of Conway, AR
March 30, 1933 - July 29, 2023
Bobby Lewis Broach, cherished family man and esteemed educator, passed away on July 29, 2023 in Conway, Arkansas. He was born on March 30, 1933 in Jerusalem, Arkansas and spent his 90 years of life dedicated to faith, family and education
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After growing up in Wooster and graduating from Greenbrier Schools, Bob attended Arkansas State Teachers College (now UCA). There he began dating his future wife, Maggie Ann (Purtle). The couple wed in June of 1953, marking the beginning of a devoted union that would last over 70 years.
Bob, or "Coach Broach" as he was known to some, worked as a public-school coach, teacher and administrator. His career spanned 36 years and seven school districts throughout rural Arkansas. He served as an elder at the University Church of Christ in Conway. His leisure time was filled with highly-skilled domino games, watching basketball games and horse races, keeping tabs on former students and a decades-long battle against the pine trees that littered their needles on his otherwise pristine lawn.
Bob was preceded in death by his infant son, Bryan Lancing Broach; his parents, Johnnie Eddy Broach and Lewis Broach; two brothers, Max Broach and Lyndon Broach and three sisters, Sue Blankenship, Dottie Hayes and Dean Shaw.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Ann; children, Loretta Gates of Conway, Steve Broach of Conway and Keith Broach of Hot Springs Village; five grandchildren, Jamie, Bryan, Sana, Bailey and Reagan; seven great-grandchildren and a vast number of friends, former students and loved ones.
A service to celebrate Bob's life will take place at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, AR on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at 10:30 am. Open visitation will be on Wednesday, August 2nd from 6-8 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the UCA Foundation Bob and Ann Broach Educators Scholarship Fund to help support the state's next generation of small-town educators.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 15013277727.
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16 Condolence(s)
Polly Bakker
Sunday, August 6, 2023
Mr. Broach was a counselor for my husband. He gave excellent advice.
He was one of our superintendents
at Arch Ford Co-op who was always
reliable and trustworthy . He was
a respected educator . We will miss
him.
Dain Duvall Family
Friday, August 4, 2023
Bobby was an important part of all of our lives. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time.
Dain, Margaret, Jeff, Lois, Jason and LeAnn Duvall
Jim and Kitty Darnell
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Sorry for your loss. I hated to hear about his passing . I played a few dominos with Bob. He as a wonderful man and friend.
Jim Darnell and wife Kitty
Allena (Johnson) Dixon
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Loretta and family, I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. In the short time I knew y'all, your dad made a big impression on me. I knew he was a good coach, bus driver, and Dad to his children. I am so sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself and your family.
Charlsie Castleberry McBride and Jim McBride
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
With our condolences to all the family. May God grant you peace.
Jody Castleberry Lentz
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Ann, I am so sorry to hear that Bob passed away. You and your family are in my prayers,
Libbie Terry Dougan
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Dear Miss Ann, Loretta, et al, Please know that I am asking The Holy Spirit to pour His peace and contentment, comfort and joy, down over you all, like warm honey, during this time. Coach Broach did so much for the young folks in St. Charles. I will always be so thankful that you all ended up there! Miss Ann, let me be the first to welcome you into “The Widow’s Clubâ€. The club that nobody ever wants to be a member of. Sending air hugs and kisses. Blessings! Libbie Dougan. AKA—-Libbie Terry from St. Charles. Phil. 4:13
Jeff Purtle
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
So very sad to hear of Uncle Bob’s passing. He was a special part of the Purtle clan and will be missed. My deepest sympathy and prayers to Aunt Ann, Steve, Loretta and Keith and the entire family. Love you, Jeff
Steven and Judy Nowak
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
So sorry Keith for you and your family. Looks like you have plenty of good memories, those are what mean the most.
Max Glover
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
Bobby was always bigger, stronger and better look'n than me, from grade school through college! He always beat me playing checkers, basketball and dominoes...but he was always a good friend and neighbor, and someone I really appreciated!
My deepest sympathy to Ann and family!
Max Glover
Bob Barham
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
Ann, Loretta and family:
I'm deeply sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was such a good man and I always enjoyed talking to him at church. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless each of you. Rest easy Bob.
Shirley Pollard
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
Dear Ann, I was so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. You two had a long run together. My sympathy and prayers for you and your family. May God bless you all.
Shirley Pollard
Boyd Shelton
Monday, July 31, 2023
So sorry for the loss of one of the best men I ever knew. The world is a better place because of his time spent among us. My prayers are with his family and loved ones
Andrea and Scott Mason
Monday, July 31, 2023
Keith, Our deepest condolences for you and your family. You are in our thoughts and we love you all.
Camille Adcock
Monday, July 31, 2023
Sending our love to you all! Uncle Bob was such an amazing person, and I have such wonderful memories of him. We love each and every one of you guys so very much!
Dana Villines
Monday, July 31, 2023
Loretta & family-
I’m very sorry.
God bless you with precious memories