Robert LeRoy Hawley

Robert Leroy Hawley, 94, of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, passed away on February 22, 2021. He was born on June 10, 1926, in Lincoln, Arkansas, to John Hawley and Sue Stouard Hawley. He was raised in the Rock Springs community and graduated from Canehill High School in 1944. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served in World War II. Leroy received an American Theatre Medal, a World War II Victory Medal and an Asiatic-Pacific Medal. He was very proud to be able to serve his country.

Leroy believed in community service and was an active lifetime member of American Legion Post 146 in Prairie Grove. Throughout his life, he held several offices, serving the longest as treasurer for approximately 25 years. He also served on the Washington County Fair Board from 1962 to 1977. Leroy was a dairyman and was a charter member of Central Arkansas Milk Producers Association. He also worked for the Dairy Herd Improvement Association for 26 years. Those that worked with Leroy enjoyed his seemingly unlimited supply of jokes, his strong work ethic, and ever-positive attitude. He enjoyed being a member of Center Point Church in Prairie Grove and attending gospel festivals. Leroy was a lifetime gardener, a lover of dance and bluegrass music, an avid sports fan, and an enthusiastic beekeeper. Above all, though, Leroy loved his family and was cherished by them in return.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 56 years, Irene Hawley; two brothers, Cecil and Carl Hawley, and one beloved sister, Lucille Reed.

He is survived by his two children Loyd Wayne Hawley (Sarah) and Glenda Hawley Woods (Frank); two stepchildren, Thelma Gray (Berle) and Willard Beeks. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Vince Hawley, Marcus Hawley (Melissa), Rachel Hawley, Ashley Weller (Trent), Whitney Bryant (Doug), and Hawley Woods; great-grandchildren Alexis Mathews, (Hayden); Alayna, Cami, and Claire Hawley, Kole Hawley, Ella and Mason Hawley; Payton and Katelyn Fitch; Jackson, Everett, and Thurman Bryant, Elizabeth Woods-Campbell; great-great-grandchildren Parker Fitch and Asa Mathews; one sister-in-law Neva Strom; nephew Lee Reed; nieces Jeanie Felts-Taylor (O’Dell), Anne Chambliss, Gail Kulhavy (Steve), Carolyn Hawley, and Barbara Hawley.

Honorary pallbearers are: Vince Hawley, Marcus Hawley, Payton Fitch, Lee Reed, Doug Bryant, and Trent Weller.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 26, 2021, at the Wedington Cemetery.

An online guestbook is available at www.luguinbuel.com. Funeral arrangements by Luginbuel Funeral Home of Prairie Grove, Arkansas.