Bobby graduated from Drew Central High School and then joined the Marine Corps where he served two and a half tours in Vietnam where he rose to the rank of staff sgt. He worked 12 years on Johnston Atoll Island and returned home to work at the Pine Bluff Arsenal and Drew Foam where he then retired. Bobby loved to hunt and fish along with reading and spending time with his family.
He was a member of the American Legion out of Little Rock and was also preceded in death by an uncle, Rex Calhoun; two aunts, Mable Carter and Doris Coats; a sister, Carolyn Jo McKeown and a niece, Michelle Barnes.
Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Susan Hampil Calhoun of Monticello; a son, Lee Fleming and wife, Georgie of Monticello; two daughters, Barbara Turner and husband, Jamie Senior of Portland and Destinee Calhoun of Monticello; three sisters, Shelley Diann Barnes and husband, Milford of Monticello, Deborah Calhoun of Monticello and Sandra Henry and husband, Paul of Greenville, MS; four grandchildren, four nephews, three nieces, many great nephews and nieces and two great great nephews.
Condolences(14)
destinee calhoun
Monticello, AR Friday, August 28, 2009 Daddy you dont no how hard it is to realize your not coming back. It seems like your just gone to work. But thats how i wanna keep thinking about it because it hurts so much to think about you not coming back home. The house doesnt really feel like a home without you here but we are taking it a little at a time. It has been exatually 2months. and only seems like 2 days. Not a day goes by i dont think of you and miss you. I will see you again one day. I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU SO MUCH.♥ ALWAYS
Desi
Penny Shaul
Chambersburg, PA Saturday, July 4, 2009 My prayers go out to the Calhoun family. A wonderful man has been lost. I know all of my memories of Snake make me smile. He always had a sparkle in his eye especially when speaking of his family or cooking. He taught me that the "Father, Son & Holy Spirit" weren't the only trinity I should be aware of! There is another one that starts with onion.....My cooking has never been the same! I feel lucky to have met Bobby Calhoun and am grateful for the time spent with him on Johnston Island.
MACE PETTY
HOBBS, NM Thursday, July 2, 2009 I WORKED WITH SNAKE FOR SEVERAL YEARS ON JOHNSTON ATOLL. HE WAS ONE OF MY FAVORITE PEOPLE WHO I'VE OFTEN THOUGHT OF SINCE OUR DEPARTURE FROM THE ISLAND. I LOVED HIM DEARLY AS A GOOD FRIEND AND CONFIDANT. THE WORLD HAS LOST A GREAT MAN. MY CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS TO ALL FAMILY MEMBERS WHOM I FEEL AS IF I KNOW....DUE TO COFFEE BREAKS/WORKING WITH SNAKE AND LISTENING TO THE STORIES HE'D TELL.GOD BLESS YOU ALL IN YOUR TIME OF LOSS.
SINCERELY,
MACE PETTY
Georgie
monticello, AR Thursday, July 2, 2009 I would like to say dad you where thebest father in law ever.
Bobby was all ways there when you need him he was
always a joy to be around he will be greatly missed.
LOVE YOU DAD YOU DAUGHTER IN LAW
GEORGIE
Lori Gemzer
Albuquerque, NM Thursday, July 2, 2009 Just thinking of Snake always makes me smile and feel happy. Hard working, generous, fun, happy and wise are only but a few ways to describe him. Special memories include talking about his wife & grandbabies whom he adored, the way to cook shrimp with just the right amount of this & that and his willingness to do whatever was asked of him.When the Lord calls our loved ones home, He leaves a gift of memories in exchange. Many have been blessed with wonderful memories of working with Snake on JI of which I am greatful to say I'm among them. What a wonderful example he has been. I'm greatful to Snake's family for their willingness to share him with his JI family. Mahalo.
Elina Simon
Kapolei, HI Wednesday, July 1, 2009 With a heavy heart I send my thoughts and prayers to the family. First impressions dissolved quickly while Snake and I worked together at CSF. Snake thought I was too "prissy" to really roll my sleeves up and do the dirty work; I was afraid to ride an elevator alone with him. But, Snake turned out to be a well read and wise man, and when the island and CSF became frustrating he would turn to me, hands cupped together and say, "Easy Money, Menehune, Easy Money." He was right.God Bless Bobby Clahoun. Rest in Peace Snake.
Elina
Tom and Ione Chittenden
, HI Tuesday, June 30, 2009 Thank you for your friendship. Love and Aloha, Tom and Ione.Melissa LaNinfa
Orlando, FL Tuesday, June 30, 2009 Snake,You were always so nice to me when we worked the night shift on Johnston Island. My new boss' call sign is Snake, too. So, I'm reminded of you often. You were one of my favorite people in the CSF. Thank you for cooking all of the wonderful Cajun food! We really had some good times that I will never forget.
May you rest in peace for all of eternity.
Love, Melissa
Iry T. Rice
White Hall, AR Tuesday, June 30, 2009 Snake was a good man and willbe missed by all who knew him.Andy Cordova
San Antonio, TX Tuesday, June 30, 2009 In 1999, Bobby Calhoun taught a young 22 year old kid how to wear his hat the right way, how to cook like a cajun and introduced him to the Blues. I'll never forget you Snake, Rest in Peace my good friend.Susan Souza Atay
Tulsa, OK Tuesday, June 30, 2009 I will always hold Snake close in my heart. He was always such a sweet gentleman!! We worked together in CSF on J.I. My husband and I went to visit the family in Arkansas one year and had a wonderful time. All my love and prayers to the family.Aloha my friend.
Larry [Gunny] Sizemore
Gatlinbury, TN Tuesday, June 30, 2009 Brother Snake Sir, In The Hills of Tennesee we have alot of old saying, In Life we'll have Blessings and Memories, You Sir have gave Both many times, that will live forever, You were and will always be on the top shelf, you'll always be in our Thoughts, Hearts and Prayers, you were always such a Strong Peaceful Prideful Man of Character,Integrity, Moral Courage, Strenght of Leadership to all of us where ever we were, Sir you were an inspired to all that knew yourself , A Leader of Leaders, a man that brought the best out in others by your Respect, Honor, Commitment of unselflessness and to instill in others to do there best in any bad or wrong situations; Rest In Peace my Brother, Your family, friends, Love ones and our Beloved Marine Corps are deeply sadden and all loved one will miss you much, you'll live on forever in our hearts; Semper Fidelis / Gunny Sizemore / Baghdad IraqLeslie
Clinton, IN Tuesday, June 30, 2009 I am so sorry for the your loss of your loved one and my dear friend Bobby (snake). We worked together at the Pine Bluff Arsenal prior to our departure to Johnston Atoll. Our time at JI was spent with good fellowship and a lot laughs. I will miss Snake and his wonderful stories. God Bless, you are in our prayersLeslie Weeks
Chuck Townsley
Terre Haute, IN Tuesday, June 30, 2009 It is my honor to have known Bobby from the JI years. He's one of the good guys. Thank you for the memories.