Pulaski County
CHARLOTTE MEASEL ADKINS died Sunday morning, March 11, 2018 at her home. She was born Charlotte
Floretta Sparkman to Oren
Matt Sparkman and Vivian Black Sparkman on
May 8, 1928 in Washburn, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sons, Matthew Scott Measel and Charles Mikel Measel and spouses, Charles Adkins and Homer Presnall. She is survived by her sons, Mark Sparkman Measel and Jeffrey Todd Measel; former husband and friend, Charles Harold Measel; daughters-in-law, Sherry Measel, Leslie Measel and Autumn Eggers; four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and many more family members and friends.
Charlotte attended the University of Arkansas where she received her Bachelor and Master degrees. She taught at several schools in the Cassville, Missouri area in the 1960s. She also taught in Tennessee and Little Rock schools and retired
as a Middle School principal.
There will be no services held. A celebration of her life will be scheduled soon. Memorials may be made to the ALS Association.
Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Charlotte’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
––––– ––––– ROBERT BENNETT of North Little Rock passed away March 5, 2018. He was born August 27, 1938. Survivors include wife, Mary Bennett; children, Reese, Ronda, and Robert Bennett, Mike Benet, Ray Jackson, Peggy Haggerman; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. Arrangements by Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online guestbook at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
–––––❖––––– JOANN CHAPMAN, 84, of Sherwood passed away Monday, March 5, 2018. She was born in Alamosa,
Colo., on May 25,
1933. JoAnn was a devoted wife and mother and a giving, kind friend and neighbor.
JoAnn was predeceased in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Donald Chapman and her son-in-law, Terry Steed. She is survived by her daughters Bernice (Steve) McGhee and Jeane Steed; Grandchildren Nicholas (Heather) McGhee, Lacey Wells, Alexa Steed and Lauren (Patrick) Sieber and Great-Grandchildren Hadley Treadway and Kaylee McGhee. She is also survived by her brother, Dwight (Peggy) Moore and sister, Karen Beckerman.
Joann’s family is holding a private memorial service with interment in Rest Hills Memorial Park. Please sign the online guestbook at www.griffinleggettresthills.com.
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A faithful servant of the Lord went to his eternal home on March 10, 2018. BOBBY
JOE COOK was born in McRae,
Ark. on October
14, 1924. He was the eldest son of Joseph and
Ellen Cook. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and two brothers,
Weaver and David Cook.
A few months after graduating from McRae High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He attained the rank of Radioman 3rd Class while serving aboard a tanker with the Pacific fleet during WWII.
On returning home, he was employed by the Veterans Administration Hospital at Ft. Roots. He started his career as a Nursing Assistant, then transferred to the Engineering Department as the Maintenance Scheduler. He was active in the AFGE Local 2054 and served as Secretary-Treasurer, Vice-President and President.
For 49 years, he was married to Almarie Todd and together they raised two sons, Rondal E (Judy) and Donald Joe Cook (Susan). They were blessed with four grandchildren; Emily Lipsmeyer (Nick), Laurie Spencer (Justin), James Cook and Jonathan Cook; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was an active member of the Church of Christ, attending Somers Avenue and the Sylvan Hills congregations. He was well known for his knowledge of the Bible and tireless energy in serving the Lord. He was involved in local evangelism and benevolence as well as managing a Bible correspondence program reaching as many as 10,000 people. He also made numerous trips abroad to share the gospel.
In addition to his sons and their families, he is survived by a sister, Amanda Sue Shetler; a sister-inlaw and brother-in-law, Faye and Chester Tozier; and many nieces and nephews.
The family thanks Arkansas State Veterans Heroes Home 8, Arkansas Hospice, Fox Ridge, and Tammy McIntire for the care they provided.
Funeral services will be on Thursday, March 15th at 10:30 a.m. at Sylvan Hills Church of Christ, 117 West Maryland, Sherwood, Arkansas. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 14th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Smith Family Funeral Home, 7700 Highway 107, Sherwood, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Sylvan Hills Church of Christ Medical Missions. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
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LEON GRIDER, 78 of Little Rock transitioned March 10, 2018. Survived by daughter, Tracey Banks, brother, Charles Grider (Johnnie), four grandchildren three great-grandchildren. Memorial Service, Tuesday, March 13, 2018 11 a.m. Gunn Funeral Home. Services entrusted to Gunn Funeral Home, 4323 W. 29th, Little Rock, Ark. 72204 (501) 660-4323.
