Robert Engelken Obituary

Robert Dale Engelken, 70, of Jonesboro, AR, passed away on Jan. 15, 2026, after a short battle with Leukemia. He passed at UAMS hospital, surrounded by loved ones.

Robert was born Nov. 14, 1955, in Poplar Bluff, MO, to Fred and Barbara (Brooks) Engelken. He attended and graduated from Walnut Ridge HS in 1974, and went on to college at Arkansas State University (Jonesboro) and the University of Missouri (Rolla), ultimately earning a Ph. D. in Electrical Engineering. Robert married Sherry (Baird) Engelken on August 14, 1977. Robert and Sherry were married for 48 years. Their love story is unique, having grown up across the street from each other, spending a true lifetime together.

Robert began working for Arkansas State University’s Engineering Dept. in 1982, where he worked as a researcher, professor, and eventually department director. He served the university in various professional roles for 31 years. After his retirement in 2013, Robert was awarded and recognized by the university as a Distinguished Faculty member in 2022. He was also a lifetime member of the IEEE organization.

Robert was a devoted family man, devout Christian, and faithful servant. Robert had several hobbies including gardening, writing and playing music (piano), hunting, fishing and traveling with his wife and family. Most recently, he could be found spending time with his six grandchildren, teaching them the wisdom and beauty of God and life while spoiling them with his time and love. He was a pillar to his family and had a servant’s heart to all those he encountered.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Fred Engelken; father-in-law, Carl Baird, and mother-in-law, Betty Baird; brother-in-law, Carl Baird, and sister-in-law, Theresa (Kincaid) Baird.

Remaining to cherish Robert’s memory are his Wife, Sherry Engelken; Children, David (Natalie) Engelken and Daniel (Ashley) Engelken; Grandchildren, Weslynn, Lydia, and Austyn-Claire (David); Evan, Jase, and Luke (Daniel); Mother, Barbara (Brooks) Engelken; Brothers, Steve (Robyn) Engelken; Jeff (Stephanie) Engelken; Nieces and Nephews, Michael (Jennifer) Engelken, Ben Engelken, Brittany Engelken, Emilee (Matt) Gill, Madison Engelken, and Spencer Engelken.

Visitation will be held at Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro, AR on Wed., Jan. 21, from 5-7pm. Funeral at Emerson’s on Thurs., 10am. Pastor Jay Jacobs will be officiating. Burial will be at Lawrence Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers are: Scott Digman, Bruce Johnson, Brad Kersting, Mike Witcher, David Daniel, Steve Crosskno. Honorary pallbearers are: Tim Campbell, Jimmy McMullen, Richard Cude, Jim Kersting, Tom Moore, Don West, David Brooks, and Greg Evans.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial scholarship fund for HS seniors is being set up in Robert and Sherry’s name at Arvest Bank. Donations may be made at any Arvest bank location or via Cashapp to $FoxMeadowFarms.