Bob Brumley

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Robert Bartlett “Bob” Brumley was born at a very early age in Harrison, Arkansas because he wanted to be close to his mother. He was an amazing husband, father, Papaw, songwriter and music publisher and passed away peacefully in his sleep Christmas Eve, December 24th, 2020 at his home in Powell.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Delores “Tudy” Brumley, father, Albert E. Brumley, mother Goldie, brothers Bill, Tom and sister, Betty.

He is survived by his children Elaine Brumley-Johnson and husband Brad Johnson of Rogers, AR, Robert Bartlett Brumley II (Bobby) and wife Jane McLeod Brumley of Ramstein, Germany, and Betsy Brumley Bernier and husband Kevin Bernier of Bella Vista, AR, and four grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brothers Al Jr. wife Robin, and Jackson and wife Elke.

Bob was born December 7, 1937 in Harrison, AR to Albert E. and Goldie Brumley. The family moved less than a year later back to Powell, Missouri where he spent the remainder of his life.

He was an award-winning music publisher and began that career in the 1940s. Working alongside his dad and brothers, the family printed and published over 40 million songbooks including books for organizations such as The Grand Ole’ Opry, Renfro Valley, Ozark Jubilee, and more. And today, it is one of the largest privately held music publishing companies in the world.

Bob also served Powell as a postal clerk and then postmaster for a total of 30 years.

Bob served his community as a member of the McDonald County school board, the Crowder College Foundation, and the Powell Historical Preservation Society and as a teacher and song leader at the Powell Church of Christ. Over the years he hosted many local events including the annual fireworks display, pie suppers, coon hunts, bean feeds, and the annual Hill & Hollow Folk Festival from 1969 to 1994.

With his dad, and brother Bill, he founded the Albert E. Brumley Sundown to Sunup Gospel Singing in Springdale, AR then later moved to Fayetteville, AR, Lebanon, MO and its final two years in Tulsa, OK. This event continued from 1969 to 2017. At one point it was the largest outdoor gospel singing in the world.

Bob loved airplanes and loved to fly even more. He earned his private pilot’s license in 1975 and flew until his arms got tired. Every Saturday morning, he could be found at the Neosho Airport “hangar flying.” Each Wednesday, he could be found on the golf course with his buddies from Neosho.

He met the love of his life Tudy in June 1960 at the Longview Drive-In. He picked her up and then they got married just three months later, September 18th. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with friends and family in 2010.

Bob’s absolute favorite holiday was Christmas. He was recently lamenting the thought of spending Christmas without his beloved bride. We take comfort in knowing that he did not have to spend even one Christmas without her.

Anyone who knew Bob knew his love of corny jokes. His “dad” jokes were legendary. We will be laughing for years to come at the jokes he used to tell as we continue to pass the same jokes on to future generations. We hope you remember with us and tell a few jokes in his memory.

Bob will lie in state January 11th – 12th at Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri from 9-5:00 both days with a public visitation planned for January 13th from 5 – 7pm. Due to Covid restrictions, the graveside service will be for invited guests only. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fox Cemetery c/o the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.