Robert Farrow Keathley, 75, of Belleville, passed away January 29, 2017, at Arkansas Hospice in Russellville. He was born February 10, 1941 on the family farm near Spring Lake in Belleville. He was preceded in death by grandparents Thomas Hannibal & Sarah Ella Farrow and Robert Luster & Johnnie Etta Keathley; his parents Denver and Vernie Keathley; and many aunts and uncles. He was a 1959 graduate of Belleville High School, a member of the United Methodist church in Danville, and most recently attended Grace Baptist Church in Belleville.

Robert received an Associate Degree from Arkansas Tech University and a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science from the University of Arkansas where he also received his teaching certificate. He began his career in education by teaching Agriculture in Armorel High School in northeast Arkansas for three (3) years while also serving area farmers by scouting cotton for insects. Afterward he returned home to Belleville High School where he coached basketball and taught Agriculture, Science and Biology for 7 years.

Robert then transferred to Danville High School and taught Vocational Agriculture until his retirement in 1996. During his 30+ years as an educator, Robert loved watching his students excel, teaching Parliament Procedure, leading the FFA, and getting kids involved in showing livestock.

Through disciplined and careful planning, Robert was able to retire early at 55 and pursue his passion of raising cattle on his farm. Robert loved Jesus and all of his family, and he was truly blessed at being the best husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend that God could provide.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years Dorothy Jones Keathley; children and spouses Richard and Cheryl Cuilty, Cindy and Scott McLain, Jason and Lori Keathley, and Sarah Keathley Denney; brother and sister-in-law Joe and Julie Keathley; grandchildren Brandon Cuilty and wife Viviana with children Brayden & Raynen, Brock Cuilty, Alexa McLain, Eric McLain, Lanni Keathley, Jack Keathley; Lindsey Denney, Luke Denney, Sumner McLain and wife Aftan with children Harrison, Madeline & Scarlet; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation for Robert will be on Tuesday, January 31st, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Danville First Baptist Church. A celebration of Robert's life will be held at Danville First Baptist Church on Wednesday, February 1st, at 2:00 PM, with Brother Mark Gower presiding. Pallbearers will be Compy George, Brad Spikes, Carlos Mitchell, Dean Catlett, Wayne Crawford and Steve Capehart.

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please make donations to:

Danville School District

Future Farmers of America

P.O. Box 939

Danville, AR 72833

www.gofundme.com/robert-keathley-donations

Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home Danville

Online guestbook and condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com