Robert E. “Bob” French, 76, of Mountain Grove, walked into the arms of his Lord Nov. 17, 2020, after a short battle with COVID-19. Bob was born the first time Aug. 2, 1944, to Daniel and Elsie Mae (Breedlove) French. He was born the second time into the family of God. This was the birth he loved to talk about. He served his country in the United States Army, Army Reserves and National Guard. He loved his country and his flag. Bob loved to help others and he was one happy man when he was working in the hay. He always said when he was on his John Deere tractor that that’s where he and the Lord had their best talks. Bob liked to be busy. Give him a hammer and nails and he would build something. Bob married his soul mate, Phyllis M. Crisp, on April 16, 1964. He is survived by his wife of their home, Phyllis; two of the best children in the world, Stacy French and his wife, Dee, and Nancy Ratterree and her husband, Bobby, all of Mountain Grove; eight grandchildren, whom he loved with all his heart, Chris, Kalen and his wife, Mercedes; Aaron and his wife, Dani; David and his wife, Cass; Megan and her husband, Guy; Nikki and her husband, Matt; Eric and his wife, Keysha; and Katie Bug; great-grandchildren, Lane, Kinzie, Madalyn, Gavin, Camden, Kinlee, Hank, Jayce, Raylee, Paxton, Matthias, Addylyne, Hunter and Oliver Reed, due in February. He called them his babies and they were and still are the apple of his eye. He was also blessed with brothers and sisters and so many friends and family who will miss him dearly. His son, Stacy, says if there is hay in Heaven, Dad is putting it up. “Yep, I tell you the truth. If a man knows his Lord, has a family, an old tractor to drive, and a good cup of coffee, he has got it made.” Graveside services for Bob French were held Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, at 10 a.m. at Lone Star Cemetery with Bobby Ratterree officiating. Song selections were “Go Rest High On That Mountain” and “Amazing Grace.” Burial was in Lone Star Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to St Jude Children’s Research in care of the funeral home. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
