Robert G. Vogel

Robert Grandt Vogel passed away the evening of October 4, 2021, in Denver, Colorado surrounded by his loving wife and family. He was born on July 2, 1942, to Hugo and Ellie (Juntenon) Vogel in Sandusky, Ohio. He was the youngest of three children. During his childhood the family moved to Fremont, Ohio, where, as a high school student, he swam competitively and played baritone in the band. He graduated from Fremont Ross High School in 1960. Robert’s family took advantage of living near Lake Erie and any available time was spent boating and waterskiing.

He completed a BS degree at Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio in 1965 and graduated in 1967 with a Doctor of Dental Surgery. As an undergraduate he participated in ROTC and remained 12 years in the Navy Reserves. He married the love of his life, Barbara Eleanor Meyers, on June 20, 1964, in Venice, Ohio. When he was first introduced to Barbara, who was dating his cousin, he promptly stole her away. 

The young couple had their first child, Elwood, in Cleveland in 1967 and shortly thereafter moved to Houston, Texas where Robert pursued a degree in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Texas. He graduated in 1970 as they welcomed their daughter, Carol Lynn. He went on to complete an MD degree at the University of Baylor, Collage of Medicine, where he graduated in 1974 with honors. Their second daughter, Eleanor, joined the family that same year. And in 1979, Robert graduated in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery from the University of Texas. That year he moved his young family to Little Rock, Arkansas to set up practice in Plastic Surgery.  With 19 years of study behind him, he finally had a greater opportunity to spend more time with his family. On summer vacations they traveled in the west carting dogs, kids, and kayaks, visiting grandparents in Wyoming.

In 1983, after four years of practice, Robert completed the rigorous testing to be Board Certified in Plastic Surgery. Over the course of his professional career, he served ten years during the Mid-1980s and 90s, as Chairman of the Board and Board Member of Health Advantage an HMO subsidiary of Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield. Additionally, he was a representative of the American Cancer Society for the State of Arkansas. He also volunteered his time and talents to perform cleft lip and palate surgeries for children in need in the Philippines. 

Once retired, Robert and Barbara were constantly busy with family, especially grandchildren, and with golfing, tennis, and travel. Robert participated in organized long-distance biking through several National Parks, covering over 1800 miles.  But without a doubt, he will always be remembered most as a voracious reader. Over the years, he became an expert chef. Their home was always a gathering place where he lovingly cooked for all their guests. He was a generous husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend, enriching the lives of all who knew him.

 He is survived by his wife, Barbara, of 57 years, son, Elwood Vogel (Christiana) of Collinsville, OK, daughter, Carol Brizzzolara (Jay) of Little Rock, AR, daughter, Eleanor Goins (Brian) of Helena, MT, and six grandchildren: Aristo Brizzolara, Elena Murrieta (Robert), Elijah Brizzolara and Emory Brizzolara all of Little Rock, AR, Calvin Vogel and Zoe Vogel both of Collinsville, OK, and many adoring nieces and nephews.

Robert Grandt Vogel will forever live on in our hearts and our loving memories.       

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