of Harrison, AR
February 18, 1929 - December 15, 2016
Bob Bodson, age 87, of Harrison, passed away Thursday, December 15, 2016, in Harrison, Arkansas. He was born February 18, 1929, in Breckenridge, Minnesota, the son of the late Clarence J. Bodson and Walburga G. (Hoeschen) Bodson. He was a U. S. Marine veteran of the Korean War, a member of the Fraternal Order of Knights of Columbus, Mary Mother of God Church member, and the Board of Trustees of North Arkansas Community College. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sharilyn (Terry) Bodson, of the home. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Clinker Bodson; and sister, Lorraine Dietrich.
Some of the things that gave him great enjoyment in life were his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his Golden Doodle dog, Winston. His philosophy about life was that you should get your education because "it can never be taken away from you". Bob was a graduate of North Dakota State School of Science and the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota with a Bachelors and Masters Degree. In 1966 he received a grant to study for his PHD at Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, which was obtained in 1969.
After obtaining his PHD, the family moved to Coolidge, Arizona where he began his career as a college professor, teaching History, Western Civilization and Sociology. In 1974 he and three other families, Bill Skinner, Lefty Burks, and Dr. Loren Aldrich, all moved to Harrison where he began teaching History and Government at North Arkansas Community College. After a career of 36 years, he retired but remained active serving on the Board of Trustees, volunteering at the Boone County Historical Museum and a poll volunteer at election time.
Bob is also survived by his son, Bruce R. Bodson (Judy), of Houston, Texas; his daughters, Bridgett A. Ogburn (Van), of Birmingham, Alabama, Lisa M. Nunley of Clinton, Arkansas, Sara E. Bodson of Charleston, South Carolina, Martha M. Bodson of Harrison, Arkansas and Tina L. Mize (John) of Des Moines, Iowa; his grandchildren, Sarah Hamilton (John) of Oklahoma, Michael Doty (Kimberly) of Alabama, Mechan Koka (Vijay) of Texas, Cody Curtis (Joanna) of Missouri, Matthew Bodson (Ashley) of Arkansas, Courtney Hinchey (Will) of Arkansas, Mallory (Jared) of Arkansas, Lauren James (Tim) of Kansas and Joe Mize (Candace) of Iowa; and 19 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. Collins and the entire staff at the Branson Wound Care Center for the excellent care, compassion, concern and kindness shown to our Dad during his treatment. You all went out of your way to make him feel so special and he loved you all so much.
Visitation was held at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home, Sunday, December 18, 2016.
Funeral Mass was held at Mary Mother of God Catholic Church, Tuesday, December 20, 2016, with Father Jim Fanrak officiating.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to North Arkansas Community College Scholarship Fund, 1515 Pioneer Drive, Harrison, Arkansas 72601 or charity of your choice.
Online Guestbook: rollerfuneralhomes.com/harrison
Sign Guestbook
19 Condolence(s)
Olena Derevska
Thursday, September 30, 2021
Dear family and friends of Prof. Robert Bodson, please receive my condolence. I used to attend Professor's lectures in Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, now National Technical University of Ukraine, where Prof. Bodson delivered us lectures on the History of Western Civilization, in 1993. I also used to interpret his lectures for the student of the course, as only small number of students knew English then. It was a great experience and a great challenge, both listening to such brilliant lectures and having his support while interpreting. Prof. Bob Bodson used to open the new horizons for us, then young people from the post-totalitarian society. May he rest in peace!
Janet Gregg Sanders
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Dr Bodson was one of my favorite professors. I learned so much from him in my American Government class. He was a great guy. So sorry for your loss. I know he will be missed.
Jean (Gebhart) Bon
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Cousin Terry,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of Bob. I have fond memories of "stopping by" while on vacation with Mom and Dad, first in New Mexico and then in Harrison. We always enjoyed your visits in the summer when a car full of Bodsons would spontaneously appear in the driveway.
Wonderful memories.
Kim Holmes Kershaw
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
I am so sorry to hear this. Dr. Bodson was such a kind man.
Laura Grimes
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Lisa & Family,
So sorry for your loss.
My prayers are with
you & your family.
God Bless You.
Toni Alford
Monday, December 19, 2016
Bob was a great man and teacher. I loved how he always gave me a hard time when he came into the pharmacy. He will be greatly missed.
Mark & Amy Peterson, and family
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Dear Aunt Terri & Cousins,
We know this is such a hard time and hope that memories will be a comfort to you. We have such happy, fun memories of visiting and enjoying Bob's company. We had many good laughs and learned new things about him as he shared stories about himself when we were there in October.
Wish we could be there with hugs.
Love,
Amy and Mark
Michele Archer
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Bob was such a special person. I thought the world of him and I know how greatly he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Terry and all of the family.
Donna Hill
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Matt, Ashley, Beck, Brooks, and Martha so sorry to hear about Mr. Bodson. Dad's are very special! Ours was to us. They are never forgotten,love you all.
Lynn (Wilkerson) Chandler
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Dear Bodson Family,
So sorry to hear of Dr. Bodson's passing. He leaves such great memories for his family and for those of us privileged to have known him in the classroom. I feel fortunate to have had the pleasure of knowing him even outside the classroom. I'll never forget the day I presented him with an apple, and in all of his seriousness he looked up and announced "class dismissed". So here's to you Doc Bod.."class dismissed" we will see you on the other side..and I'll bring the apple.
Steve Simmons
Sunday, December 18, 2016
I hated to hear of Dr. Bodson passing. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Loved his smile and laugh. He was the best professor.
Julie and Don Schultz
Sunday, December 18, 2016
We have such wonderful memories of Uncle Bob. Our hearts go out to all of the family as you experience the loss of a special man. Love you (and like you).
Greta Arrington
Sunday, December 18, 2016
I have such fond memories of Dr Bodson and his beautiful family. He was a good, good man and touch the lives of so many. I love you Bodson family. Alan and I have you in our prayers.
Joann Smith Brown
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Terry: Remember the fun times we had together while our husbands taught at the high school. Those were good days. Smitty died 37 years ago. Can you believe it? I do send my sympathy for your loss. Lovingly, Joan
Karen Foresee
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Dr. Bodson was a lovely person. I'm so sorry for your loss. I have fond childhood memories of staying the night in the Bodson home.
Emily Kubela
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Uncle Bob,,, my favorite Uncle! Rest In Peace. My sympathies and love to you all.
Gina and Chuck Bingham
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Our love and sympathy go out to all the family of this man who we only know in spirit, by all the wonderful children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren he's left behind. We mourn with you for his loss, but what a beautiful legacy we know that lives on.
Michele Archer
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Bob was such a special person. I thought the world of him and I know how greatly he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Terry and all of the family.
Rick and Becky Anderson and Children
Friday, December 16, 2016
Terry and all your wonderful children we were so sad to hear about Dr. Bodson. He was always such a nice neighbor.