CABOT — Roland Edward Launius
was born on March 17, 1926 in Bauxite, Ark. (although the family home of John R. and Ora Ophelia Launius was in El Dorado). He was one of five children born during the Depression and times were hard. Roland was not much of a scholar and spent most of his time at the pool hall. He dropped out of high school and joined the Navy. The Navy became his career and his vocation. He served for 22 years and retired an E-9 RMCM. He served with distinction including being on board the USS Northampton CLC-1 during the Bay of Pigs Operation. President Kennedy came aboard the ship after the crisis.
He was introduced to the love of his life, Nell Eloise Nelson, by his younger brother, James. They were married in 1949 and remained blissfully together until he lost her to Alzheimer’s in 2011. When he was caring for her, he would say, “The only thing worse than a sick wife is no wife at all”.
Although not a serious student in high school, Roland found an education in the Navy. After receiving his GED, he earned a Bachelor’s of Education at Memphis State University and a Master’s of Education from UCA Conway.
As much as Roland loved the Navy his second career became just as beloved. He started out working in Little Rock in 1967 after his retirement. He was the director of the Neighborhood Youth Corps until he became a guidance counselor at Metropolitan Votechnical High School. He found his calling working with kids who had the same problems he had in high school. The only time he actually taught in the classroom was in his last job at the LRSD, at the Adult Education Center. He retired at 60 to spend time with Eloise and his grandchildren.
He was a long time (and still a member) of St. Andrew United Methodist Church. He was very active in church life until he could no longer attend. Roland was a Master Mason of good standing in Lodge Jacinto 216.
He was predeceased by two sisters, Elinor Ruth Cheatham and Dorothy Irene Birmingham; and two brothers, Wendell Arthur Launius and James (Jim) Launius.
His surviving children include David Michael Launius (Paula), Catherine Elizabeth Hiegel (Bob), and Pamela Suellen Williams (Roger). His grandchildren include Richard Allen Elizandro, Sarah Elizabeth Hiegel, Timothy Michael Launius, Peter Stephen Hiegel, and John Webb Williams. Great-grandchildren include Ashton Elizandro and Ezra Launius.
The family would like to thank Stonebridge Assisted Living Facility and their amazing staff, especially Michelle Shoffner.
In lieu of flowers send donations to St. Labre Indian School. Ashland, MT. 59004 or the Little Rock Compassion Center at 4210 Asher Avenue. Little Rock, AR 72204.
Visitation will be held from 3-7 pm, Tuesday, November 3, 2020 in the chapel of Roller Drummond, 10900 Interstate 30. Graveside services will follow 10 am, Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander. We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks before entering.
Please share your memories of Roland at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/drummond.