Bobby Gene Redden
September 29, 1931 - February 21, 2022

Bob Redden departed this life on Monday, February 21, 2022  at the family residence at the age of 90 years, 4 months and 23 days.  Bob was born to James Hollis and Hattie (May) Redden on Tuesday, September 29, 1931 in Heber Springs, Arkansas. As a young child after his father passed away, he helped out on the family farm in Tulot chopping and picking cotton, tending to the farm animals, and even driving a mule team while gathering corn.       As a young man, he served in the US Army from 1955 to 1957. During that time he was stationed in Aschaffenburg, Germany where he was a jeep driver.       After his time in the service, Bob returned home and began his career with Melton Brothers’ John Deere. He was employed with the company as the Trumann Store Manager, then as the Parts Manager in the Jonesboro location. He was employed with Melton Brothers from 1957 until he retired in 1993.       Bob met his wife Shirley (Mathews) Redden in 1957 on a blind date. They married nearly a year later on December 23, 1958 and went on to have two daughters, Janette and Deiadra (Dede). They raised their family and spent their entire marriage in Trumann, Arkansas.       In addition to being a dedicated and loving husband and father, Bob also had a passion for sports. He was a member of “the chain gang” for the local high school football team, and served as the Little League Baseball Commissioner. After his retirement, he enjoyed playing on the Senior League Softball Team for several years. Bob was an avid lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and rarely missed watching a game on tv, whether they were winning or losing. He often told stories about listening to the games on the radio when he was a child. Bob’s other favorite pass time was playing cards. He spent many an afternoon playing Tonk with his friends.       Bob was a Member of the Masonic Lodge where he reached the degree of Master Mason. He was commissioned as a Certified Lecturer. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Trumann and thoroughly enjoyed his time singing in the church choir. He held an unwavering faith in God, which he shared with those who surrounded him.       Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, his parents James and Hattie, and his brothers Paul (Aubrey), James, and Carl.       He is survived by his two children, Janette Iglehart of Mountain Home, AR, and Dede (Kurt) Peterson of Norfork, AR, his grandson, Taylor (Kaitlyn) Iglehart of Jonesboro, AR, two sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law and a host of nephews, nieces, and friends.      The family greatly appreciates the love and care given by the Caring Hearts Home Health Aides and his health care providers, primarily Dr. Darrell Ragland.       The family will receive friends on Friday from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Trumann. A celebration of life will follow at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. John Maley officiating.  Burial will be at Nettleton Cemetery in Jonesboro, AR under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home of Trumann. Pallbearers will be Terry Redden, Taylor Iglehart, Kurt Peterson, Jonathan Redden, Mike Hamilton, Phillip Long and Jimmy Stevens.       In compliance with COVID-19 restrictions, face masks or other facial covering and social distancing is optional. An online guest book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net