Arkansas

ARKADELPHIA — Kenneth Ray Duke, age 76, of Arkadelphia, passed from this life on Monday, October 24, 2016 at his home. He was born August 2, 1940 in Falcon, Ark., the son of the late Ira Wootson Duke and Leola Vines Duke Carlton. Ray was a 1959 graduate of Hope High School. He enjoyed fishing, playing golf and officiating football and basketball games. Ray officiated basketball for over 46 years and football for over 35 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Darlene Sinyard. Ray is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Bettie Rateliff Duke of the home; two daughters, Dana (Don) Spickes and Christy (Andy) Russell, both of Rogers; one son, Ken (Michelle) Duke of Stuart, Fla.; nine grandchildren, Brandon, Jeremy and Daniel Spickes, Zachary, Payton and Bailee Russell, and Ashleigh and Lauren Duke and Candice (Jon) Watson; one brother-inlaw, L.A. Sinyard of Hope; two nieces, Sandy (Jack) Dougan of Emmett and Susie (Mike) Butler of Arkadelphia.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at Trinity Temple Assembly of God Church in Arkadelphia, with Bro. Rick Mays officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time at the church. Memorials may be made to Group Living, P.O. Box 159, Arkadelphia, Ark. 71923; Ouachita Baptist University, 410 Ouachita Street, Arkadelphia, Ark. 71923; The Ken Duke Golf Center at Henderson State University, 1100 Henderson Street, Arkadelphia, Ark. 71923; or Trinity Temple Assembly of God Church, 3509 Pine Street, Arkadelphia, Ark. 71923. Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book and view the video tribute.

–––––❖––––– ASHDOWN — Annie Catherine Honnell, 91, of Ashdown, Ark., passed away October 21, 2016, in Flower Mound, Texas.

Annie Catherine was born November 19, 1924, in Ashdown, Ark., to John C. and Lynah Finley. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Jay Honnell; one sister, Maxine Chambers; and one brother, John C. Finley Jr. Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, David and Sharon Honnell of Flower Mound, Texas; two granddaughters, Brooke Honnell Cobourn, her husband, Kevin of Austin, Texas, Kristin Honnell of Euless, Texas; one great-grandchild, Cooper Cobourn; two nephews, Dr. Carlton L. Chambers III of Harrison, Ark., John C. Finley III of Ashdown, Ark.; and one niece, Lynah Chambers Guild, of Appomattox, Va.

Annie Catherine was a devout member of the First United Methodist Church of Ashdown, an avid birdwatcher, and loved horses. She graduated Ashdown High School in 1942, married Jay in 1944, and adopted a son, David in 1953. After Jay retired from a career in the Navy, they settled in Ashdown in 1959. She was a member of the Little River County Historical Society, a charter member of the Ashdown Alumni Association, and a member of NARFE (National Active and Retired Federal Employees).

Memorials may be made to the Ashdown Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 1135, Ashdown, Ark. 71822; First United Methodist Church, 145 E. Commerce St., Ashdown, Ark. 71822; or the Hospice of Texarkana, 2407 Galleria Oaks Drive, Texarkana, Texas 75503.

Visitation will be at Madden Funeral Home, Wednesday, October 26, from 5-7 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Ashdown at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 27, with Brother Jim Cross officiating.

–––––❖––––– BATESVILLE — Cathy Davis, of Batesville, died Friday, October 21, 2016. Survivors: husband, Charles Davis; sons, Jeff Showalter (Michelle) and John Showalter (Debbie); brother, Carroll Showalter; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. Services: 2 p.m. Wednesday, Calvary Baptist Church, Batesville. Burial: Lee’s Chapel Cemetery, by Roller-Crouch Funeral Home, Batesville. Visitation: 1-2 p.m. Wednesday at Calvary Baptist Church. Memorials: Calvary Baptist Church, 1775 Lyon Street, Batesville, Ark. 72501 and WRHS Auxiliary, 1710 Harrison Street, Batesville, Ark. 72501. www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/batesville.

