Robert Edward Homan

1941 - 2024

Robert Edward Homan of Searcy, Ark., and formerly of Marlton, N.J.

Born in Camden, N.J., to Alma and Russell T. Homan Sr. He grew up in Oaklyn, N.J., where he attended elementary school and graduated from Collingswood High School in 1959. While there, he ran long-distance track and began his love of photography with his older brother, Russ. He attended Temple University and studied mechanical design. He spent endless summers in Brigantine, N.J., with Fritz and Ruth Haneman, who were like second parents to him. His amazing work ethic included babysitting and developing his lifelong entrepreneurial skills by making and selling homemade sandwiches and cold drinks to the local fishermen from his own small boat.

He served in the United States Air Force from 1967-1969 in Myrtle Beach, S.C., as a still photographer. His unit was later deployed to Alaska for pre-mobilization for Vietnam.

After his service to this country, he followed in the footsteps of his older brother, Russ, to become a commercial photographer and also mentor his nephew, Mark. His professional photography client list included Edmund Scientific, ARA, Hummel Figurines, Harbor Linens and Franklin Electronics among others.

One of his signature statements included the building of one of the first underground solar homes in NJ "Solaria" well before anyone had even heard of a carbon footprint. One of his closest friends, Malcolm Wells, designed the project.

His career blossomed and allowed him the freedom to explore the outdoors, especially hiking, skiing, kayaking and traveling the USA in his Airstream RV. He acquired the Airstream through an old-fashioned barter agreement where he provided Airstream with amazing photos of the RV in front of the most majestic landscapes in the U.S. This included The Celebration of Life Tour that began in 1998 declaring his beloved wife, Sandy Homan, as cancer-free. This tour included most of the National Parks from Maine to Alaska and all the way to the Florida Keys. His favorites were Sedona, Denali, Zion, Arches; some of which inspired his most iconic photos. These adventures then led to a passion for hiking which progressed into a shared love of mountain climbing. He successfully completed climbing all 46 major peaks in the Adirondacks, New England 100 Highest, AMC 4000 and the 111er, which are the 111 highest peaks in the Northeast USA. Bob and Sandy also attempted to summit the highest peaks in all 50 states. He also climbed in Europe including Zermatt, Switzerland, and many of these wonderful adventures included his closest friends, Mike Stavola and Juan Carro.

During retirement, he was proud of the pinwheels he crafted for the Child Safety Center of White County and larger pinwheels placed in a Memorial Garden at Arkansas Children's Hospital. He also continued with his love of custom furniture with his "Shadetree Craftsman" creations. Habitat For Humanity also benefitted from his love of craftsmanship and his desire to help others.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Sandy Homan; four children: Candyce (Dan), Mellysa, KC (Anne) and Rick (Marnia); nine grandchildren: Peter (Breanna), Andrew, Emma, Shane, Amanda, Charlie, Jason, Audrey and Josh; and one great-granddaughter, Allie,; and his sister, Eileen Greco, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents; brother, Russ; and nephew, Mark.

He will be missed by all and remembered as the creator of many epic adventures.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to the Child Safety Center of White County, Ark. (414 Rodgers Drive, Searcy, AR 72143) or St. Paul Global Methodist Church in Searcy (2509 W. Beebe-Capps Expressway, Searcy, AR 72143)

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3, at St. Paul Global Methodist Church in Searcy. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by a service from 12-1 p.m..