Robert Haralson, 65, of Hector died Friday, February 5, 2010 in Van Buren County, Arkansas. He was born February 3, 1945 in Atkins, the son of the late C.H. and Catherine Hegeman Haralson. He was also preceded in death by his son, Michael C. Haralson. Robert was a patriarch in the Beef Industry, serving a variety of associations throughout a lifetime of cattle production. During his thirty years of association involvement, Robert served as Chairman, following a term as Vice Chairman, of the World Simmental Federation receiving the coveted Golden Book Award, the highest honor bestowed to Simmental breeders of the world. American Simmental was his cattle of choice and he served the breed on the Board of Directors of the American Simmental Association (ASA) and as the Chairman of that group. In his leadership roles and as Chairman of the ASA International Committee he traveled the world marketing Simmental and Simbrah cattle. He attended events and instructed seminars in Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Costa Rico, Panama, Nicaragua, Mexico and Canada. Robert toured England, Ireland, Scotland, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Bulgaria in Europe. South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, China, and Manila were also included on list of travels. As President of ASA he attended meeting, shows, classes and events held in 39 of the 50 US states. During his years of service he was also extensively involved in the Arkansas Simmental Association in the capacity of enthusiastic member, Director, Vice President and an impressive 5 two-year terms as President. The Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association was another of Robert’s beloved associations. Within that association, he served as Director representing Pope County, First Vice President, and two years as President leading the group to be top Cattlemen’s Association in numbers in the nation. He served on numerous committees within the cattle industry at a state level and with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Robert was instrumental in organizing and setting up the Arkansas Purebred Council where he served a two year term as president. Fairs and cattle exhibition were other loves that filled Robert’s life. He served fifteen years on the Arkansas State Fair Board of Governors, sixteen years on the Pope County Fair Board and Fair Livestock Superintendent for twelve years. He was also very involved with the Arkansas Watershed Advisory Group, the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, and Arkansas 4-H. A few other awards included Pope County Friend of 4-H, Pope County Farm Family of the Year 1986 and multiple citations and commendations from a host of organizations in the industries where he was loved and respected by a huge grouping of friends and associates. Although the beef industry was his first choice of activity he enjoyed a 29 year career with the US Army Corps of Engineers as a Survey Boat Operator in the Drafting and Survey Department building lifelong relations with his coworkers. Mixed in with his life, career and family was his love of people reflected in his annual assistance to Santa Claus. He would attend as many as 25 functions each year dressed as Santa Claus handing out candy canes and ho-ho-hoing his way into the hearts of young and old. Robert’s life was too short, but was far-reaching. He was loved and will be remembered. He is survived by his wife; Cindy Samuels Haralson of Hector, son, Paul David Haralson of Dover, daughters and son-in-laws, Andrea and Brandon Keeton of North Little Rock, Christy and Jim Miners of Little Rock. Step son, Kelly Samuels of Hector. Step daughter Krystal Bazaar of Conroe, TX., grandchildren, Cody Heard, Annabel Heard, Dominic Keeton, Sophia Keeton all of North Little Rock, Jacob Miners and Lucas Miners both of Little Rock, Brendon Gilbert and Ashtin Gilbert both of Dover, Hunter and Gunner Bazaar both of Conroe, TX., honorary brother, Chuck Lange of Little Rock. A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Robert and Cindy’s home, 901 Walnut Grove Road; Hector, AR. (479) 890-1006. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: The Robert Haralson Youth and Agriculture Scholarship fund; 3 Hwy 124; Jerusalem, AR 72080