William Robert Mashburn

Dr. William Robert "Bill" Mashburn joined his Lord and Savior on August 18, 2018. He was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas, June 8, 1929, to Carl and Lilly Mashburn. Bill graduated from Fayetteville High School, attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, was accepted into medical school in 1956 and graduated from the UAMS College of Medicine in 1960 with a Doctorate of Medicine. He interned at the old Baptist Hospital where he was named the "intern with the best bedside manner" by the hospital staff. Dr. Mashburn began practicing medicine in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where he joined in practice with Dr. Louis G. Martin. A major part of their practice was devoted to the treatment of arthritis and related diseases. Doc also practiced family medicine before retiring in 1990. He served as County Coroner of Garland County for 16 years, prior to retiring from that office in 2000. Additionally, Bill served as Chief of Staff at Park Medical. He fulfilled one of his childhood dreams by building and operating the largest private racetrack in Arkansas on his farm, Marbil Stables, where he offered complete services for thoroughbred race horse owners, trainers, jockeys and staff. Bill was a member of the American Medical Association, the Arkansas Medical Association, the Arkansas Medical Society, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the staff at all three hospitals in Hot Springs. In 1970 he received an award and title as "Doctor of the Year" by the Garland County Medical Assistants Society. Bill was proud to be a Rotarian with the Hot Springs Rotary Club; he was a Paul Harris Fellow and a Senior Active member. He was a longtime supporter of Ducks Unlimited. Doc was instrumental in the establishment of the Highway 70 West Fire Department and served as Chairman of the Board when it opened in 1969. Dr. Bill will be remembered for his quick wit, his noble calling, and his zest for living life to its fullest. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Carl and Lilly Mashburn; two brothers, Millard "Pete" Mashburn and Dr. James D. Mashburn; his daughter, Martha Sue Mashburn Dixon; and his son, William Robert Mashburn II. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 40 years, Wanda Mashburn of Hot Springs; a son, Carl G. Mashburn (Sherry) of Little Rock; and grandsons, Dr. Brian C. Mashburn (April) and William Craig Mashburn (Samantha); two granddaughters, Rhonda Lytle (Shane) and Andrea Binnion; two stepdaughters, Rita Hurst (Q. Byrum) and their children, Rachel Hurst Kemp (Hamilton) and Quincy Hurst (Kim); and Donna Kelso Hudelson (Rick) and their son John Kelso "Jack" Hudelson; and his brother, Joseph Mashburn of Rogers; 14 great-grandchildren; and his beloved Doberman, Elsa. Our grateful appreciation is extended to Hospice Home Care Team for their professional and loving care. A memorial service will be observed at 2 p.m., August 25, 2018, at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home, 155 Section Line Road, Hot Springs, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Humane Society of Garland County, Post Office Box 1484, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71902, or the Salvation Army, 115 Crescent Avenue, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901. Visit www.caruth-hale.com to sign the guest book and share your memories.