FORREST CITY — Earl Warren Anthes,

78, of Forrest City, Ark., passed away on Saturday, April 6,

2024, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House. He was born November 6, 1945 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to the late Opal Cole Anthes and Jacob Marion Anthes. Earl was the youngest of six boys.

Following his graduation from the University of Iowa, Earl and Cherie joined VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) and were assigned to a Health Advocate program in Eastern Arkansas. There Earl worked in the Programs and Laws section, assisting people applying for needed services.

After leaving VISTA, he co-edited Many Voices, an Eastern Arkansas newspaper covering news in the Black community and civil rights issues. In 1974, Earl and Jerry Cronin founded Independent Community Consultants specializing in the management of nonprofit organizations and grant writing. He worked with many local, regional, and out-of-state organizations throughout his career. Earl liked to analyze data and assisted several communities with redrawing voting district lines after the 2000 census. He was a long-time president and board member of the Delta Community Development and Law Center, Inc., in Little Rock, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for families across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi by increasing affordable housing.

In his spare time, Earl could be found on his tractor, tending his vegetable garden, growing experimental grasses or hydroponic lettuce.

In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded in death by three brothers, Alfred Anthes, Jacob Anthes, and Richard Anthes.

Survivors include his wife, Cheryl (Cherie) of 56 years; two brothers, Frank and Paul Anthes both of Strawberry Point, Iowa; special in-laws, Pete and Gayle Fader and Dorothy Anthes, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside Celebration of Life will be held in Manchester, Iowa at a later date. A reception will be held for friends wishing to express condolences at Holy Grounds Community Coffeehouse, 620 East Broadway, Forrest City on Monday, April 15 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Doctors Without Borders. Earl was a big supporter of their work. Online guestbook: www.emersonfuneralhome.com.