–––––❖––––– BISCOE — Jeddy R. Wallach, 71, of Biscoe, passed away on October 23, 2016. Jeddy was born in California and moved to Arkansas in 2010. He really enjoyed living in Arkansas. Jeddy moved here with his wife previously known as Patricia Avants. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Ann Wallach; son and daughter-in-law, Jeremie and Heather Wallach; sisters-inlaw, Linda (Dave) Patterson, Janice (Gary) McCullough; brotherin-law, Jim (Anita) Avants; and nieces and nephews. You will truly be missed. RIP Jeddy. A celebration will be held Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at 11 a.m. at his home. Arrangements by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen.

–––––❖––––– CHEROKEE VILLAGE — Isabel Mary Newcomb, 102, died Oct. 20, 2016. She was a member of Spring River Presbyterian Church in Hardy. She is survived by her son, Raymond (Jessica) Newcomb of Cherokee Village, two brothers, four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Arrangements are with Tri-County Funeral Home of Highland.

–––––❖––––– DONALDSON — James “Robert” Rook, 80, of Donaldson went to his heavenly home on Sunday, October 23, 2016. Visitation will be Wednesday, October 26 from 5-8 p.m. at Regency, Malvern. Service will be Thursday, October 27 at 3 p.m. at Regency Funeral Home. Burial, Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Arrangements, Regency Funeral Home. Guest book, regencyfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– EL DORADO — Edgar Eugene (Gene) Johnson, Jr. passed away Sunday, October 23, 2016. Visitation was held Monday, October 24, 2016 at Young’s. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. today at First Baptist Church in El Dorado. Interment will follow at Smackover Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors. www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– FAYETTEVILLE — Jessie Geneva Knight, 78, of Fayetteville, Arkansas died Friday. Survivors: children, Jack Knight III, Julie Weston, Janel Morton, Joe Knight, Jason Knight; 15 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren with one on the way; sister, Loretta Clark. Funeral: 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at Immanuel Baptist Church, Sheridan. Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Sheridan. (870) 942-1306. www. memorialgardenssheridan.com.

–––––❖––––– FORDYCE — Bonnie Nott, 77, of Fordyce died Sunday, October 23, 2016 at her home. She was born July 31, 1939. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Smith-Morgan Cemetery with Rev. Shane Matthews officiating. Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www. bentonfuneralhome.net.

–––––❖––––– FORREST CITY — Charles W. “Dick” Krablin, age 83, died Saturday, October 22nd at Baptist Hospital in Memphis. Dick was born January 30, 1933 on the family farm near DeWitt, Arkansas. He attended Columbia Military Academy in Tennessee, and later served in the U.S. Army as a tank commander. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he married and moved to Mississippi to manage a Goodyear Store. Later, he was transferred to Forrest City, where he managed the Goodyear store there. He started a successful farming operation with his longtime friend, the late Sonny Hamilton, and owned and operated his own tire store during that time. He was elected as county clerk of St. Francis County, where he served the county for 14 years.

Dick’s array of friends spreads far and wide. His affable, fun-loving personality, quick wit and sharp come-back quips were a trademark. One simply could not be around Dick Krablin for very long and not have fun. Everyone who knew Dick knew of his love of the outdoors. His hunting and fishing skills were legendary. During the 1960’s, he was a commercial duck hunting guide at the most prolific duck club in the county. He was once called to testify as an expert witness in a lawsuit involving duck hunting. After that, he would gleefully use that credential if anyone ever criticized his duck calling abilities. His fishing friends hardly ever out-fished him, because—as he would say—he was operating the boat from the front, making everyone else fish “used water.” Dick never lacked for a quick quip or a lively comeback, and he was often prompted by friends to tell his hilarious stories. Any hunt or fishing trip with Dick was as much fun for the banter that he provided as for the fish and game he invariably hauled into the boat or blind. A crack shot for sure, Dick loved to needle other shooters by laying claim to every bird that fell, regardless of whether he had actually shot it or not. He coveted his role as an unabashed “claimer.”