–––––❖––––– DOROTHY ELAINE HOUSE, age 73, of Jacksonville passed away Sunday, March
11, 2018 at her home. She was born August 15,
1944 in Robertsdale, Alabama to the late Ernest and Estella Lois
Laing Pitman.
Mrs. House was a member of
Stanfill Baptist
Church. She retired after working as a nurse for 26 years at the VA and 20 years at home health. Mrs. House loved her family and was always on the go. She loved animals, traveling, the outdoors, spending time with grandchildren, and volunteering at St. Vincent’s.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Darrell E. House. Survivors are her children, Judy Puckett and Brian (Misty) House, both of Jacksonville; sister, Lorraine (Dub) Tucker of Glenwood; brother, Ronald (Mae) Pitman, Sr. of Columbus, Mississippi; and grandchildren, Darrell House, Natalie Emmert, William Messec, Colin Messec, Hayley Messec, and
Sierra Messec.
Funeral services are 10 a.m., Thursday, March 15, 2018 at Stanfill Baptist Church in Jacksonville with Pastor Gene Davis officiating. Interment will follow at Stanfill Cemetery in Jacksonville. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home. Arrangements are by Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home. (501) 982-2136. www. mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome. com.
–––––❖––––– JOHNNIE FRANKLIN LAWHON, 74, of Mabelvale, passed away March 7, 2018.
He was born November 6,
1943 in Ft. Worth,
Texas, to George and Mary York Lawhon. Johnnie was a great husband and a loving father. He was the owner of Lawhon’s towing business. He was a member of Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene.
He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Johnny F. Lawhon Jr.; and brother, Joe Lawhon. He is survived by his wife, Glenda Lawhon; son, James Lawhon; and two brothers, George E. Lawhon Jr., and Charles W. Lawhon, of Ft. Worth, Texas.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 14, 2018 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Pinecrest Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 10: a.m. on Thursday, March 15, 2018, also at Pinecrest Funeral Home, with Burial to follow at Redfield Cemetery, with a dinner reception immediately after at Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene in Alexander, Arkansas. To sign the online guestbook go to www.pinecrestmemorialpark.com.
–––––❖––––– BILLIE JEAN MARTIN, 81 years of age, of Little Rock, Ark., went to Heaven Friday
March 9, 2018.
She was born September 26,
1936, to Elessie and Joe Nathan
Duhart. She committed her lift to Christ at an early age. She was married to
Floyd Martin and together they raised 6 children. She is survived by children, Derrick (Defanie) Martin, Peggy Ann affectionally known as Pam and F Andre (Stephanie) Martin; Also mourning her loss are 2 siblings, sister, M Helen Robinson, and brother, Bernell Sampson of Gary, Ind.; and grandson, Tony Wayne Martin; seventeen grandchildren, twenty one great grandchildren and a host of great great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Floyd Martin; three children, Alice Lavern Wicker, Robert Earl Scott and Betty Jean Martin; a granddaughter, Veda Minton; and seven siblings, Clarice Eaton, Norvell, James Orlin, Alonzo, Alvin, Odell and William Dean Sampson.
A celebration of her life will be Thursday, March 15, 2018, 10 a.m., at First Baptist Church Highland Park, 3800 W. 18th Street, Little Rock, Ark.. Interment will follow at Little Rock National Cemetery. Family visitation: Wednesday, March 14, 2018, 6-7 p.m., at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 South Chester St., Little Rock, Ark. (501) 372-1305.
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DUKE OMOWARE known as the “Gentle Giant” that everyone loved, 61 of Jacksonville, Ark. passed March 9, 2018. Loving memories left to wife: Feleica Omoware, children: Xavion , Donovan, and Jasamine Omoware, grandchildren: Tamara, Zamiyia, and Mariah; seven siblings. Mr. Omoware will lie in state March 16, 2018, 1-6
p.m. at Superior. Homegoing celebration March 17, 2017, 11 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church 706 Forrester Rd.,
North little Rock. Superior Funeral Services, 5017 E. Broadway, North
Little Rock (501) 945-9922. Online guestbook: www. superiorfuneralservices.com.
