Robert Lelan Speight

Robert Lelan Speight died peacefully at home surrounded by family after a long battle with cancer. Robert was born in DeRidder, Louisiana on June 27th, 1951. He was the second son of six children. Robert lived in Maracaibo, Venezuela for a year before moving to Martown, AR (Marrow for those who don’t live there) in the eighth grade. Robert was always active in life from youth to his death. While attending Lincoln High School, he was in the FFA and played baseball, basketball, and football. Baseball was his favorite sport and he was a devoted Razorback fan. Robert was well-liked and made many life-long friends. He met the love of his life, Sandra “Sandy” Lynn Goldman at the local swimming hole in 1967. In 1969, Robert was drafted into the Army and served as a military policeman during Vietnam. Before leaving for Army basic training he married Sandy. Robert and Sandy were blessed with two children, Crystal in 1972 and Michael in 1974. After military service, Robert and his family returned to Lincoln, Arkansas.

Throughout his life, Robert was predominantly involved in agricultural construction and campground ownership. He built poultry barns from coast to coast and spent over 30 years involved in the Nebraska Poultry Association. Robert owned KOA campgrounds in Colorado Springs, CO and Waldport, OR and during his time of ownership was elected President of the KOA Owners Association.

Robert was also a farmer. He enjoyed producing hay and raising cattle on his Lincoln farm with his son and grandson. Robert had a passion for travel. For most of his life, Robert was an avid camper and RV enthusiast. He visited all 50 states and over 16 foreign countries, making many friends wherever he went. But nothing gave Robert more pleasure than being a husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, and friend. Robert loved with all his heart and never met a stranger. Robert loved to talk and visit making new friends and keeping up with old ones. He was a hard worker right up to his final days. Robert was a member of the Viney Grove United Methodist Church and was a strong believer in the Lord.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents Lelan and Glindle (Sibley) Speight

Robert is survived by his wife of 52 years Sandy Speight; one son Michael Speight and his wife Renee of Lincoln, Arkansas; one daughter Crystal Gray and her husband Jim of Sedalia, Colorado; one brother Douglas Speight and his wife Dede of Kemp, Texas; three sisters Judy Bradley and her husband Jerry of Lincoln, Arkansas, Eileen Earl and her husband Olin of Ragley, Louisiana, Nancy Chastain and her husband Ricky of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Kathy Seward and her husband Jim of Houston, Texas; five grandchildren Clayton, Jenna and Jacey Gray and Robert and Audrey Speight; numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at Luginbuel Funeral Home in Prairie Grove, Arkansas.

Funeral service will be held Monday, July 10, 2023 - 10:00 A.M. at the Viney Grove Methodist Church. Burial will be in Bethesda Cemetery in Morrow, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers family ask memorials be made to Habitat for Humanity.