Dick served his God and his community as a ruling elder at the Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church, and a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason (a fifty year member), and was honored by that body as a Knight Commander in the Court of Honor. If you needed Dick, he would be there regardless of the hour, the difficulty of the task, or how bad the weather conditions were. He was a true friend to anyone in need, as so many would affirm.

This energetic, delightful, and fiercely loyal man, whose time on earth came much too soon following an elective day surgerygone-bad, is survived by his wife, Jane Krablin; his daughter, Libby Krablin of Benton, Ark.; brother, Randy Krablin (and wife Denise) of England, Ark.; special nephews, James R. “Bub” Krablin (and wife Linda) of Wichita, Kan., and John Krablin (and wife Angela) of California; step-son, Hunter Johnson (and wife Dana) and their sons, Jesse Johnson and Devon Van Winkle, all of Des Arc; step-daughter, Dr. Wendy Johnson Edwards (and husband Dr. Christian Edwards) and their son, Gabriel, of New Smyrna Beach, Fla. Preceding Mr. Krablin in death were his parents, John R. and Hallie O. Krablin; and brothers, John B. Krablin, Paul Krablin; and sister, June Krablin.

Visitation for Mr. Krablin will be at the Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 29th at 10 a.m., with memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church. Visit online registry at stevensfuneralhome.net. Under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home of Forrest City, Arkansas.

––––– ––––– FOX — Hubert D. Hinesley died October 23, 2016. Survived by children, Curtis, Robin, Delonda, and Cindy. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 from 10-11 a.m. at Roller Coffman Chapel in Mountain View, Arkansas. Funeral services will follow the visitation beginning at 11 a.m. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/mtview1.

–––––❖––––– HEBER SPRINGS — Barry Richard Witherspoon, age 60, died of a sudden illness Saturday, October 22, 2016. He was born in Clovis, N.M. on June 30, 1957 to Gayland and Fredonia Witherspoon. He graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Arkansas with a degree in Landscape Architecture, at the time of his death; he resided in Heber Springs, Arkansas.

Barry’s career took him all over the world. He worked extensively in the Middle East, Africa, and China. Barry was engaged to marry Yen Yan Shen of Beijing, China. Barry was a member of Fort Hill Church in Clemson, S.C.

He was preceded in death by a nephew, John Bradley Witherspoon Jr. He is survived by his parents, Gayland and Fredonia Witherspoon, a brother, Dr. John Witherspoon, two children, Gavin and Ashley Witherspoon, numerous aunts and uncles and nephews and nieces.

A graveside service will be conducted at Roselawn Memorial park in Little Rock, Arkansas at 11 a.m., Wednesday, October 26, 2016. The service will be conducted by Reverend Scott Walter of Christ Episcopal Church, Little Rock, Arkansas. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– HOPE — Funeral for Mrs. Linda Gail Jester Willis, 69, Hope, 11 a.m., Wednesday, October 26,

2016 at Unity Baptist Church with Bro. Glen Tropp and Bro. Gene Jester officiating. Burial, Wright’s Chapel Cemetery, Lockesburg, Ark. Visitation, 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at Brazzel/ Oakcrest Funeral Home. Arrangements Brazzel/Oakcrest The Funeral Home,Hope. Complete Obituary: www.brazzelfuneralhomes. com.

