Robert Jon Depriest

It is with great regret that we announce the death of our hero, Robert Jon DePriest. Little did the world know what an amazing gift had been bestowed upon it when he was born on March 11, 1945, in Bald Knob, Arkansas. A loving husband and father, this man of many talents was lost on September 13, 2022, surrounded by his family. He passed peacefully at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, AR after celebrating his 59 ^th birthday for the 18 ^th time earlier this year. He is preceded in achieving immortality by his daughter, Blair, his mother Irene, his father William, and his brother Billy Don.

Jon is survived by his long-suffering wife, Nancy DePriest, who played straight man to his comedian during their 43 years of marriage. He passed on his bizarre and often warped sense of humor to his four children: Jennifer Dunn, Patrick DePriest, Frankie DePriest, and Stella DePriest. Laura DePriest was his favorite daughter-in-law, and Edward Dunn his favorite son-in-law. He had several grandchildren who have grown or are still growing into nerdy, weird personalities:  Rowan, Rae, Nick, Ant, Delilah, Noelle, Patrick Tyrannosaurus, Sam, and his favorite great-granddaughter, Rory. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Naomi, nieces LaDonna and Teresa, and nephew William.

Unbeknownst to the world at large, Jon had a secret identify as “The Bald Knob Flash” and was one of the last real superheroes of our time. He is best known for engaging stories about his childhood shenanigans and his facile ability with relating tall tales of himself as the champion of activities such as roller-skating, rollerblading, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, skateboarding, and boomerang throwing. He was also renowned for his skill at singing and dancing. He loved scotch and beer, made the best steaks, and was a master at maintaining the lawn.

A memorial service celebrating the life of this icon will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Thurs, Sept. 22 at 7 pm, and the funeral service on Friday, Sept. 23 at 10 am. Graveside services will be in Hot Springs, AR, at a later date, when he will be interred in the family plot.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Motherhood, or the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House.