Robert Breithaupt

1927 - 2016

Robert Breithaupt

The life of Robert Breithaupt will be celebrated at a funeral service to be held on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Lea Joyner United Methodist Church, with interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. The service will be officiated by his nephews, Dr. Mike Hawkins and Reverend Andy Hawkins, and by Reverend Ben McGehee.

Robert was born on November 9, 1927 in Archie, Louisiana, and died on Monday, August 22, 2016 in Monroe, Louisiana after a lengthy illness.

Robert grew up in a close-knit family in rural Catahoula Parish, and he loved to share his childhood memories of hunting and fishing with his father, brother and several members of his extended family. He attended Block High School and, during the school term, he worked with his father on the family farm. During the summers of his high school years, Robert spent time away from home with extended family so that he could find employment at a saw mill, a barge construction company, a funeral home and a paper mill. After his May 1946 graduation, Robert worked on a pipeline and later found full-time employment with Monroe Steam Laundry. Robert resided with his Aunts, Nell Breithaupt and Josephine McDowell, and quickly demonstrated to his employer the ambition, intellect and initiative that fueled his later success.

Robert entered the United States Army on his 23rd birthday in 1950. He served our country during the Korean Conflict and was based primarily in Germany, serving as a Morse Code Operator and then a voice radio communicator for the regiment commander.

After returning to his employment with Monroe Steam Laundry, Robert met the love of his life, Bonnie Ruth Barr, to whom he was married in 1955. Realizing that he needed more education to achieve his goals in the business world, he attended B.M.I. School of Business, where he studied accounting. A new opportunity came with an offer of employment by I.A. Faulk with Faulk-Collier Bonded Warehouses, Inc. in Monroe, where he became General Manager in 1962. During his employment at Faulk-Collier, he and Bonnie welcomed their three children to their family. In 1968, I.A. Faulk sold Faulk-Collier to Robert, an opportunity for which he was profoundly grateful. Robert operated Faulk-Collier until his retirement in 1996.

Robert, who as a young adult had accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, was a faithful parishioner of Lea Joyner United Methodist Church (formerly Southside UMC), which he and Bonnie joined in 1958. Robert served the Church in various capacities, including Finance Chairman, Administrative Board Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He also served the United Methodist Church's District Board of Locations and Buildings. He and Bonnie were members of the Mission Sunday School Class for many happy years.

Robert served the Monroe Planning and Zoning Commission from 1980 to 1987, including a term as Chairman. He served the Louisiana Household Goods Carriers' Association for many years and was admitted into its Hall of Fame in 1985. He also served the Louisiana Motor Transport Association as a board member.

Robert's tireless desire to provide for his family was complemented and surpassed by his limitless desire to simply be a good father, husband, son, brother and grandfather. He coached youth basketball at his church and numerous Monroe Youth Baseball Association baseball teams through many years. He was a lifetime member of the MYBA, to which he lent many years of service. Robert was a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He leaves his friends and family with a legacy of love, faithfulness and devotion to his family. Years before his death, Robert memorialized his wishes for his family as follows: "Robert and Bonnie are filled with a sincere desire and prayerful hope that their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will find their rightful place in the world as Christians, living happy, full and meaningful lives. The future holds great promise, hope and happiness for those who turn to the Bible for guidance when life's path seems difficult to travel, for those who will enter the calm harbor of prayer when the seas of life are stormy, and for those who live each day with a grateful heart for God's countless and great blessings."

Robert was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Bonnie Ruth Barr; his parents, Robert F. Breithaupt and Ethel Cooper Breithaupt; a sister, Coleen Breithaupt; and, a brother, Otice Leon Breithaupt.

Robert is survived by his loving daughter, Susan Haddock and husband, Clint; devoted sons, Stephen Wayne Breithaupt and Robert Alan Breithaupt, and Alan's wife, Amy; five adoring grandchildren, Hannah Nicole Haddock Jutze, Hope Hillary Haddock, Michael Paul Haddock, Robert Cooper Breithaupt and Sarah Ann Breithaupt; one great-grandson, Easton Wayne Jutze; sisters, Lou Robertson and Effie Mae Bradford; and, brother, Walter Henry Breithaupt. Robert is also survived a wonderful extended family including two cherished sisters-in-law, Nadine Wilson and Betty Jean Hawkins, who have each been a constant source of support an inspiration to Robert and those who love him.

While many have assisted with Robert's care, the family expresses their particular and sincere appreciation to the staff of Americare, Sheila Bennett, RoShonda Daniels, Dr. Casey Sirmon, Dr. Rolf Morstead, Dr. Tommy Parker for their exceptionally compassionate care of Robert during recent years.

Pallbearers will be: Jerry Thomas, Jack Walker, Jerry Collins, Joe B. Smith, Mickey McCarty, Todd Perry, Shag Wheelington, and, Mickey C. McCarty.

Honorary Pallbearers are the Reverend Joe Solomon and the members of the Missions Sunday School Class at Lea Joyner Memorial United Methodist Church.

Visitation will held on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Mulhearn Funeral Home, 2308 Sterlington Road (Hwy. 165 North) in Monroe. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lea Joyner UMC Building Fund.

Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com

Mulhearn Funeral Home

Sterlington Road

Monroe, LA