Robert "Bob" Edwards

Robert "Bob" D. Edwards, 69, of Blytheville, passed away Saturday, July 30, 2016 at his home. He was born to Homer and Delores Edwards in Clearfield, Pennsylvania. Bob retired as a Lieutenant after 15 years on the Blytheville Fire Department and was a retired instructor and coordinator for the Arkansas Fire Training Academy. While instructing at the Fire Academy, Bob was instrumental in acquiring the academy's first fire truck to use for hands on training. A member of the Arkansas Firefighters Hall of Fame, Bob was passionate about the fire service, EMS, and emergency preparedness. He was a lifelong member of the Arkansas State Fire Chief's and Firefighters Association. Bob was an advocate for the Arkansas State Fallen Firefighter Memorial before it was constructed on the grounds of the Arkansas State Capitol, helping raise funds for construction and also serving on the state advisory board. Bob was also a graduate of the National Fire Academy. Bob was a resident of Blytheville for 30 years. He was a community activist, organizing the truck pull at the annual Chili Cook-off, the music at the bus station, and helped out at Relay for Life. Bob also organized the first reunion for the Blytheville Fire Department. He was a member of the Mississippi County Office of Emergency Management where he was the coordinator for the New Madrid Fault Earthquake preparedness within the county. Bob was a Red Cross Volunteer and helped anyone in their time of need.Bob was a people person and had many dear friends. He saved countless lives over the years in his career in emergency services. Bob had a big heart and touched the lives of so many.

He was preceded in death by his mother; and sister, Dena Dewar.

Bob leaves his wife, Melinda; son, Robert Scott Edwards and wife Shelia of Blytheville; stepsons, Daniel Blackburn and wife Suzanne of Jonesboro and James Gann, Jr. and wife Chelsey of Blytheville; grandchildren, Kenneth and Brenda Edwards; step-grandchildren, Heather Murphy, David Thomas, Ashley Thomas, and Bradley Thomas; and step-great-grandchildren, Hailey Murphy, Natalie Murphy, and Emily French.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 2nd at 1:30 p.m. in the Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with Gerald Britton and Roger Hovis officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Cobb Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.