On Thursday, December 22, Robert Purtle, loving husband, father of 4, grandfather of 5 passed away at the age of 62. Robert was born on March 12, 1960 in Fort Smith, AR to Bob and Louise Purtle.

A graduate of Sheridan High in 1978, Robert went on to work in the building trades until he retired in 2021. He was a member of Sheet Metal Workers 36, president of Central Arkansas Running Hounds Assoc., and secretary of Dunn Tram hunting club. In 1993, he married Mary Anne Ulam, his love, his partner in their many adventures together.

Robert's biggest passion was being in the outdoors. He loved to hunt, fish, and especially listen to a good fox hunt. Robert was also an avid gardener and bird watcher. He was known for his big smile, bright eyes, and his kind and calming demeanor.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Louise, father, Bob, grandparents Arrie and Paul Davenport, Autry and Stella Purtle. He is survived by his wife Mary of 29 years, his children, Riki Yarbough (Colby), Eli James (Emily), Nathan James (Genevieve), and Seth James (Danielle), his grandchildren Royce, Reid, Ridge, Lila and Isaiah, his sister Patti Verhille , stepsisters Eileen (Rex) White, Missy (Larry) Bandy, Janet Smith, step brother Glen Smith, cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts,  uncles.

Pallbearers:

Perry Williams, Steve Threlkeld, Aaron Threlkeld, Aaron Walters, Grant Cole, Steve Foshee. Honorary Pallbearers: Larry Bennings, Henry Wells, Danny Davenport, Terry Miller, Darrell Barnes, Jerry Windham, Jake Davenport, Dean Davenport, Charlie Tucker

Viewing will be 6-8pm Thursday and celebration of life service will be held on Friday, December 30, 2022 at Memorial Gardens in Sheridan at 10 a.m.