of Helena, AR

March 24, 1943 - September 14, 2020

Robert A. Sanders, departed this life on Monday, September 14, 2020, at the age of 77. He was born in Jonesboro, AR, on March 24, 1943, the son of Robert Sanders, Jr. and Alberta Jackson Sanders.

The Sanders family moved to Helena shortly after Robert was born and Robert was raised, went to school, and spent most of his life in Phillips County, AR. He graduated from Barton High School in 1962. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was honorably discharged from active duty in November 1964. Upon his return from active duty, he joined his father in farming on the farm where he had grown up at Lexa, AR. After his involvement with farming, Bob took a job at the Arkla Chemical Plant where he worked in the Blueprint Room until the plant's closure. He moved on to secure a job in the Time Keeper's Office at Mohawk Rubber Company. He later moved from time keeping to plant supervision where he worked until the Mohawk plant closed in early July 1979.

After the Mohawk plant closed, Bob began honing his skills in the building and construction trade, and in 1981, he started a building contractor business known as Sanders & Chin Construction with Mon H. Chin, his business partner. After Mon's retirement, Bob continued as Sanders Construction Co., Inc.

Bob was especially proud of his construction crew. He felt he had the best professionals in the building trades as his crew. Jimmy Downs began his career with Bob, along with skilled and seasoned building professionals, Charles Purvis, Steve Norwood, and Kurt Jones. Bob was grateful for the help and advice he enjoyed from lumber company owners and suppliers like Louis Hardman, Hardman Lumber Co., Walter Morris, Jr., H&M Lumber Co., Sammy Brocato and James McCarley.

With his crew, Bob renovated some of Phillips County's most notable tourist attractions; such as, the Edwardian Inn, the Moore-Hornor House, the Cherry Street Pavilion stage, home to the King Biscuit Blues Festival. He built many notable private homes throughout Phillips County.

He was predeceased by his parents, and is survived by one brother, J.C. Sanders, of Helena, and his sisters, Jackie Sanders, of Helena, and Melinda Bennett (Rodger) of Holly Grove.

2 Corinthians 5:17 ''Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.''

A graveside service for Bob Sanders was held Friday, September 18, 2020 at Central Cemetery in Lexa, Arkansas.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
508 East Plaza Street
West Helena, AR  72390
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com