Trudean Long Brown “Providing Services Your Family Deserves.”
–––––❖––––– DOUG REYNOLDS, age 76, of Little Rock born August 7, 1941 passed away on Sunday, March 11, 2018. He is survived by his loving wife, Gayla Reynolds; 3 children, Troy, Charlotte and Nathan; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and his brother, John Reynolds.
Doug built a fun business, Doug Reynolds Suzuki selling motorcycles and ATV’s. He loved raising cows and fishing, but most of all he loved his family and friends, especially his Wednesday night safety board members. He will be missed by so many people who shared his love of life.
A Gathering of Family and Friends will be on Thursday, March 15, 2018 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Roller Chenal Funeral home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. 72205 (501) 224-8300. Burial will be private. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.
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BILLY “BILL” GLISSON SIMMONS was born December 28, 1930, in Kenton, Tenn. to the late George
Brown Simmons and Velma Mae
Glisson. He was a long-time member of the Christian Church, had a great faith in God and Jesus as his Savior. He departed this life on Monday, March 12, 2018.
He attended elementary schools in Kenton and Rutherford, Tenn., before moving to Caruthersville, Missouri, graduating from high school there in 1949. He was an outstanding basketball player, receiving a basketball scholarship to Southeast Missouri College in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
In January 1951, Bill joined the Army Airborne. He was one of 3,000 paratroopers in a mass jump from San Angelo, Texas of the 508th Airborne Regimental Combat Team, also called The Red Devils.
He was a loving father and husband, enjoyed life, loved people, liked to joke and laugh. He loved all sports, loved to play golf and have fun at the same time.
He worked for Ark-Mo Power, AP&L and what is now Entergy. Retiring after 38 years, he was a Construction Superintendent in Arkansas and Missouri. When Hurricane Hugo struck South Carolina in September 1989, he, with Entergy crews, were dispatched to Charleston to help restore power. He was a committed Lifeblood donor, donating six gallons of blood.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce, son, Brad Simmons, daughter, Gina (Larry) Pisher, grandson, Lawson Pisher, sister, Marceline (Billy) McClendon, best friend and brother-in-law, G.W. Fox and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Martha Correll.
Memorials may be sent to the First Christian Church, P.O. Box 251, Blytheville, Arkansas 72315 or charity of your choice. A family celebration of Bill’s life will follow, officiated by Dr. Keith Hearnsberger. Online condolences may be left by visiting www.arkansascremation.com.
–––––❖––––– HAROLD “DOC” FRANKLIN WILSON, age 69, of Jacksonville, passed away
March 10, 2018.
Harold was born in Cabot on October 17, 1948, one of nine children, to the late Shelton and Lillian Carmical Wilson.
Harold was a proud Navy veteran who served his country in the Vietnam War. He was of the Baptist faith and was a cabinet maker by trade. Harold is preceded in death by three brothers, Kenneth, Johnny, and Shelton Wilson Jr.
Survivors include four sisters, Linda McKay (Roy Johnson), Nancy Van Echaute (Marvin), Evelyn Durham (Troy), and Carolyn Graham (Richard Felton); brother, James “Buzzy” Wilson (Ginger), and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at Thomas Funeral Service. Interment to follow at Cypress Valley Cemetery in Vilonia. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at the funeral home. Family suggests donations to Arkansas Hospice, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Arkansas, 72116.
Arkansas
ARKADELPHIA — Horace Plum, 87, of Arkadelphia died Sunday. Services: 11 a.m. Saturday at Welch Funeral Home. Visitation: 10 a.m. until service time Saturday. In lieu of flowers memorials to Little Free Library or New Life Church. Arrangements by Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Guestbook at www.welchfh.net.
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BALD KNOB — Wilson Eugene Miller, 76, of Bald Knob, died Sunday. Survivors: wife, Debbie; children, Sherrie Barrentine, Darren Miller, Angela Smith; one brother; two sisters; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. Services: Wednesday, 11 a.m., New Bethel Baptist Church. Interment: Shady Grove Cemetery. Powell Funeral Home, Bald Knob – Judsonia. www.powellfuneralhome.net.
–––––❖––––– BEEBE — Mildred Naomi Cable Hefner left for the next part of her journey in life on
March 9, 2018.
