Robert "Bob" Frans

Robert “Bob” Frans, 93, long time resident of Fayetteville AR passed away on January 11, 2021. He was born in Louisville NE on April 19, 1927 to Charles Ernest Frans and Ruth Isabel Ingram, who preceded him in death as well as his wife Maria Theresa, his brother Ronald Dale Frans, his sister Jean Annette Bruce, and his son Douglas John Frans.

Bob grew up in small towns in Eastern Nebraska as his father was a station agent primarily for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. The family landed in Belden NE where after graduation from high school, Bob was in the US Army for 2 years. He was training to drive tanks when the war in Europe ended. After his honorable discharge he went on to further his education. He earned the degrees of B.S. in Agriculture from the University of Nebraska in 1950, M.S. in Farm Crops from Rutgers University in 1953, and his Ph.D. in Botany-Plant Physiology from Iowa State University in 1955.

Bob came to the University of Arkansas in 1955 and started out as an Assistant Professor of Agronomy (now known as the Department of Crops, Soil and Environmental Sciences). He was a highly effective researcher, teacher and spokesman for agriculture and weed science, not only in Arkansas and the United States, but also in international agriculture. In addition to professional and civic awards, he published many scientific articles for professional journals and university publications. He retired forty years later as Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Agronomy. During his career Bob was invited to attend and speak at many international conferences and so was able to “travel the world”. He became passionately involved with the Bolivian chapter of Partners of the Americas. Bob was a man of faith and the First Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville was an integral part of his life, especially his 52 year membership in the Chancel Choir.

He is survived by two daughters from his first marriage to Marilee Nebelsick: Catherine Hall and husband Ben, Cyndy Binder and husband Allen.

And 3 daughters from his marriage to Maria Theresa Villanueva: Veronica Croskrey and husband Nathan, Cecelia Callaway and husband Mike, Isabel Pitts and husband Donnie.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Heather Bottoms, Rachel Kohutek, Lauren Bylow, Clay Frans, Mollie Frans, Jill Rosewood, Cassie Clark, Lauren Ferguson, Daniel Croskrey, Aaron Croskrey, Matthew Croskrey, Anna Kupp, Sarah Ojeda, Abby Croskrey, Andrew Callaway, Amy Carpenter, Matthew Callaway, Willis Callaway, Trey Pitts, Louis Pitts, Elizabeth Pitts, and Allie Pitts. And 17 (at last count) great grandchildren.

Bob will be interned at the Presbyterian Church Columbarium in Fayetteville. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Presbyterian Church, 695 E. Calvin, Fayetteville AR 72703.