Robert H "Bob" Burnham

Passing of the Ford Man. This morning we lost "Bob" Robert Harold Burnham, Sr. Those who knew him won't be surprised to find out that he fought to the very end. Lover of music and collector of stories like when he was in the National Guard at Fort Chaffee driving tanks and shooting 55 gallon barrels with bazookas or the time he and Bill "Hootie" Alexander ran a 63 Galaxy convertible off Danville mountain and both walked away to tell the tale. Driving by the time he was 10 years old, it was one of his passions throughout his life. As a teenager he played the drums in The Black Cats band playing various proms and the FHA convention. In addition to the drums, he also played the piano and ukulele. He always had a memory to share just about any town in Yell or Logan counties. Anything from "sold that guy every car he ever owned" or "wrecked my favorite car right there." The family business started with tractor and truck sales in Paris, AR then on to Danville, AR with Burnham Chevrolet which changed to Burnham Ford in 1961 selling cars and trucks to the majority of Yell County into the late 80's until he figured out that being the program car buyer for over 100 dealerships was a wiser vocation. If your family was from Danville, Bob most likely sold you, or your parents or grandparents a car or truck. He was one of the best car guys who ever lived. Able to spot paint work with his eye without even putting a hand on the car. He loved life in the country and the only place he was ever close to being content was on the farm; simply because he was such a busy body and there was always something that needed to be done or that he could convince himself needed to be. Whether it was checking fences, looking for a trespassing varmint to shoot, feeding and working cows, riding horses or of course mowing the lawn 3 times a week he truly couldn't stand to sit still. He also loved our Nebraska "family," the Babcock's. Pheasant country was literally the only place besides Yell co he felt home. Above all he loved his family. His wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were his true pride and joy and all of us were by his side at the end. While he was able, he never missed a morning at the coffee shop getting to talk with life long friends or a chance to go hunting and always said there was nothing like a good dog race when they were on the trail of a deer. He was always ornery as can be and his witty banter made him one of a kind.
He was preceded in death by his mother- Margie, father- Harold William Burnham, brother- William "Bill" Burnham and sister- Janelle Burnham Dixon.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years- Sandra Hanna Burnham, son- Robert Burnham (Ginger), daughter- Kimberly Burnham, son- Brock Burnham (Angelina). Grandchildren- Trey Johnson (Cassie), Jenna Walker (Tristan Drywater), Alex Burnham, Cade Burnham, Lindsey Burnham, Hailey Burnham, Karina Miller, Gage Miller, Tenley Burnham, FaithAnn Church. 4 great grandchildren- Avan Walker, Cort Johnson, Camryn Johnson, Dawson Drywater
Memorial service details to come.
Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home Danville.