Robert Lester Kirchman

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Visitation Schedule
Second Baptist Church
1100 N Frankfort Ave
Russellville, AR  72801
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
6:00-7:30 P.M.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
Pinecrest Cemetery
7401 AR-5
Alexander, AR  72002
Monday, February 19, 2018
2:00 P.M.
Cemetery
Pinecrest Cemetery
7401 AR-5
Alexander, AR  72002
I served in the Army.
Robert Lester KirchmanI am a Veteran.

of Russellville, AR

May 6, 1926 - February 11, 2018

Robert Lester Kirchman, 91, of Russellville, passed away Sunday, February 11, 2018 in Russellville with his loved ones by his side. Robert was born May 6, 1926 in Fort Smith, AR to Lester Herman. and Lorene (Wilson) Kirchman. Robert served our country in the U.S. Army (Air Force Division) during WW2. After the war Robert earned his undergraduate degree from Hendrix College and his graduate degree from the University of Missouri. He was the band director in Harrison for many years and in 1961 joined the faculty of Arkansas A&M College in the education department later serving as Academic Dean, Registrar and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. He was one of the faculty members who played a key role in moving Arkansas A&M College into the University of Arkansas system. ''Dean'' Kirchman was a member of Alpha Chi, Phi Delta Kappa, and served as Secretary and President of the Monticello Kiwanis Club as well as Lt Governor for District 21 of Kiwanis International. He served as Secretary and President of the Arkansas Academic Deans' Association. He was a member of Highland Valley United Methodist Church. Robert enjoyed woodworking, playing the trumpet, and working on his computer. He loved spending time with his family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Wife Mary Margret Holmes, brothers: William and David Kirchman; one sister Betty Jo Crites; one granddaughter Mary Elizabeth Taylor.
Mr. Kirchman is survived by his children: Carrie Ann & Al Taylor of Russellville, Catherine Margaret & Phil Wanzer of Russellville, and Christopher Robert Kirchman of Little Rock; grandchildren: Maggie (Quint) Ashburn of Ward and Mollie (Will) Richey of Benton. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Patricia Hudson of Conway and Hazel Kirchman of Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
Visitation will be 6:00 7:30 P.M. Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at the Second Baptist Church of Russellvile, 1100 N Frankfort
Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice 2405 East Parkway Suite 3 Russellville
Mr. Kirchman's memorial service will be held 2:00 P.M. Monday, February 19, 2018 at Pinecrest Cemetery in Alexander, AR. with Brother Jonathan Whitlock officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Cox Funeral Home, online guestbook available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clarksville


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6 Condolence(s)
Janice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR
Liked
Thursday, February 15, 2018

What a wonderful gentleman Dr. Kirchman! I truly loved your precious mom , dad and all of your family. It is with a sad heart to read this obituary, however he is now with your mom and with God and finally at peace. May God give you comfort in your sorrow. I'm sure you have many wonderful memories to cherish. I know the love we have for our parents who have gone before.

With love & sympathy,
Janice

Cathy Brandt
Harrison, AR
Liked
Thursday, February 15, 2018

Mr. Kirchman's passing brought to mind that he wrote the Harrison High School Alma Mater sometime during his tenure in Harrison. According to one band director it has undergone some harmonic changes but the tune and words are still the same. It has a beautiful melody and touching words and is still proudly sung by current students at HHS. He was band director when I was in 7th grade and then left Harrison.

Johnny West (Dr. John T.West)
Siloam Springs, AR
Liked
Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Mr. Kirchman was my band Director at Harrison. My memories of him are countless and all wonderful. He hired me to do yard work for him at his first house, and I also took piano lessons from Mary Margaret. He taught me to play the french horn well enough to later play first horn in Gene Witherspoon's band at Tech. Far more than that, he stepped in and taught me the things a boy needs to know when there is no father at home to learn from. We were so blessed in Harrison to have such a man as our band director. I loved him very much.

Johnny West

Mark Currey
LITTLE ROCK, AR
Liked
Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Peace and comfort to Cathie and the rest of the Kirchman family.

SANDRA COE
monticello, AR
Liked
Wednesday, February 14, 2018

You are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you,

John, Sandra, Sara and Josh

Joanne Treece Moren
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Mr. Kirchman was my band director in Harrison and I took piano lessons in your home from Mary Margaret. I remember you kids running around. Such a beautiful family and wonderful memories. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.