Mildred grew up on Blue Hole
Road in Antioch next to the grand swimming hole.
She walked to
Antioch School and then rode a bus to graduate from Beebe High.
She loved learning and instilled it in her children. And she played basketball.
Mildred lived to help her family in any way that she possibly could. She milked cows for income, worked the garden to fill the table, sewed to put clothes on her family’s back and made gorgeous quilts to keep all of us warm in the winter. These are just a few of her many talents.
She loved church and to sing a joyful noise testifying for God and Jesus. And, she loved doing this through First Baptist in Beebe. For a while she played a great tune on the ukulele and enjoyed every minute of it. Her love of music was grand. The trips that she made with Dee Ward and others through the years to Branson listening to musicians then sharing the experience with many later on.
Mildred has been preceded into the next part of our journey of life by her parents, Frank J. Cable and Willie Frances Neaville; her husband, Dee Ward Hefner; her daughters, Kathryn Denelle and Francis Adeline; three sisters that were spawns of Frank and Willie; Aciedean Belew, Lois Coats, and Martha Whitehead, plus many other sisters and a brother.
On our current journey - Ruthann Hefner is her daughter that presently resides in Fayetteville, Ark. Also, on this journey there are two nieces, Jeanenne Belew Sier, Nila Jo Belew Pearson, and one nephew, William D. Coats. And, there are many other nieces, nephews, greats … and a host of friends.
Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Arkansas, 201 Markham Center Dr., Little Rock, Ark. 72205. www.alzark.org. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. Funeral will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at First Baptist Church, and burial will be in Antioch Cemetery. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home. www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
–––––❖––––– BRINKLEY — Johnny William Johnson, 71, of Brinkley died Sunday. Survivors, brother Ronald Wayne Johnson and sister, Barbara Johnson Haynes. Visitation, Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Bob Neal and Sons Funeral Home in Brinkley. Services, Wednesday, 10 a.m. at the Broadmoor Baptist Church in Brinkley with burial following at Veterans Cemetery in Birdeye, Ark. Guestbook/obit www.bobnealandsons. com. –––––❖––––– BRYANT — Gwen Nichols Whitfield, 77, of Bryant was transferred to Heaven on March 9, 2018, to be with our Savior Jesus Christ. She was preceded by her parents Orren and Dollie Nichols and brother
Thomas Albert
Nichols.
Survivors include her husband of 51 years,
Ronald T. Whitfield, daughters
Stacy James of Little Rock,
Kim Keathley of Maumelle, son Wade Whitfield of Little Rock, sisters Juanita Plant of Little Rock and Brenda Saporito of Hot Springs Village, as well as numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Gwen loved the Lord, her family and her hobbies. She was a humble artist, never acknowledging the talent others saw in her. Living a simple, quiet life is what pleased her. Gwen will be most remembered by her family for her talent, her quirky sense of humor and her frankness. She will be greatly missed.
A family hosted celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family wishes to express appreciation to Dr. Wilder and her excellent staff at CARTI for the care they provided Gwen over a year and half, as well as the staff at Arkansas Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to CARTI Foundation, P.O. Box 55011, Little Rock, Arkansas 72215-9964 or Arkansas Hospice, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72116. Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service, Jacksonville, Arkansas. An online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.
–––––❖––––– CABOT — Fredrick Alvin West, 78, of Cabot passed away on Friday, March 9, 2018.
He was born on August 30,
1939, in Hickory
Ridge, Arkansas, to the late Earl and Lenna Mae
West. He was a retired agent for
State Farm Insurance and served the Jacksonville community for over 42 years. Fred was a life time member of the State Farm Presidents club. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, and spend time at the lake.
He is survived by children Andy West (Dana) of Cabot, Bradley West (Jennifer) of Cabot; brother Frank West of Texarkana, Arkansas; sister Glenda Fulks of Cabot; four grandchildren, Andrew West of Jacksonville, Lindsey Chamblee (Justin) of Jacksonville, Tessa West and Jaxtyn Guthridge of Cabot; three great-grandchildren, Kolton Fulcher of Cabot, Kendal and Tenley Chamblee of Jacksonville.
The family would like to pay special gratitude to Jimbo Evans and Nikki Taylor for the love and care given to him over the last few years of his life.
