Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

Robert Lee “Shorty” French Jr., 67

obit pic for Robert French

Robert Lee “Shorty” French Jr., 67 of Chidester, Arkansas passed away on November 8, 2015. He was born on January 5, 1948 in Kansas City Missouri to the late Robert Lee French Sr. and Lucy Ann Chaplin French. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Ann and son, Fritz.

Robert is survived by his life mate of 23 years, Susan Harrison of the home; sisters, Patti Adams of Pea Ridge, Debbie French of Fayetteville; sons, Darrell French (Tiffany) of Odessa Missouri, Andrew French (Kelly) of Belton Missouri; daughters, Geri Fuller (Greg) of Washington, Debra Lindsey of Kansas, Jennifer Stringfellow (Cotey) of Little Rock and Melinda Williams of Chidester; grandsons, Toby, Brendon, Issac, Roger, Justin, Michael, Josh N and Josh P; granddaughters, Rowen, Tilly, Brittany, Lindsey and Morgan; great-grandsons, Brandon, Gregory, Rylee, Jason and Brantley; and great-granddaughter, Sarah.

He retired from Garney Construction in Kansas City Missouri in 2007 where he had worked for 25 years.

Robert was a member of The Messiah Riders, a CMA chapter, where he was able to enjoy riding his CanAm Spyder not only for pleasure but charity as well. He and Susan rode in many benefits including runs for cancer and Toys for Tots.

He was called papaw by many and sometimes affectionately referred to as papa smurf. Robert was loved by many including relatives in Kansas and Missouri. He enjoyed taking care of the yard but more importantly he loved spending time with his family and church.

Robert’s memorial service will be held on November 22, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Rushing Memorial United Methodist Church in Chidester, Arkansas where he was a member.

Robert will also have a interment service with military honors on December 6, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Osawatomie Cemetery 30430 West 327th Street Osawatomie Kansas. A memorial dinner will follow at Memorial Hall 411 11th Street Osawatomie Kansas.

Cremation arrangements were entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 W Main Street, Jacksonville AR 72076. www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com

10 Comments

  • Shannon & John Ellis Posted November 16, 2015 6:38 PM

    He was always there for you no matter what. Always loved helping others and playing with kids. He was one 9f the sweetest people I’ve ever met. He was also a big flirt. Lol. I’m glad mom now has some good company with her in heaven. Now he can take her for that ride he always promised her. Love u Susan.

  • Gayla Beach (Greer) Posted November 16, 2015 6:44 PM

    So sorry to hear that my dear buddy Shorty had passed, I know he fought hard and long. He was one of the kindest man I had ever known and I loved him like family. My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to his kids and Susan and all the rest of the family. He will be sadly missed by so many. RIP my friend.

  • Ron, Michael, Tyler Garske Posted November 16, 2015 7:08 PM

    Shorty was one special person, a true friend, he was loved by many, he will be missed but is forever in our hearts.

  • Alasca Edwards Posted November 16, 2015 8:37 PM

    We are very sorry to hear of Shorty passing, He was a very caring man and he was a good friend and neighbor of our sister Grace Olds.. We appreciated he and Susaa. Grace has told us how thy helped her out.. Heaven has gained another angel and may God wrap his arms around each and every one and take away the sorrow. 🙏 R.I.P
    This is for Grace Olds and her sisters in Texas.

  • Shelbi Lynn Posted November 16, 2015 11:18 PM

    I loved him very much and cat wait to see everyone

  • Shirley. Smith Posted November 17, 2015 10:54 AM

    Susan sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers go out to you

  • JoAnn Raymond Posted November 17, 2015 4:23 PM

    So sorry for your loss, Susan. And also to the rest of his family and friends. Shorty was such a kind soul and I know he will be missed greatly. Praying for strength and peace for you all.

  • Bob in Overland Park, Kansas Posted November 19, 2015 9:41 AM

    I am grateful for the life of Mr. French. Thanks to his service and to the service of others in our armed forces, my family and I have been able to lead our lives in freedom and peace.

  • Darrell and Tina LaClair Posted November 19, 2015 7:21 PM

    He will be missed we always like Robert he was special to Tina RIP

  • Louise Hunter Posted November 22, 2015 9:16 AM

    We were so sorry to hear about shortys passing, he faught long & hard . He will be missed here on the lake. Prayers for you Susan and family..

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