Funeral Services for Robert “Bob” Eugene Simers, Age 93 of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas will be held on Saturday, August 1st, 2026 at The Mammoth Spring Church of Christ, Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, beginning at 2:00 PM. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 31st, 2026 at The Carter Funeral Home, Thayer, Missouri from 6:00-8:00 PM. Burial will be in The Riverside Cemetery, Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.
Robert “Bob” Eugene Simers was born September 1, 1932, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, to Frank and Eunice Simers. He passed away peacefully on July 29, 2026, surrounded by his loving family in Salem, Arkansas.
In the 93 years between those dates, Bob built a legacy of love, friendship, faith, and service.
A graduate of Mammoth Spring High School and student at Arkansas College in Batesville, Arkansas, Bob enrolled in the U.S. Navy at just 18 years old, serving during the Korean War. He served as an electrician, helped recommission naval ships, and was aboard the USS St. Paul, the flag ship for the U.S. Fourth Fleet, operating in Japan, Korea, and China.
Bob was a proud veteran and member of his local American Legion. He often said, “I got more out of the Navy than the Navy got out of me.
On August 25, 1959, he married the love of his life, Joan Gail Berry of Mammoth Spring. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work, raising two sons, Rob and Steve.
Following his military service, Bob worked as an electrician, mechanic parts store manager, and engineer and inspector at Contel Phone Company for over 20 years.
In retirement, he became an avid golfer and – most fondly – became known as Papaw Bob to his grandchildren, Earle Wayne, Timothy, Brittany, and Jacob.
Bob served as an elder for the Mammoth Spring Church of Christ for many years. He was a strong and faithful Christian and enjoyed Sunday lunches with his family.
Bob was his family’s patriarch, the source of countless stories, laughter, and quiet wisdom. Perhaps two of his greatest qualities, Bob was a listener and storyteller. He rarely had a cross word to say (unless it was out of frustration against a ballgame).
He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Eunice Simers, and his brother and sister, Jack Simers, Mary Alice (Midge) Murphy, along with an infant sister.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 67 years, Joan Simers, his children, Rob Simers, Steve (Rae Lynn) Simers; his grandchildren, Earl Wayne, Timothy, Brittany, and Jacob Simers; his great-grandchildren, Christopher, McKenzie, Gavin, and Chole Simers.
Though he will be deeply missed, fond memories of “Bob” – “Dad”, “Papaw Bob” – will continue to live on in the minds and hearts of all who knew him.
