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Robert Phelps Obituary
Robert Craver Phelps passed away on Tuesday February 23, 2021 after an 18-month battle with cancer.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11 am Saturday, June 12 at First United Methodist Church. A private inurnment was held.
The family will receive friends following the service outside in the church portico.
Robert was born on February 8th, 1935 in Davidson County to Thomas Dittimus and Mary Craver Phelps. Robert grew up in the Reeds community with his grandparents, Walter and Effie Davis Craver. He graduated from Reeds High School in 1954, then from Elon College in 1958. He married his high school sweetheart, Ramona Lee Leonard on June 21st ,1959. The couple has three sons: Timothy Craver Phelps and wife Rhonda Hall; Todd Leonard Phelps and wife Jill Madras; and Michael Johnson Phelps and wife Elaine Williams, and four grandchildren, Mallory Craver, Kathryn Davis, Logan Reed and Chloe Bree Phelps. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Perry Leonard, wife Jeanne and niece Heather Martin. Mr. Phelps was preceded in death by his parents, sister Kay and half-brother Tom.
Robert had the heart of a servant which was reflected throughout his life and career. He enjoyed helping people find meaningful jobs through his 24 years at the Employment Security Commission, the last eight years being at Davidson County Community College. While there, he was an advisor to the Student Government Association. Robert was also a scout leader for Troop 200 for over forty years at First United Methodist Church. During that time, he received the Silver Beaver award, which is the highest award given to a Scout leader. He was also able to attend Philmont Scout Ranch with his sons. He was very proud of the fact that all three of his sons were Eagle scouts.
In his free time, Robert enjoyed wood carving. He carved everything from ducks to dogs to Santa Clauses to clutch crosses, many of which he gifted to friends and family. Robert and Ramona also volunteered in the North Carolina Train Host program for 19 years. They helped greet tourists and worked with school groups, making everyone feel welcome while they traveled.
He served his church in many capacities. He was the only remaining member of the church to have worked with its construction in 1954, being personally responsible for the safekeeping of the steeple cross. In 2020, the First United Methodist church honored Robert with the Laity Service Award.
Memorial gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church, 310 S. Main St, Lexington NC 27292 or Hospice of Davidson County, 200 Hospice Way, Lexington NC 27292.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Phelps
Randall & Karen Parks
June 5, 2021
Robert was one of my favorite people. I enjoyed our times in carving class and at dccc. We need more people like Robert. He will be missed. Sorry that we won’t be able to attend the service but know that Ramona and the family are in our prayers.
Jamie Fleming Frampton
March 16, 2021
I was so sorry to hear that Robert had passed away. He was such a kind and caring person to everyone he met. I pray for comfort and peace for your family.
Roxanna Rice
March 12, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Crissy Pope
March 3, 2021
Ramona, I know how much you are going to miss your devoted husband, Robert. Time, family, and wonderful memories of a life well lived will help heal the pain. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love and blessings, Crissy Pope
Carla Jones
March 3, 2021
Dear Phelps Family:
Gray and I were so sorry to hear about Robert's death. Jeff has been a friend of Michael (along with Jeremy Sink) for a long time. Please know that we are thinking about all of you. Sincerely Carla Jones
Harold & Judy Curry Landis
March 2, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with are with the family !
Allen Pickett
March 1, 2021
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Robert. He was such a nice genuine person that was always so positive to be around.
Dan Williams
February 26, 2021
Ramona and Family,
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Robert. I was fortunate to have worked with him for 16 years at the Lexington ESC office. Robert was a true gentleman, always dependable and well respected in the community. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Kasey Lanier Wilkie
February 25, 2021
Such a sweet man. I remember him volunteering for Hospice. Always had a smile on his face. Both he and Mrs Ramona were always willing to help wherever needed. I loved to see them
coming. Always stopped to talk and put a smile on the face of others. My sincere condolences and prayers for Prayers for Mrs Ramona and family.
Vicki Bernhardt
February 25, 2021
Ramona, I am thinking of you. You and Robert were a wonderful couple, and a true love story. You are in my heart and prayers. Love you.
