Robert A. Sanders March 24, 1943 – September 14, 2020

Robert A. Sanders of Helena departed this life at the age of 77. He was born in Jonesboro to Robert Sanders, Jr. and Alberta Jackson Sanders. The Sanders family moved to Helena shortly after Robert was born and Robert was raised, went to school, and spent most of his life in Phillips County. He graduated from Barton High School in 1962. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was honorably discharged from active duty in November 1964. Upon his return from active duty, he joined his father in farming on the farm, where he had grown up at Lexa. After his involvement with farming, Bob took a job at the Arkla Chemical Plant, where he worked in the Blueprint Room until the plant’s closure. He moved on to secure a job in the Time Keeper’s Office at Mohawk Rubber Company. He later moved from time keeping to plant supervision, where he worked until the Mohawk plant closed in early July 1979.

After the Mohawk plant closed, Bob began honing his skills in the building and construction trade, and in 1981, he started a building contractor business, known as Sanders & Chin Construction with Mon H. Chin, his business partner. After Mon’s retirement, Bob continued as Sanders Construction Co., Inc.

He was especially proud of his construction crew. He felt he had the best professionals in the building trades as his crew. Jimmy Downs began his career with Bob, along with skilled and seasoned building professionals, Charles Purvis, Steve Norwood, and Kurt Jones. Bob was grateful for the help and advice, he enjoyed from lumber company owners and suppliers like Louis Hardman, Hardman Lumber Co., Walter Morris, Jr., H&M Lumber Co., Sammy Brocato and James McCarley.

With his crew, Bob renovated some of Phillips County’s most notable tourist attractions such as, the Edwardian Inn, the Moore-Hornor House, the Cherry Street Pavilion stage, home to the King Biscuit Blues Festival. He built many notable private homes throughout Phillips County.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors are a brother, J.C. Sanders, of Helena; and his sisters, Jackie Sanders, of Helena, and Melinda Bennett (Rodger) of Holly Grove.

Graveside service was held Friday, September 18 at Central Cemetery in Lexa. Services were directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in West Helena.