Robert Duane French 1937 – 2025
Robert “Bob” Duane French, 87, a longtime businessman and community leader in Arlington, passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Nye Legacy.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, February 12, at 10:30 a.m. at Reckmeyer-Moser Funeral Home in Arlington.
Born on March 18, 1937, in Arlington to Clarence and Maurine (Black) French, Bob graduated from Arlington High School in 1954. He followed in his father’s footsteps at French’s Service Station before purchasing and operating French Oil Company in 1965, which he ran for 33 years alongside his sons.
A devoted public servant, Bob served on the Arlington Fire Department, helped establish the Arlington Rescue Squad, and served two terms on the City Council. His civic involvement included leadership roles in the Arlington Community Club, Nebraska Petroleum Marketers, Cottonwood Inc., and various Masonic organizations. He was particularly proud of receiving his 50-year pin from the Hiram Lodge.
Bob’s passion for stock car racing began in 1954 with a 1937 Ford coupe at the Arlington Fairgrounds. Despite suffering severe burns in a 1964 racing accident at Sunset Speedway, his love for the sport never diminished. He took pride in winning both the first race at Sunset Speedway in 1957 and its final race in 2000. In 1996, he became a charter member of the Good Ol’ Time Racing Association.
He married Yvonne Carmichael in 1957, and they had two sons. Following Yvonne’s passing, he married Dottie in 1987, welcoming two stepdaughters into his family. Bob spent his later years enjoying views of his beloved Missouri River from his screened porch, continuing a love of the water that began with boating in the 1970s.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Yvonne; parents, Clarence and Maurine; brothers, Richard and Jaryl; and sister, Anita.
Bob is survived by his wife of 37 years, Dottie; sons Michael (Julie) and Steven (Tammie); stepdaughters Jacqueline and Constance; ten grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren, with a twelfth, “Tobias,” expected in March; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.