In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations to be made to Alzheimer’s Arkansas foundation in Fred’s honor at 201 Markham Center Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 13th from 6-8 p.m. in the Chapel at A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. His on line guest book is available at www.anaturalstatefuenralservice.com.
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CAVE CITY — David Wayne Wesley, 66, of Cave City died Sunday, March 11, 2018. Funeral service, Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Batesville. Arrangements by Qualls Batesville Funeral Service. Visitation, Tuesday, March 13, 2018 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
–––––❖––––– CONWAY — Janus (Ingram) Reynolds, 82, of Conway passed peacefully from this life surrounded by family and friends on
Sunday, March
11, 2018. Born
August 12, 1935, the youngest of three children, born to J. T. (Ted) and Ruby (Sanders) Ingram, she grew up in Enola before moving to Conway where she graduated from Conway High and attended Central Baptist College. She was married to G. David Reynolds for 57 years until his death in 2012. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Weldon and Bobby Ingram. Janus is survived by her children: David L. Reynolds (Mitzi), Glen Reynolds and Lisa Douglas (Travis); grandchildren, David Aaron Reynolds (Courtney), Katelin Douglas Whiddon (Daniel), Lauren Reynolds (Nathan Allen), and Alex Douglas; great-granddaughters, Kennedy and Olivia Reynolds, Ashlynn and Aleah Whiddon, all of Conway, and a host of nephews, nieces and friends she dearly cherished.
Janus worked in real estate, at Lifeword Media Ministry, was a homemaker and a pastor’s wife. A Master Gardener, she had productive vegetable and beautiful flower gardens. Janus loved to sew, paint, shop for bargains, watch and feed birds and butterflies, canoe, swim, snorkel and boat — especially with family. She established and operated a food pantry near Enola furnishing food and clothes to anyone
in need. Janus traveled extensively throughout the world with her husband supporting Wycliffe Bible Translators and Baptist Missionary Association of America.
Janus was a member of Central Baptist Church in Conway. Her family expresses gratitude to care-givers at Brookdale, Home Instead, Seeds of Love and Kindred Hospice for the loving care of her.
Visitation will be from 6pm to 8pm Wednesday, March 14th at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with burial following at Marcus Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lifeword Media Ministries, P.O. Box 6, Conway, Ark. 72033. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway.
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DE QUEEN — Steven T. Weiler, 59, of De Queen, Arkansas passed from this life on March 8, 2018. He was born in Perryville, Missouri on September 19, 1958. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville, Arkansas. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook, www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.
–––––❖––––– EUDORA — Billy Troy Smith, 73, of Eudora passed Saturday. Survivors: sons, Michael Troy and Buck Smith; daughters, Tabitha and Talicia Smith; brother, Kent Smith; sister, Hettie Lou Martin; and seven grandchildren. Memorial Service: 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 13, Beedeville Church of Christ. Cremation arrangements by Powell Funeral Home Bald Knob-Judsonia. www.powellfuneralhome.net.
–––––❖––––– EUDORA — Betty Jo Watson, 82, of Eudora, Ark., died Sunday, March 11, 2018. Visitation 1-2 p.m. March 14, 2018 at Northside Baptist Church, Eudora, Ark. Funeral Services will follow at 2 p.m. at the church. Burial Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Eudora, Ark. Arrangements made by Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service, Eudora, Ark. Online guest book www.griffinculpepper.com.
––––– ––––– FRANKLIN — Charles Billy Bohannan, Sr, 82, died March 11. Visitation: Tuesday, March 13 6-8 p.m. at Eddie’s Family Funeral Home in Melbourne. Service: Wednesday, March 14 at 2 p.m. at Howard Memorial Funeral Chapel. Burial: Antioch Cemetery. Survivors: Billy Bohannan, Daniel Bohannan, Karen Killian, Luauana Underwood, Theresa Lowery, Pam Bohannan (children).
–––––❖––––– GILLHAM — Mr. Lonnie Gene Willmon, age 71, a resident of Gillham, Ark., died Monday, March 12, 2018, in Ashdown. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Thursday, March 15, 2018, at Wilkerson Funeral Home Chapel in De Queen, Arkansas. Burial will follow in Cossatot Cemetery. Register on-line: www.wilkersonfuneralhomes.com.
