BRINKLEY — Robert “Beb” Emmett Boyle,

98, passed away on Sept. 29, 2023, in Brinkley, Ark. He was born on January 11, 1925, in Clarendon, Ark. to the late Johnny Patrick Boyle and Vesta Grisham Boyle. Beb went to elementary school at Holly Grove Elementary and then attended Brinkley High School as part of the Class of 1943. After graduating he proudly served as a Sergeant in the United States Army Infantry Division during the Korean War. As an 81mm Mortar Squad Leader, Beb was issued a Bronze Star Medal for his “meritorious service in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in Korea, from 29 Dec. 1951 to July 1952”. Beb led an active and long life after returning home from the war. He worked on his family’s farm and was a dedicated employee of the United States Postal Services for 36 years until his retirement in the early 1990s. He was an active member and leader of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Rich, Ark., and was one of its founding members in 1951. He served as an Elder, Treasurer, and Sunday School Teacher and was also the President of the Lutheran Laymen League and the Lutheran Church Extension Fund. Most importantly, it is where he met the love of his life, Elsie Terry. They were married on Oct. 31, 1954, and would go on to celebrate two days short of 65 years of marriage before her passing on Oct. 29, 2019. When not at church or work, Beb coached his son, Bobby, in the Monroe Little League Baseball Team; he was the President of the Board and Captain of the East Monroe Fire Department along with being a member of the American Legion and the VFW. Beb’s leadership was on display as the Vice-President, then the President, of the local dancing troupe, the Brinkley Squares. Beb lived an active and busy life - he was always there to lend a helping hand to his neighbors, family, and community. He spent much of his time outside being an avid gardener, working on the farm, and being the local, self-taught handy man. Beb loved spending as much time as he could with his grandchildren; he was their best friend playing numerous made-up games and attending all their events inside and outside of school. Beb is preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Vesta; spouse, Elsie; siblings, Frederick Keith Boyle, Joseph Houston Boyle, Georgia Mavity, Marvin (Delores) Boyle, Kenneth (Jerliene) Boyle, Virginia (Bruce) Bennett, and son-in-law, Dwight Thompson. Beb is survived by one son, Bobby (Linda) Boyle; one daughter, Janice (Herman) Reeves; five grandchildren, Jeremy (Natalie), Colby, and Shane Thompson, Bethany (Josh) Proffit, and Lauree Bartholomew; along with two great-grandchildren, Kenzie (Ryan) McGaughey, Noralynn Proffit, one great-great grandchild on-the-way, Lennon McGaughey; one sister, Irma Jean Paul, and a host of loving nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Springs of Brinkley (formerly Cla-Cliff Nursing Home), all their loving staff, and Gentiva Hospice for their excellent care and love given to Beb. A visitation will be on Monday, Oct. 2 at Fowler Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. Beb’s funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 3 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Rich, Ark., with interment to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, Brinkley. Active Pallbearers will be Rev. Willie Grills, Curtis Nash, Lonnie Medford, Brian Bennett, Mike Geisler, and Herman Reeves. Honorary Pallbearers are Jim Baliey, Darrell Dixon, Marvin Wilson, David Thompson, Richard Hardwick, Jeremy Thompson, Colby Thompson, and Josh Proffit. Memorials may be sent to Our Savior Lutheran Church or Upper Cemetery.