Robert John Murtha

Robert John “Bob” Murtha, 77, of Lonoke, Arkansas, died on May 28, 2025, after a brief but courageous fight with cancer. His family is heartbroken that his time came so quickly, but deeply grateful for the strength and determination he showed until the end.

Bob was born on March 9, 1948, in Huron, South Dakota, to Lucille and Jerome Murtha. He earned a degree in wildlife biology from South Dakota State University and spent his career as a fish farmer.

Bob never met a stranger. He would strike up a conversation with just about anyone, often turning quick chats into full-blown storytelling sessions. He was always generous, and quick to offer help to a friend, neighbor, or total stranger. He had a huge heart and was the kind of loyal friend who’d do anything for you.

His love language was food—especially baking. He was known for his homemade cookies, bread, and smoked meats and cheeses, and occasionally for a “creative twist” that didn’t go quite as planned (like the cookie batch that came out more salt than sweet). Bob liked his daily walks with his dog, enjoyed taking his friends to his home state of South Dakota for pheasant hunting trips, and lovingly restored an antique Corvette, one of his prized possessions.

He was married for 57 years to his wife Sheryl. Together they raised two daughters, Erin Eason and Alison Chambers (Brad), and were proud grandparents to Blake and Garrett Eason, and Olivia, Mason, and Emerson Chambers. He is also survived by his sister, Patsy Reed (Bill). He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucille and Jerome Murtha; his sister, Lori Murtha; and his brother, Marlyn Murtha.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at Lonoke United Methodist Church on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 2 p.m., where he was a longtime member and enjoyed singing in the choir.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Guide Dogs for the Blind, an organization close to their hearts. This incredible nonprofit provided his granddaughter Olivia with her guide dog—a gift that brought her both independence and companionship.