Robert W. Fairfield

Robert “Bob” Fairfield, 86, of Alma, a longtime Arkansas resident, passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2015 at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith. He was born December 26, 1929 in Jeannette, PA to the late Willard and Mary Fairfield. Mr. Fairfield, who spent most of his adult life in Alma, Fort Smith, and Little Rock, had been retired for many years.

A selfless gentleman, Mr. Fairfield was revered by his family and members of Southside Baptist Church where he worshiped and served his Lord and Savior. "I never heard Bob denigrate or speak against another person," said Hugh Aynesworth, a cousin from Dallas, who was raised with Mr. Fairfield in Clarksburg, West Virginia, before both moved to Arkansas in the 1950's. "He was a kind and generous man and he loved Shirley and all those children so very much. Over the years, as he became more involved in his church, he became even more considerate and kind."

One of his favorite Bible verses, one that he often spoke of, was John 14:1-3 where Jesus comforted His disciples: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me. My Father's house has many mansions; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you may also be where I am.”

He is survived by his wife, Shirley of the home; two daughters, Dee Ann Harris and husband Phil of Alma, and Robyn Hall and husband Stacy of Fredericksburg, VA; two sons, Steve Fairfield and wife Gloria of Fort Smith, and Mike Fairfield and wife Cheryl of Little Rock; a cousin, Hugh Aynesworth and wife Paula of Dallas; thirteen grandchildren, Zach Harris, Malia Price, Riley Hall, Corey Hall, Cameron Hall, Cherish Hall, Haylee Hall, Kyle Fairfield, Kevin Fairfield, Klay Fairfield, Chris Fairfield, Cody Fairfield, and Cortni Fairfield; and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral service is 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 27, 2016 at the Southside Baptist Church in Alma with interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren.

Pallbearers will be Zach Harris, Kyle Fairfield, Kevin Fairfield, Klay Fairfield, Chris Fairfield, Cody Fairfield, Corey Hall, Josh Baker, and Matt Price. Honorary pallbearers will be Glen Holloway, Jerry Thomas, Fred Terrill, Brock Stepp, Anderson Terry, and Mike Washburn.

The family will visit with friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 26, 2016 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Southside Baptist Children's Ministry, 620 Red Hill Road, Alma, AR 72921.