of Little Rock, AR
November 26, 1927 - April 4, 2016
Robert Howard (''Bob'') Gladden, 88, of Little Rock, Arkansas, died on Monday, April 4, 2016. Bob was born in Caddo Gap, Arkansas, and lived there until his family moved to Arkadelphia in order for his four brothers and his sister to attend college. Bob graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in 1948. At Ouachita, he played on the varsity basketball team along with his brother Tom. Bob made the Arkansas All-State college basketball team in 1947. In 1975, Bob was honored by OBU with a Distinguished Alumni Award along with his wife, Alla B. Gladden. She predeceased him in 1997 after 48 years of marriage.
After college he served in the Army, then worked for Reynolds Metals Company in Bauxite, Arkansas, for 30 years. He next worked for the Pulaski County School District as Assistant Superintendent for Finance. In 1986 he became the CFO of Coulson Oil Company in North Little Rock, later becoming its Senior Executive Advisor. He was still working at the time of his death, in his 30th year of service to the company. Bob also took pride in serving on the board of Delta Dental of Arkansas for many years.
When Bob and Alla B. moved to Little Rock in 1950, they joined Immanuel Baptist Church, where he was a member for more than 65 years. As a faithful member of the church, Bob served as a Trustee and a Deacon, as chairman of the budget and finance committees, and as a Sunday School director to many groups of young married adults.
Bob loved to travel the world with his family, visiting 117 countries and every continent. He cherished each trip as ''the trip of a lifetime.'' While traveling he would joke about his birthplace, ''We're a long way from the Gap!'' Known to all as an optimist, Bob loved the motto ''The harder I work the luckier I get'' and his favorite Bible verse ''Let all things be done decently and in order.'', I Corinthians 14:40.
Above all, he loved his family. Bob devoted his entire life to his family, his church, and his work. He is survived by two daughters, Gay (Joe) Pappin of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Beth (Mike) Coulson of Little Rock; two grandchildren, Gladden (Jeanette) Pappin of South Bend, Indiana, and Margie Pappin of Mexico, Missouri; two great-grandchildren, Marie-Therese and Clement Pappin of South Bend, Indiana. Also surviving is one brother, Larry (Beth) Gladden of Flower Mound, Texas; one sister, Jessie West of Dumas; two sisters-in-law, Linda Gladden of Little Rock, and Grace Gladden of Georgetown, Texas; and many nieces and nephews who loved him very much.
Memorial Service will be at Immanuel Baptist Church at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, April 7, 2016 with Dr. Gary L. Hollingsworth and Dr. Rex M. Horne, Jr., participating. Visitation will follow in the Gathering Hall at Immanuel. Funeral arrangements by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211 (501) 224-8300. Private burial will be at Pinecrest Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church, 501 N. Shackleford Rd., Little Rock AR 72211, or to the Ouachita Baptist University Annual Fund, Ouachita Development Office, OBU Box 3754, Arkadelphia AR 71998.
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34 Condolence(s)
Joy G. Dent
Friday, April 8, 2016
Condolences to Bob's family, he was such a kind compassionate soul. When my father was living he would stop when in Caddo Gap and visit with him, he always told everyone about his home town of Caddo Gap. He was a special person to so many. Know he's with many loved ones upon those streets prepared for him. Loved you cousin Bob. Joy Gladden Dent
Clarence E. Trice
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Bob was a remarkable individual who cannot be adequately described in a few sentences. I had the great pleasure of knowing Bob for four decades and cannot remember an encounter when he was not busy helping someone else. He will be missed by many.
Donald Manes
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Bob Gladden was a giant among men. He always provided encouragement, commitment, and service to all the institutions, schools, churches and private endeavors he ever touched. We know that he was a joy to his family and to the people who were fortunate to be touched by him. We will miss seeing him and his inspiration on the Christian path.
Don and Eleanor Manes
Susan Bryant
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Bob was such a nice man and everyone loved him. He always made his rounds at church to greet everyone. He loved talking about his family and he would always say something that made you laugh. I will sure miss him, but I know heaven is rejoicing.
Matha Sterling
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
I know that Bob's death is a great loss to all of you. He was a fine man, loved by all who knew him. May God grant each of you peace.
Tara Meacham
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Mr. Gladden was such a blessing to our family. He was always showering Jordan and Savannah with hugs on Sunday mornings. When he found out of their love of the Arkansas Travelers, he always saw to it they had Travelers tickets on a regular basis during the season. We were so blessed by his sweet spirit and we will miss his hugs and words of encouragement. We will think of him this Saturday night while watching the Travelers game( courtesy of his most recent kindness)! We love you Mr. Gladden!
Judy Robinson
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
I will always be grateful for the wisdom and kindness of Mr. Gladden.
Dale and Janice James
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
So sorry to hear about Mr. Bob. He and Alla B. were such gracious people to us when we first moved to Arkansas years ago. They made us feel welcomed immediately at Immanuel Baptist Church. We will always cherish those fond memories. God Bless You. Dale and Janice
Teresa Hudson
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Bob will be sorely missed by everyone at Immanuel Baptist Church. He was known for his humor and honesty. I know he will also be greatly missed by Beth and Mike. Love them all dearly. Please know that you are in my prayers during this difficult time.