–––––❖––––– HATFIELD — Billy Joe Crabtree, Sr., age 54 of Hatfield, Arkansas passed away Sunday, March 11, 2018 in Mena, Arkansas. Mr. Crabtree was sent for cremation under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.
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HOT SPRINGS — Ruby Jewel Bennett, age 92 of Hot Springs died March 9, 2018. She is survived by grandson, Aaron Hulin; granddaughter, Audra Munroe; great-granddaughter, Kahlyn Munroe all of Hot Springs. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Cremation Services of Arkansas, (501) 313-5431. www.cremationservicesofarkansas.com.
–––––❖––––– JONESBORO — Laraine (Skip) Flanigan Hughes, 70, of Jonesboro, died Saturday, March 10, 2018. A memorial service will be held 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Donations can be made to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital, 1 Children’s Way, Little Rock, Ark. 72202. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes. com/Jonesboro.
–––––❖––––– JUDSONIA — Ernest “Junior” Porter Nixon Jr., 79, of Judsonia, went to be with his Lord on March 10. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 13 from 6-8 p.m. Funeral will be Wednesday, March 14 at 11 a.m., both at Powell Funeral Home of Bald Knob-Judsonia. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. www.powellfuneralhome.net.
–––––❖––––– JUDSONIA — Donnie Lee Street, 68, died Saturday. Survivors: wife, Mary; children, Kimberley Street, Donnie Street (Paula); four siblings; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. Visitation: Wednesday, 6–8 p.m. Services: Thursday, March 15, 2018, 2 p.m., Powell Funeral Chapel. Interment: Providence Cemetery by Powell Funeral Home, Bald Knob – Judsonia. www.powellfuneralhome.net.
–––––❖––––– McGEHEE — Billie D. Stanford, 92, of McGehee, Ark., died March 11, 2018. Visitation: 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at First Baptist Church in McGehee, Ark. Funeral services will follow at 10 a.m. at the church. Burial at McGehee Cemetery. Arrangements by Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service, McGehee, Ark. Online guest book www.griffinculpepper.com.
–––––❖––––– MOUNTAIN HOME — Walter Neumann of Mountain Home died March 10. Walter was born on September 9, 1937, to Ed and Minnie Neumann in Chicago, Illinois. A memorial gathering Thursday, March 15, 2018, from noon until 2 p.m. at Conner Family Funeral Home Chapel. An online guestbook and obituary are available at www.connerfamilyfuneralhome.com.
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PINE BLUFF — James Thomas (Jimmy) Allison, 78, of Pine Bluff, passed away Friday, March 9, 2018. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 14, at 10 a.m., at Fuller Hale South Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Private interment in Brown Cemetery. Online condolences: FullerFunerals.com.
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PINE BLUFF — Mr. James “Rosie” Robert Rhodes, of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, born on September
22, 1920, in Pine
Bluff, Arkansas, to the late Leila
Sinclair Rhodes and the late Ira
Clinton Rhodes, passed away at age 97 on March
11, 2018, at Trinity
Village Medical
Center. Robert grew up working on his family’s farm, Rhodes Dairy. He graduated from Watson Chapel High School in 1939 and earned a certificate from the Modern School of Business in 1940. He took a job at Newberry’s that Fall where he met and would later marry Ms. Helen McKinzie. From 1943 to 1945, Robert served in the Army in World War II. He completed basic training at Camp Claiborn in Alexandria, Louisiana, and sailed to Glasgow, Scotland, in February 1944. He was stationed in Huntington and Hampton, England, then landed on the beach at Normandy that June. He toured through Lemans, Paris and Reims France before moving onto Leige, Belgium, and finally Aachen, Germany. After earning five Bronze Stars, Robert returned home in November 1945 on the 820th ship in convoy, zig zagging all the way to the U.S. to avoid the subs below. Robert regained his position and worked as a Sr. Electric Meter Man employed by Arkansas Power & Light until after 44 years he retired in 1985.
Robert was the beloved husband of the late Helen McKinzie Rhodes. He is survived by his sons, Wayne Morris Rhodes (Joyce Rhodes) and James Larry Rhodes (Joanne Craig Rhodes); grandchildren, Clayton Rhodes, Shannon Rhodes, Ashley Rhodes Coward, and Katie Ryburn; nine great-grandchildren; and his sister, Alma Ruth McKinley.
