Robert James Momon

Robert J. Momon started his earthly journey on a spring day in 1941. It was April 6th when his parents, Henry and Jennie Momon, met their newborn son. Robert joined a family of faith and committed his life to Christ when he was 13 years old, adding his name to the membership at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Robert spent his youth in Harrell, Arkansas and reminisced fondly about driving a tractor on the dusty, gravel roads of rural Calhoun County and whiling away hours fishing in nearby lakes. He enjoyed school and church. He and his siblings were well-loved, and Robert developed a heart for community involvement and education. It was an era when education offered the promise of a new day, and Robert pursued the opportunity. He graduated from Thornton High School and enrolled at Arkansas Mechanical and Normal College in Pine Bluff. After Robert graduated, he returned to his high school alma mater and became a member of the faculty, teaching Industrial Engineering. One weekend Robert attended a church service in Thornton. It turned out to be a moment orchestrated by the Lord for a lifelong friendship and love. The charming pianist that day mesmerized Robert and captured his heart. Robert courted the talented and kind young lady, and on December 22, 1967 Robert married Alberta Howard. The young couple settled in Thornton and began their life together, Robert teaching in Thornton and Alberta in Fordyce. They became parents in August, 1968 with the birth of their beloved only child, Rodney Edrick Momon. The three of them were a portrait of family togetherness, enjoying movies and traveling with family. During the school year in 1974, Robert taught his students about the Redwood National Forest in California and decided his family would go West to see it. They loaded up the car, hit the highway, and spent days marveling at the giant redwoods and sequoias. Of all the places Robert visited, the Redwood National Forest is the only place he ever expressed a desire to revisit. The years passed quickly and were filled with many special memories. Robert returned to school for post-graduate work. He and Alberta balanced work and family admirably. He devoted himself to his God and his family. Alberta played piano and directed the Greater Bradley District Choir, and Robert was with her every step of the way. He did not sing or play an instrument, but he attended every service and every concert for 48 years, serving as the Choir’s business manager for 42 of those years. Robert served faithfully in all he did. He taught Mathematics for 35 years in the Thornton School District and the El Dorado School District. His conscientious attention to the students in his care made him one of the safest bus drivers on the roadway. Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe appointed Robert to the Arkansas Detention Facility Review Committee for the 13th Judicial District. He served as Chairman of the Committee as well. Robert considered his appointment an honor and an opportunity to help youth facing difficult times. Robert became a member of Gideons International, working with the Fordyce Camp and his friend, Johnny Johnson. He loved distributing the pocket-sized Bibles for which the world famous Christian organization is known. Robert visited many churches in southern Arkansas, speaking about the Gideons mission. For four decades, Robert served as a Deacon in God’s Kingdom. He looked forward to the teaching of his mentor, Deacon Roosevelt House, and the fellowship he enjoyed with other Deacons in the Greater Bradley District. It was Robert’s true honor to work and serve as a Deacon. In November 2013, doctors diagnosed Robert with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). He faced the grim news with the faith of a man who trusted God. As the end neared, Robert held tight to his beliefs as a Christian. He departed this earthly journey early Sunday morning, July 10, 2016 to join His Heavenly Father and reunite with his dear son, Rodney. He leaves to mourn his passing: his loving wife of 48 years, Alberta Momon, two brothers, Andrew Momon (Willie) and Elvin Momon (Judith), of Milwaukee, WI; five sisters, Betty Woods and Dorothy Woods of Milwaukee, WI; Bertha Wallace of Chicago, IL., Rev. Beatrice Johnson (Author) of Fordyce, AR and Joyce McKinney of Harrell, AR; nine godchildren, Vickie Newton, Vanita Fountain, Sheniecia Manning, Thelma McDonald, Reggie McDonald, Rodney Rogers, Anthony Jackson, Austin Johnson and Nikki Newton; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Public visitation will be held Friday, July 15, 2016 from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home, Arkadelphia. A celebration of his life will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at Greater 3-4 Missionary Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas with Dr. Jeffrey C. Franklin, officiating and with Rev. Alice F. Carruthers, eulogist. Mr. Momon will be entombed at Griffin-Leggett Rest Hills Memorial Park in North Little Rock.