Robert Gossage

Robert Lee Gossage, age 85, of Arkadelphia, passed from this life on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Nightingale Health and Rehabilitation Center in Arkadelphia.  He was born December 12, 1940, in Onyx, AR, the son of the late James and Janey Yates Gossage.  

Robert was a graduate of Jessieville High School. He lived a full and meaningful life rooted in faith, hard work, and love for his family. He was self-employed throughout his working years and worked tirelessly to provide a wonderful life for those he loved. His family was everything to him, and he showed that love through his dedication, sacrifice, and steady presence.

Robert was the former owner of Robert’s Small Engine, where he proudly served his community for many years as a Harley-Davidson, John Deere, and Husqvarna dealer. Through hard work, determination, and long days, he built a successful business and provided a good life for his family. Robert was a member of Mountain Valley Baptist Church. He loved the Lord with all his heart and lived his life with faith, strength, and generosity.  Robert enjoyed gardening, mining crystals, hunting and spending time with his family.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Shirley Gossage, one son, Robert Lee Gossage, Jr., two brothers and sister-in-law, J.W. Gossage and Billy Wayne Gossage (Gaye), one sister and brother in laws, Lorene Miller (Paul) and Theo Hawks.

Survivors are his daughter, Katrina Morris (Dennis) of Arkadelphia, one brother in law, Kenneth Hawks (Tammy) of Hot Springs, his twin sister, Helen Hawks of Hot Springs, four grandchildren, Robert Allen Howard (Tiffany), Clayton Morris (Aubrey), Blake Morris (Sam) and Jarrod Morris (Laura), and seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He will be remembered as a loving daddy, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. His love, kindness, and strength will never be forgotten. Robert will be missed more than words can express, but his family takes comfort in knowing he is at peace and reunited with those he loved who went before him.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, May 22, 2026, at Mountain Valley Cemetery near Hot Springs Village with Bro. Charlie Williams and Bro. Rick Merryman officiating.

No visitation is planned.

Pallbearers are Scotty Dodd, Alan Stanley, Allen Howard, Scott Foster, Danny Winston and Dennis Morris.

Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Scott Anderson, Kenneth Foster, Clyde Edds, Fred Bibbs and Johnny Conzel.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia.  Visit http://www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.