He was proud to serve his country and his favorite conversations included his recollection of World War II, his travels and the love he had for his family. He was a past member and Chairman of the Deacons at Immanuel Baptist Church. He was currently a member at Watson Chapel Baptist Church. He was past president of Watson Chapel Lion’s Club, and was involved at American Legion Post 32.
Mr. Rhodes was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Helen McKinzie Rhodes, grandson, Craig Strickland, three brothers, Ira C. Rhodes, Jr., Harry Dean and Carlton Rhodes, and a sister, Mildred Shelton.
The family will receive friends 1-2 p.m. March 14, 2018, in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson and Son. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. March 14, 2018, with Reverends Todd Howard and Steve Monk officiating. Burial will follow in Bellwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorials be sent to Watson Chapel Baptist Church, 5514 Pinnacle Lane, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.
–––––❖––––– REDFIELD — Karen Barnes Magby of Redfield, Arkansas, passed from this life March 9, 2018. Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, March 17 at Macedonia Baptist Church, Highway 63 North in Warren, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. Please visit www. arkansascremation.com to leave online condolences and to view full obituary.
–––––❖––––– RISON — Elsie Barnes Gray, 89, Rison. formerly of Lono, passed Saturday, March 10, 2018. Visitation Wednesday, March 14, 2018, 6-8 p.m. Regency Funeral Home. Funeral Service Thursday, March 15, 2018, 10 a.m. Regency Funeral Home. Burial at Lono Cemetery. Arrangements are by Regency Funeral Home. You may sign the guest book at regencyfuneralhome.com.
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ROSE BUD — Peggy Yielding, passed away March 9, 2018. Survived by children, Annette Nelson, Carol Reynolds, Billy and William Jr. Yielding. Funeral 1 p.m. Wednesday March 14, visitation one hour prior at the funeral home. Burial Concord Cemetery, under the direction of Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home (501) 843-5816. Please sign online guestbook www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– SWIFTON — Mrs. Helen (Gossage) Holder, 84, of Swifton, died Sunday. Survivors: husband, Paul Daniel Holder; son, Tim Holder; brother, Bo Gossage; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, friends. Visitation: Tuesday, 5-8 p.m. Funeral: 2 p.m. Wednesday at Abiding Faith. Interment: Arnold Cemetery. Arrangements: Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home. www.jacksonsfh.com.
Out-of-state
SENATOBIA, Miss. — Michael Howard West, 80, of Senatobia, Miss., passed away March 10, 2018. He is survived by his wife, Erlene White West; sons, Michael West Jr., Kelly West, Jeff West and Chris West; sisters, Margaret Bufford and Mildred Mount; brother, Andrew Motes and 12 grandchildren. Pate-Jones Funeral Home 662-5624481.
–––––❖––––– AZLE, Texas — James “Jim” Lomax, 92, of Texas, formerly of Blytheville, died Monday, March 5, 2018. Funeral services are Tuesday March 13th at 11 a.m. at Bethany Baptist Church in Gosnell, Arkansas. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until service time. Online register at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– COMFORT, Texas — Ronald “Ron” Avery was born in New Orleans, La., to Ernest Augustus Avery and Willie Virginia (Peal) Avery. After his birth, the family moved to Baton Rouge, where Ron grew up along with his younger brother Ray. Even as a child Ron was a genius. His superior intellect played out to help him skip the third grade. When he and Suzi would talk about this, he would comment that no one told him anything about it — they just told him to go to the next class. He told Suzi that he wasn’t quite sure what was going on, but the promotion did relieve any boredom.
As he and his brother grew, they survived a number of incidents we will call “boy” stuff. A memorable one was when younger brother Ray was teaching Ron how to swing a golf club. Unbeknownst to Ray, Ron was standing too close to the swing and got cold-cocked by his baby brother; knocked out cold. For the longest time, Ron had the imprint of a “W” on his forehead.