Ed Leonard
February 25, 2021
Very sorry to read of Robert's passing. He always had encouraging words for me and I'm sure I'm not alone in appreciating all he did in scouting and particularly with Troop 200. A big loss for FUMC and the community as a whole. He will be missed but not forgotten. Our prayers are with you.
Ron Beaver
February 25, 2021
Robert was one of the finest people I ever met.
Wanda Peck Foster
February 25, 2021
Sincere condolences to this Family
Bonnie Floyd
February 25, 2021
Romana and family, so sorry to hear of Robert's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Mary ellen Hinson
February 25, 2021
Sincere Sympathy to this entire Family. Prayers for Peace in your hearts for this loss.
Keith Wagner
February 25, 2021
Ramona, I certainly enjoyed the many years of working with Robert at the ESC and listening to the stories he would tell. I could always depend on him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Randall Parks
February 25, 2021
Ramona and family,
We just want to say how sorry we are for the loss of Robert. He was a special person and we are both better for having known him.
Karen and Randall Parks
Patti Ball Avery
February 25, 2021
Mrs. Phelps, you were my second grade teacher at Eanes and my favorite elementary teacher. I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you. Although I did not know your husband, I send you and your family my prayers for comfort.
theresa scott
February 25, 2021
Ramona and family. I’m so saddened by the home going of Robert. He was always a humble, pleasant and comforting person to be around. He was always at Ramona’s side. He will be missed. He touched so many lives. I send my prayers for strength and courage to the family.
J.Dwight and Carol L. Cartner
February 24, 2021
Please accept our sincere condolences. Our prayers will include all of you as you begin your grief journey.
Carmen Lydard Tetter
February 24, 2021
Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Marsha Garwood
February 24, 2021
Dear Mona and Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy in learning of Robert's death. He was a true servant of God,his Community and Scouting.
Know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marsha Garwood
Mark & Linda Gosselin
February 24, 2021
So very sorry for your loss. We will miss Robert's smile and his stories of the early years. He will be missed by so many in the community he so loved and served. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Ramona and your family during this difficult time.
Charles Chandler
February 24, 2021
Robert was a great friend and wood carver. He helped me many times during his trips on the train. He also was the first to introduce me to the art of woodcarving. He will be missed.
Libba Wagner
February 24, 2021
Sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bert and Libba Wagner
Gayle McCurry
February 24, 2021
Joel and I are so very sorry for your loss.
Tommy and Debbie Lineberry
February 24, 2021
Ramona,
So sorry to hear about Robert. I know he will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kenneth Cupp
February 24, 2021
Robert Became so much in my life during my time I knew him in Troop 200 and after when he worked at the train Depot Sure will be missed by so many
Frank Leonard
February 24, 2021
My sincere sympathy to all the family. Truly appreciate Robert's many years of leadership with the Boy Scouts of America. Many fond memories of Robert from times of sharing our Christian faith in Sunday School at First United Methodist Church. Grace and peace to all the family, especially Ramona. Calvary love, Frank Leonard, Lexington, NC
Christy and Eric Morrow
February 24, 2021
TIm, Rhonda, Mallory and the entire family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May your memories of such a fine gentleman, bring you peace and comfort.
Paula deBettencourt
February 24, 2021
Robert was such a kind and loving person. I will miss him. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you my love.
Glenn Fouts
February 24, 2021
Ramona. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Robert welcomed me as a new employee to the ESC office in Lexington in 1978 after my discharge from the USAF. I will always remember him.
Susan Kepley Calloway
February 23, 2021
Sending hugs and prayers your way ❤
February 23, 2021
Ramona and family, So sorry for the time of separation ! Prayers as the Lord guides you thru this time!
C.H. THOMAS
February 23, 2021
Robert was a kind and gentle person. He was a Career Mentor to me and a blessing as a single parent. I considered him as my friend. My deepest sympathy to his family.
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Funeral services provided by:
Davidson Funeral Home- Lexington301 North Main Street, Lexington, NC 27292