Bobby Joe Prange

Bobby Joe Prange (Bob), 84, of Hot Springs Village, AR, went to be with our Lord on 12/15/2024, His wife, Cyndi was at his side when he passed. Bob was born to parents Sibyl and Herman Prange, 08/15/1940 in Douglasville, TX. He graduated from New Boston High School in 1958. Bob went on to study Management and Accounting at University of Texas at Arlington and graduated with a BBA degree, class ’67.

Bob started out in the lumber business in the fall of 1958 when he worked part-time while attending Texarkana Junior College. After completing the two-year curriculum, Bob and Mona moved to Dallas, where Bob worked for Slaughter Industries for 15 years, starting out stocking and loading lumber and was ultimately promoted to Vice President of Marketing. In 1975, Bob, together with Neil Bowie and Bill Sims, fulfilled their hopes of owning their own business, and formed Bowie-Sims-Prange Group, a building materials distribution business located in Carrollton, TX. After 35 years of service, Bob retired from Bowie-Sims-Prange Group in 2010.

During his long career in the lumber and building materials business, Bob was active in many industry associations. He was on the charter board of Associated Builders and Contractors North Texas (ABC) and served as its chairman in 1992 while also serving on the national board for three years. Bob served on the board for American Subcontractors Association (ASA), and was active in Associated General Contractors (AGC). Bob was also a Director for Republic Bank, North Dallas.

Bob was an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor in the Order of the Arrow. During High School and college, Bob worked as a scout counselor at Camp Pioneer, in Mena, AR. Bob’s love of animals, especially his precious bird dog Clancy, was evident from the time he was a young boy. Bob was an avid hunter, fisherman, enjoyed golf, and fellowship with his many friends

In 1960, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Mona Coleman, and they were married 45 years until Mona’s passing in 2005. Bob and Mona have two children: Laura Claire Williamson and Melissa Ann Zeumer. Bob met Cynthia (Cyndi) in 1978 when he hired her to work in Bowie-Sims-Prange’s International division. In 1981, she moved to Kansas City. Their paths crossed 25 years later when Bob called for assistance on a project in Kansas City, at which time he learned Cyndi’s job had transferred her back to the Dallas area. Bob and Cyndi were married on June 21, 2008 in Garland, TX. He also gained a step-son, Taylor Zavala.

Bob is survived by his wife, Cyndi; sister, Linda Kennington (Decker), sisters-in-law: Karen Korte (Phil), Jill Gibbons (Richard), daughters: Laura Williamson (Tim), Melissa Zeumer (Vance), step-son Taylor Zavala, granddaughters: Claire Williamson, Rachel Williamson, Kate Zeumer; nephews: Paul Prange, Brad Kennington, David Kennington (Korree), Matt Korte (Megan), great nephews: Cooper and Collin Kennington

He was preceded in death by: Mona Prange, Tommy Prange (brother) Carolyn Ogle (sister-in-law), Lynn Ogle (brother-in-law), Tim Williamson (son-in-law). Bob was a man of strong faith. His kindhearted, warm spirit, and sense of humor would light up the room. He was a wonderful and dedicated husband, father, brother, and friend. Bob brought hope and positivity to any situation and his presence is deeply missed.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for Friday, January 24, 2025, 1 pm at Hasley Chapel on the St. Andrew Methodist Church campus, 5801 W Plano Pkwy, Plano, TX 75093. A reception will follow at Piro Hall (adjacent to Hasley Chapel).

 In lieu of flowers, donations suggested: Arkansas Hospice Foundation, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, AR, 72116 or St. Andrew Methodist Church in Plano, TX.

Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Suite B1, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the family, you may do so using the Guestbook section.

www.arkansascremation.com