–––––❖––––– HOT SPRINGS — Joyce Christine Keene, 86, of Hot Springs, formerly of Fordyce, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 23, 2016. She was born October 5, 1930 in New Edinburg to the late Frank James Strong and Alice Lucille Garlington Strong. She was a housewife, a Christian, and a member of Winans Missionary Baptist Church of Hot Springs. She will be remembered as a woman who loved God and her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Thomas Keene; two brothers; Franklin Strong and John Edward Strong; a sister-in-law, Ruth McAlister, and her parents, Frank and Lucille Strong. She is survived by a son, Gary (Betty) Keene of Hot Springs; a daughter, Beverly (Larry) Childers of Litchfield, Illinois; a sister-in-law, Betty Smith Strong of Fordyce; a brother-in-law, Glen McAlister of Fordyce; four grandchildren, Gary Keene Jr. (Marie) and David Slay (Heather) of Hot Springs, and Cindy Mix (James) and Cathy Childers of Litchfield, Illinois; 10 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce on Thursday, October 27, 2016, beginning at 1 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. with Bobby Thornton officiating. Burial will follow at Wright Cemetery at Bleeker.

Pallbearers are Glen Strong, Sr., Glen Strong Jr., Gene Strong, Max Garlington, Ronnie Garlington, Donny Ford, Charles Lee Ford and Mike Hornaday. Honorary pallbearers are employees of the Pines Nursing Center, members of Winans Missionary Baptist Church and Arkansas Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be designated to Winans Missionary Baptist Church, 222 Golf Links Road, Hot Springs, Ark. 71901. Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.

–––––❖––––– LONOKE — Lifelong Lonoke resident, “Bud” Paul Johnson born to Tommie and Freddie (Hickman)Johnson January 17, 1938, completed his journey to join them, brother Bernis and sister Margaret Larkan on October 22, 2016.

Left to cherish memories of him are his wife of 44 years, Theresa, children Paula Hutson, Lisa Ball and Lonny Johnson. Grandchildren Matt, Jay (Lindsey), and Braxton Holland, Nikki Wilson, Josh (Taylor) and Shawn Johnson, 8 great-grandchildren. Brothers Tommy Joe and Eddie Johnson, sister, Billie Craig.

Funeral service will held October 25, 2016, at 2 p.m. in Boyd Funeral Home chapel with visitation starting at 1 p.m. Interment in Brownsville Cemetery. www. boydfuneralhome.net.

–––––❖––––– MALVERN — Mary Patenotte, 87, of Malvern passed away on Saturday, October 22, 2016. Survivors, daughters, Kay Parker (Alan), Shara Scott; three brothers; four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren. Visitation, Tuesday, October 25, 6-8 p.m., Regency, Malvern. Services, Wednesday, October 26, 2 p.m., Regency. Burial, Rockport Memorial Gardens. Arrangements, Regency Funeral Home. Guest book, regencyfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– PANGBURN — Peter Georgopoulos, 91, of Pangburn died Saturday, October 22nd at his home. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, October 26th at Searcy-McEuen Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, October 27th at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Pangburn. Share a Memory: www.SearcyMcEuenFuneralHome.com.

–––––❖––––– PERRYVILLE — Juanita Scott Stone, 94, of Perryville, died Monday, October 24, 2016. Funeral services: 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 26, at Cherry Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Burial at Cherry Hill Cemetery by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. Visitation from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, October 25, at funeral home in Morrilton. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net.

–––––❖––––– PLUMERVILLE — Ida Jean Reddig Lear, age 87, of Plumerville, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, October 23, 2016. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 26th at Harris Chapel. Burial at Plummerville Cemetery by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. Visitation from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, at funeral home. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net.

–––––❖––––– SEARCY — Theresa E. Miller, 95, of Searcy passed away on October 21, 2016, in Searcy. Visitation: 1-2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 26, 2016, at Roller-Daniel Funeral Home. Funeral Services at 2 p.m. in the Chapel. Interment following in White County Memorial Gardens. For online guest book. www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

–––––❖––––– TRUMANN — A graveside service for Margaret Puckett, 91, of Trumann is 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sunset Memorial Park, West Helena. Visitation Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Survivors: daughter, four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren. Services directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 5722571. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.