True to his nature, Ron was the Salutatorian of his High School Class and immediately started on his college years at LSU. He was a member of the LSU chapter of the Phi Eta Sigma Fraternity and graduated first in his class from the College of Chemistry and Physics in 1962 with a B.S. degree in Physics (Particle Physics). Ron was recruited by IBM and began a career in the space industry that spanned 42 years. He spent a couple of years in New York, where he decided it was possible to get too cold, so transferred to Huntsville, Alabama. The last 25 years of Ron’s working life were spent in Houston, Texas. Throughout his career, IBM was busy selling pieces of their business and/or forming partnerships with other companies. Ron ended up with pensions from three different companies.
Ron worked on rocket software for these NASA space programs: Atlas rockets, Mercury, Gemini, Apollo lunar missions, Sky Lab, Space Shuttle, and finally the Space Station. His job was to ensure that the computer software did its job correctly. When Skylab had launched and there were some issues, Ron headed up the team to fix these issues so that the mission was not aborted. He and his team were successful after lots and lots of hours of tedious fine tooth combing of the computer programs.
Ron also was a marvelous teacher, not only of his profession but of tips for living a good life. Since his passing, many of his former colleagues have sent in email tributes relaying their experiences with him. They have told how his influence helped them be not only better engineers, but better people, parents, husbands and wives. Wow! He was awesome.
Ron decided to retire to the Texas Hill Country after several visits to the area — his brother, Ray and sister-in-law Wilma had moved to the Comfort area several years previously. Ron built his house in the Falling Water community and soon started singing in the Gaddis Memorial United Methodist Church choir. It was there that he was to meet the love of his life, Comfort native Clara “Suzi” Avery. Long story short, they married October 18, 2008 and had a wonderful time. One of the best stories was how Suzi helped Ron to identify the stars. On one clear evening there was a lovely star in the heavens. Suzi proclaimed, “Oh, look, it’s Venus, the Goddess of Love.” Spaceman Ron snorted in derision, “No it’s not. That’s Mars”. At that point Ron learned his first star lesson, Hill Country Style. As his Sweetie pointed out, anytime there was a beautiful star in the heavens it was Venus. Now, the couple compromised and developed Venus-Venus, Mars-Venus, Jupiter-Venus, and so on — but always Venus.
Ron was preceded in death by: his parents, Ernest Augustus and Willie Virginia (Peal) Avery and niece, Laura Lynn Avery Young. He is survived by his beloved wife Suzi Avery of Comfort, Texas; children, Darryl Wayne Avery (Carol Sue Lotko) of Aurora, Colo.; Diana Lynn Avery Jones (Phillip Wayne) of Sherwood, Ark.; and granddaughters, Ann Michelle and Christin Lynn Treat; brother and sister-inlaw, Raymond and Wilma Avery of DeLand, Fla.; brother-in-law and wife, Ralph and Pauline Morgan of Moore, Texas and their children, Kathy Morgan Cooper (Rob) of Wedgefield, S.C. and Christine Morgan Rhyne (Rick) of Tampa, Fla.; niece, Jean Kayat of New Smyrna Beach, Fla. and her children Elias, Bobby and Ashley Kayat; Laura Young’s children, Jeff and Bree Young. Ron also leaves behind Aunt Ginger Loser of Hershey, Pa., his daddy’s last surviving sister. Ron also has six mostly loving cats listed in order of age, not beauty or any other virtue they could get wind of and have a tussle over: Dudu Gus, Gabriel, Chloe Marie, Candy Cane, Sarah Lou, and Ace. Ron would want to point out that all of these sweeties are rescues. In fact, he live-trapped Sarah Lou and Ace when they were about five weeks old and managed to (mostly) tame them. Pretty cool guy.
Last, but not least, Ron leaves behind a legion of friends that spans the globe, starting in Comfort and fanning out from there. “He had the sweetest, kindest most tender heart I have ever met, and he loved his family and friends with a passion rarely seen.” — Quote by Suzi Avery.
A “Tribute Celebration of His Life” will be held on Saturday, March 17th, 2018 at 11 a.m. in the Gaddis United Methodist Church in Comfort, Texas, with Rev. Carolyn McGuire officiating. Private family disposition of his cremains will take place at a later date.
Those who so desire may make memorial contributions in his memory to the, The Comfort Public Library; The Comfort Volunteer Fire Department, or to the charity of their choice. His family will greet friends Saturday morning prior to his Tribute Celebration. Arrangements are by the Schaetter Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www. schaetter.com.