Robert Vernon McClish

Mr. Robert Vernon McClish, 87, of Manila, passed from this life Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012, at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro.

Born in Manila to Jim and Molly Ester McClish, he attended First United Pentecostal Church and worked in maintenance and as a welder for Clark Equipment.

Robert loved going to auctions and finding old equipment to restore. He loved to restore antique tractors so that they looked brand new. At one time he made a riding lawn mower.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Elaine McClish; his brothers, Elvis Ray and Max McClish; and sisters, Susie Turner and Ruth Clause.

Robert is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ole May Dorris McClish, of the home;

His children, Vernon Franklin McClish and wife, Jan, of Mission, Texas, and Rita McClish Cripe of Kokomo, Ind.;

A brother, Joseph "Buddy" McClish and wife, Hazel, of Jerusalem, Ark.;

His sister, Ruby Irene Turney, of Manila; and

Seven grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 Monday in Manila Cemetery with Dr. Jimmy Russell officiating. The family will receive friends from 3-5 p.m. Sunday at Cobb Funeral Home. An online register may be signed at cobbfuneralhome.com