mangham

Robert “Bob” Fields Mangham passed away at the age of 77 on June 30, 2025, in New Orleans after a long struggle with heart disease. Bob lived a full, adventurous life and was well-known for his passion for music and storytelling.

Bob was born on November 2, 1947, in Shreveport, where he attended A.C. Steere Elementary School, Broadmoor Junior High School, and was a proud alumnus of C.E. Byrd High School. He received his BA in English and his MA in Speech from Louisiana Tech University. He worked in various human services roles throughout his life.

An avid musician, Bob could rarely be found without an instrument within arm's reach. He loved all music, but he especially enjoyed singing and playing folk songs. Some of his favorite moments were jamming with his dear friends and members of the Goat Hill Gospel Gang, as well as his infamous Full Moon/World Peace Parties held at Lake Bob. Never one to miss a theatrical moment, he also performed over the years with various groups, including the Shreveport Opera Company and the First Grace UMC Creative Arts Collective. Everybody who knows Bob has a story to tell associating him with a musical moment. In fact, within the hour before his dying, he requested that we bring his guitar and tuner to the hospital the following morning.

Bob was an active member of the church in Shreveport at Broadmoor United Methodist, in Coushatta at First United Methodist Church, and in New Orleans at First Grace United Methodist Church. He served the church through his musical talent by singing in the choir and his willingness to help with audio/visual needs. He also served as a Youth Director and loved to share stories about his mission trips. At First Grace UMC, he led the Gypsy Rhythm musical group for the community meals for at least five years.

More than anything, though, Bob was a storyteller. He loved his family, he loved people, he loved a good drink, and he loved good conversation. His family has found so much comfort in all of the “Bob stories” people have reached out to us with.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Lee “Skrub” Mangham, Jr., and Martha Wilson Mangham.

He is survived by his wife, Paula Kivisto Eagan Mangham, daughters Page Knapp, Paula Mitra (Sid), and Celia Mangham, stepson Patrick Eagan (Tambra), grandchildren: Sthir, Pranab, Surya, Connor, Caleb and McKenzie, sister Carol Mangham Golemon, and brother Jim Mangham (Jeannie.) He was beloved by a host of nieces and nephews, as well as his extended family.

There will be a private graveside service on Thursday, July 24, followed by a reception at First Methodist Church in Coushatta at 4:00 p.m. On Saturday, July 26, there will be a visitation at First Grace United Methodist Church in New Orleans at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Memorial Service at 10:00 a.m., with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Grace United Methodist Church in New Orleans (3401 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70119, https://firstgraceumc.org/give/) or NOLAKeys (https://nolakeys.org/donate), which provides instruments and music lessons to school children in the New Orleans area.