Out-of-state
BONITA, La. — Funeral services for Navy Seaman 1st Class Richard Leon Watson are scheduled for 2:30 p.m., Saturday, May 25, 2019, in the chapel of Golden Funeral Home, with Rev. Dalyn Helbling officiating. Interment with full military rites will follow in the Bonita Cemetery.
Seaman Watson passed away on December 7, 1941, aboard the USS Oklahoma which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The ship sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Seaman Watson.
He was a graduate of Bonita High School, and joined the U.S. Navy on August 9, 1940. He completed the Navy Training Course as Seaman First Class with a mark of 3.25 on March 9, 1941.
At the time of his passing, he was survived by his parents, Van and Lela Watson; brothers, Archie Watson and Olen Watson, sisters, Geneva Watson Watts, Emma Watson Boone, and Alma Watson Humphreys; and nieces and nephews, Russell Watson, J.B. Watson, Betty Nell Watson Holland, James Watson, and Becky Boone Wilson, all of whom have since passed away. Survivors now include nieces and nephews, Mike Watson, Leo Watts, Bobby Watts, Sue Watts Lovell, Alice Watts Hattaway, Ricky Boone, Betty Humphreys Elkins, and Phyllis Humphreys Shanas.
Serving the family as pallbearers at the funeral home will be members of the United States Combat Veterans Association Chapter 6-5.
Heartfelt thanks to all who worked so diligently to assist the Watson family in identifying and arranging the return of their loved one’s remains. May he rest in peace.
LAUREL, Mont. — Velma Miller, 83, of Laurel, Montana formerly of Marianna, Arkansas passed away May 9, 2019. Graveside services will be held May 24, 2019 at noon at Schaffhauser Cemetery in Marvell, Arkansas. Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. on May 24, 2019 at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in Marianna, Arkansas. Family may view online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/Marianna.
MILAN, Tenn. — Donnie Lee Leverette died May 10th at home in Milan, Tenn. He was born September 29, 1936 in Banks, Ark., grew up in El Dorado, Ark. and lived many years in Memphis, Tenn. working for Lion Oil and CRX Railroad. He was a Razorback fan and enjoyed fishing.
He was preceded in death by parents, Odie and Hazel and brother, James Leverette. He is survived by children, Nita Kay Barrow, Gary Leverette, Scottie Leverette, Wendy Matthews, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Also survived by brother, Steve Leverette, and sister-in-law, Juanita Leverette.
A memorial service will be May 24th, 1 p.m. at Savory Studio, 6743 Stage Road, Ste. 9, Bartlett, Tenn.
PILOT POINT, Texas — Dr. “William” Cullan Charles Bryant Jr., age 85, died in Pilot Point, Texas, May 13, 2019. Residing in Little Rock until 2005, he won the 1975 Arkansas State Chess Championship. A memorial service will be held May 25 at Bryan Funeral Home, Hoxie, followed by burial in Lawrence Memorial Cemetery.