It's only difficult for us though. I'm sure Bob is dancing around heaven planting flowers with your dear mother. :)
Love you all,
Teresa
Margie Watson
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Sorry to hear of Mr. 'G' passing. I know he will be missed.
Mary Lowery Eddleman
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
The world is a better place because Mr. Gladden was in it. He was so kind and compassionate. My first business job was in the PCSSD business office and Mr. Gladden was my dept. boss. He brought joy to everyone he encountered. I was contemplating a job change and went to talk to him about it and he told me that I was smart and needed to get out into the profit-making world where they could pay me what I was worth. I am now a VP of a bank and I believe it was his words of wisdom that set me on that path. I have seen him a few times over the years and he always greeted me like a long-lost friend. My condolences in the loss of your loved one.
Mark Timmons
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
I knew Bob personally and professionally and Bob was kind man. He was always smiling and welcoming people as if he knew them forever!
Milton Fine
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
I first met Mr. Bob at Immanuel around 25 years ago, when he was teaching a class on budgeting to young singles. From being in his Sunday School department to serving nearly 16 years with him as a deacon, I am so thankful I got to meet and serve with this optimistic, faithful, Godly man. He has been a blessing to my family. Laura, Bennett and I will miss him very much and will be praying for Beth, Mike and the family.
Kay & Patrick Carraway (Fudge)
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
You are in our prayers. What a wounder, loving and kind man.
He was a wounder friend to my parents. Now they can all be in heaven with Jesus.
David Cole
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Bob was one of a kind, anyone who could call him a friend was certainly blessed. My prayers are with the family
RObert and Tammy Bateman
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
You will be missed by The Bateman Family.
Allison Smith
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
I rarely left church without a hug from this man. He made me feel special everytime I saw him. He was my advocate and friend. Immanuel will be different without his physical presence, although his spirit and legacy will remain. His stories, laughter and positive energy will be missed, as will his graciousness and generosity. Praying for his family during this time. I know what I saw of Mr. Bob was just a fraction of what they got to experience with him everyday.
David Blackmon
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Our condolences and empathy to all the family. My favorite memory of Bob: my wife and I were walking around the Acropolis in Athens, Greece with a GSC tour group. A gentleman walked up to me and said, "aren't you from Glenwood?" Apparently, Bob is from Caddo Gap. We enjoyed meeting Bob and visiting a few moments at the Acropolis and on a boat in the Aegean Sea.
Frank and Joan Howard
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
He will be missed.
Rod & Myra Harrid
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
We were so sorry to hear of Bob's death. Our prayers and sympathy are with you at this time.
Jane Wofford Porter
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. He was a wonderful and gifted man.
Mark and Sonya Murphy
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Our deepest sympathies to the Beth, Mike and the entire family. Bob had an incredibly kind and gentle spirit. He was so positive he always made you feel better with just a few words. He will be missed.
Mary McIntire
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Bob was a such a blessing. I will miss his big smile and big personality. I am thankful to have known him, even for the short few years that I did. Praying for God's peace, comfort and love to surround all of Bob's family at this time.
Cara Wade
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Bob was truly bigger than life. He meant so much to our family and our Sunday School Class where he was commonly referred to as the "father of our class" and everyone's favorite class member. You knew with Bob that you could always count on an honest answer (though he always said his stories were better than the truth), a huge smile, and a big hug. We are all better for having known him.
Bill Elliff
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
What an incredible man and incredible blessing to so many! Thankful for the great privilege of knowing Bob and praying for the family.
John and Dorris Robinson-Gardner
Monday, April 4, 2016
Whatsoever soothes your spirit; Comforts your soul and brings you peace...That is what is wished for you at this difficult time. We will continue to pray for your strength.
Donna Holmes
Monday, April 4, 2016
Beth, Gay and family, Bob touched so many lives including our family. Celebrating with Alla B. now!
Jo Ann Greenfield
Monday, April 4, 2016
Mr. Bob was always so kind to me when I worked at Immanuel. Prayers and comfort to his sweet family.
Stephanie Johnson
Monday, April 4, 2016
I know heaven is celebrating your arrival. You will be so missed here on earth.
Until we meet again.
Love you
David and Kay Jones
Monday, April 4, 2016
Bob was a man of impeccable character. Bob's commitment to his family truly was inspirational. He always was an optimist; he always had a good word for everyone he met; and his ethics and morals were unquestionably beyond reproach. Bob will be missed but his memory and presence will be carried forever by those of us lucky to have been touched by this amazing man.
Beth Haynie
Monday, April 4, 2016
Sunday, April 3, 2016, Bob came over to me after church, put his hands on his hips and asked "Just how are you really doing?" He was all about others. I am so saddened he no longer, with his big smile, will greet everyone. I will miss him! Beth, to you and your family, I send love and ask the Lord for His peace and comfort. Beth Haynie
Paul & Penny(Webb)-Fitzgerald
Monday, April 4, 2016
Heaven is a happier place with the entrance of Mr. Bob. His wit, big smile and big hugs will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to you, the family.
Larry Bone
Monday, April 4, 2016
A man who led with genuine joy. A man I respect for staying true to his faith. A man who cherished his family. Plenty of man qualities!
Ron & Nancy Clark
Monday, April 4, 2016
Praying for comfort and peace for all your family. It just won't be the same not to see his smiling face at Immanuel !
May you rejoice in the promise of that future reunion in Heaven !!