Thomas Fred Robertson

Thomas Fred Robertson, age 94 of Fayetteville, Ark., died Oct. 16, 2012. He was born Jan. 7, 1918, at Mineral Springs, Ark., to Henry Perry and Mary Cumi Robertson. He grew up in Ozan, Nashville, and Hope, Ark. He graduated from Nashville High School and attended Henderson University in Arkadelphia, where he majored in business. He spent almost 50 years in department store work for two chains, Rephan's Department Stores as manager and superintendent which headquartered in Hot Springs, Ark., and West Department Stores as manager and superintendent, which headquartered in Minden, La., until his retirement, at which time he moved to Fayetteville in 1984. During World War II, he served in Italy with General Mark Clark's 5th Army as sergeant in the 67th Vet. Detachment, attached to the 10th Mountain Division, earning three Battle Stars. He was a former member and chairman of the deacons at First Baptist Church in Hope, Ark., and presently a member and deacon of First Baptist Church in Fayetteville, where he served as chairman of deacons. He was a life member of Disabled American Veterans, member of American Legion, past-president of Golden "K" Kiwanis Club, and a member of the Masonic Lodge & Eastern Star. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his granddaughter, Cathy Robertson. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Dorothy B. "Dot" Robertson; one son, Butch Robertson and his wife, Kay, of Fayetteville, Ark.; two grandchildren, Ronnie Robertson and his wife, Lisa, of Rogers, Ark.; Butch Weatherly of Maui, Hawaii; and five great-grandchildren. He was an avid follower of the Arkansas Razorbacks in football, basketball, baseball and track for more than 80 years. Services are 10:30 a.m., Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, at The First Baptist Church, 20 E. Dickson Street, Fayetteville, Ark. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012, at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home, 4520 N. Crossover Road, Fayetteville, Ark. Memorial contributions may be made to: Building Fund, First Baptist Fayetteville, P.O. Box 1324, Fayetteville, AR 72702. To place an online tribute, visit www.nelsonberna.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home & Memorial Crematory, Fayetteville, Arkansas.