Robert Lashlee

After an extended illness, Robert (Bob) Wiley Lashlee, 90, of Searcy, Arkansas, joined his Heavenly Father on November 24, 2025.

Born on August 8, 1935, in Memphis, Tennessee, Bob was adopted by Tom and Etta Lashlee, whom he cherished deeply. While stationed in Japan, he met and married Kristi June Deaver, building a wonderful life they enjoyed until her death 59 years later. They shared two children, a love of growing roses and long drives, and a commitment to their mutual love of education. Bob is also predeceased by his wife Ann Easton Lashlee. Bob and Ann enjoyed traveling, family and an active social life.

Bob is survived by his wife, Donna Lashlee, marrying only a short while before his illness set in. They enjoyed setting up their new home, ice cream sundaes, and shared a deep faith that bonded them. This became instrumental as she cared for him tirelessly through his illness. Bob is also survived by his son, Dr. Robert (Bob) Lashlee Jr. (Tamee); his daughter, Pamela Padgett; his step-daughter, Jackie Mathis (Chris); his grandchildren, Robert Lashlee III (Emily), Tiffanee Swanstrom (Steve), Trevor Adams, Matt Lashlee, and Andrea Harris; and his great-grandchildren, Julia Lashlee-Srejma (Roman), Alex Swanstrom, Lily Lashlee, Miraya Reid, Evelynn Adams, Emery Adams and Enberlynn Adams. 

Gunnery Sergeant Bob retired from the USMC after 21 years of honorable service with assignments in San Antonio, Camp Lejeune, Oklahoma City, Georgia, Japan, Twentynine Palms, and a tour of Vietnam. Bob thrived as a recruiter, proudly saying he never missed a recruiting goal. He was instrumental in establishing new Marine Corps recruiting offices in Oklahoma with his dedication earning him an abundance of Recruiting Excellence Awards. If you knew Bob, you knew he was a marine, tall and proud throughout his life.

Following military retirement, Bob earned a BS in Sociology and a MSE in Student Personnel Services from the University of Central Arkansas. He started his second career at Arkansas State University–Beebe, working until his retirement in 2001. Starting as a security officer, he ultimately became Director of the Division of Continuing Education. He developed off-campus sites across seven surrounding counties, greatly expanding access to higher education for Central Arkansas residents. Bob made a tremendous impact on so many former students, who often shared with his children what a difference he had made in their lives. His commitment to community extended beyond the university, serving as Alderman for the City of Beebe, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, and board member for White County Federal Credit Union. He was a committed member of Park Avenue Baptist Church, and a founding member of River Oaks Golf Course. His love of being a marine was only rivaled by his love of the game of golf, with one of his proudest moments being his hole-in-one!

Bob’s legacy is one of service, leadership, integrity, and deep love for his family and community. He will be remembered for his friendly smile, his charming personality, his stubbornness, his pride of his children, and the countless lives he touched.

Please join his family to honor a life well lived. Visitation will be held Monday, December 1, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home in Beebe. Funeral services with military honors will take place Tuesday, December 2, at 1:00 PM at Park Avenue Baptist Church in Searcy. Burial will follow at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens in Beebe. Online guestbook at www.smithfamilycares.com.