Robert Eli Cantrell, 90, went home on Feb. 18, 2017, to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

He was born March 14, 1926, to Eli Cantrell and Nellie Cantrell. He was survived by his precious and loving wife of 70 years, Gwendolyn Margie Cantrell, married Dec. 26, 1946. He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Lowell Cantrell.

He is survived by his son, Gary Cantrell; his brother, Marvin Cantrell; and his three sisters, Dorothy Bergeron, Elizabeth Jones and Louise Raborn. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Deborah Cantrell; and his grandchildren, Cheryl, Charles, Clint, Bryan, Britt, Brice, Chad, Kirstie and Kali. He is also survived by his six great-grandchildren Justin, Joshua, Christopher, Emily, Joseph and Adam; and his three great-great-grandchildren, Lillian, Westin and Neil.

He was a very loving and caring father and devoted husband, always seeking the next moment to make someone laugh or smile. His greatest priority in life was to provide for his family and fulfill their every need, but greatest of all was to glorify God in doing his will.

Robert was born in Bogalusa, where he met his sweetheart of over 75 years. After serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, Robert returned to his home state, eventually settling in Baton Rouge. Robert earned a reputation as a hard-working and diligent pipe fitter, finally retiring from Ethel in Baton Rouge. Robert was a long-time member of Winbourne Avenue Baptist Church in Baton Rouge and Walker Baptist Church in Walker.