The Liberty-Eylau community lost a prominent band director, Mr. Robert D. Utsey, on Thursday. He was 69.

The Robert D. Utsey Fine Arts Center was named in his honor on April 17, 2005, in recognition of 23 years of outstanding service to the music program and to the students of Liberty-Eylau.

He began his teaching career in Stephens, Ark., but moved to Liberty-Eylau in 1974 as head middle school and assistant high school band director, positions he held until his retirement in 1998. While he began his career at the high school, he realized early on his talents were bette...

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