Obituaries

ALMA — Reverend Herschel Herbert

McClurkin Jr., 88, of Alma, passed away Monday, March 20, 2017, at his home in Alma, Ark. He was born July 24, 1928, in Stephens, Ark.

He was raised in Mulberry, Ark., and graduated from MHS. Herschel received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Master of Science in Animal Husbandry from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He later received a Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas.

Herschel served on active duty with the Air Force and then retired as a major from the Air Guard Reserves.

Early in his career, Herschel served as Youth Director at First UMC in Fort Smith and First UMC in Garland, Texas while attending Perkins. On Aug. 13, 1967, he married Mardell Christello of Fort Smith. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this summer.

Through his 30 years in full- time ministry and 18 years of “post retirement part-time” ministry, Herschel served many appointments across the state of Ark. including: Gentry/Springtown/ Highfill, Wesley Russellville/ London, Walnut Ridge/Alicia, Newport, Wynne/McElroy, District Superintendent of the Conway District, Greenwood, Kibler UMCs and on staff at Ft. Smith First UMC.

Herschel also had extensive training in United Methodist camping Ministry where he was a member of the planning committee of Shoal Creek Camp and directed its first camp.

Herschel served on numerous boards and agencies. He was a member of the Board of Arkansas Methodist Children’s Home, Philander Smith College, and the University of Central Arkansas. He served as a member of the Arkansas Inter-Faith Conference, a conference representative to Perkins Alumni Council, a member of the Board of Directors Wesley Foundation at ATU and Arkansas State University, Secretary of the Alma Community Outreach Center, and on the Ozark Chinquapin Foundation board. He was Chaplain of the Ligon Family and Kinsmen Association, and a member of the Fort Smith Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow.

On Feb. 10, 2017, he and Mardell received the Fort Smith Exchange Clubs Book of Golden Deeds Award.

Herschel lived his life full of LOVE for the church, his family, friends, and the Razorbacks, JOY for the Lord, PEACE through his gratitude in all circumstances, PATIENCE in his marriage, raising children, being a grandfather and father figure to so many, KINDNESS to everyone he met, GOODNESS in what he saw in others and through his keen sense of humor, FAITHFULNESS in his work, service for others and devotion to his family, GENTLENESS in his pastoral care, ministry and how he handled difficult situations, and SELF-CONTROL in only eating one serving of ice cream a day!

He is survived by his wife, Mardell Christello McClurkin of Alma; his brother, John McClurkin of Mulberry; daughter, Alice Scheer and husband Dr. Blake Scheer of Little Rock; son, Trey McClurkin and wife Tammie of Conway; grandchildren, Graham and Ella Scheer of Little Rock and Emma, Siah and Hayes McClurkin of Conway.

The service will be at the First United Methodist Church sanctuary in Fort Smith on Saturday, March 25, 2017, at 1 p.m. under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home of Alma. Visitation will follow in the church Narthex and burial will be at the Alma

City Cemetery following visitation.

The family will visit with friends from 6:30 until 8 p.m. Friday evening, March 24, 2017, at Ocker Funeral Home of Alma, 917 Hwy. 64 East, Alma, Ark.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Shoal Creek Methodist Camp, c/o Renee Henson, 1102 Northview Drive, Van Buren, Ark., 72956 or any Methodist Church or Methodist organization of your choosing.

The family would like to thank the many friends, family and Peachtree Hospice for their loving care.

BELLA VISTA — James

Edwin Armstrong, 96, of Bella Vista died Monday, March 20, at Concordia Nursing & Rehab in Bella Vista. He was born June 24, 1920 to Kelly Armstrong and Dona Bee Brown Armstrong at Lincoln, Ark.

He married Ruby Gayle Palmore on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1942, at Yuma, Ariz. He worked at Boeing in Wichita, Kan., in the experimental lab, testing bombers and transport planes. He retired from Martin-Marietta Space Program in New Orleans where he also worked in the experimental programs section.

He enjoyed fishing, playing golf, and repairing golf cart motors for many years.

He was a Methodist and is preceded in death by his parents and one brother Kenneth Armstrong.

Survivors are his wife, Ruby Armstrong of the home; a daughter, Judith Ann Dodd and husband Robert of Garfield; three granddaughters, Laura, Cheryl and Julie; 12 great- grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Guy Cable Sr. and family of Rogers; and one niece, Kennie Sue Walker of Tulsa, Okla.

No service is planned. Arrangements are by Sisco Funeral Home of Pea Ridge. Online condolences may be made at siscofuneralhome. net.

BELLA VISTA — Julian

P. Pickart, 87, of Bella Vista died on March 17. He was born May 4, 1929, in Norway, Iowa. Survivors include: his wife, Byrdine, one son, two daughters, one step-daughter, and one stepson, one brother, four grandchildren, six step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home. Condolences: www. eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.

BENTONVILLE —

Timothy Sean Corcoran,

passed away on March 15, 2017, in Bentonville, Ark. Timothy was born at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas.

He attended school in England, Greece, Massachusetts, Korea and Texas, graduating from Central High School in Champaign, Ill. He then attended Southern Illinois University.

Timothy subsequently worked as a production assistant on the movie “Comes a Horseman” and for a variety of building trades until he became disabled. Timothy moved to Arkansas in 2000 and lived there until his death. Timothy’s door was always open to stray and abandoned cats.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Jean Corcoran and Colonel Edward Corcoran.

He is survived by his brothers, William Corcoran and Robert Corcoran (Gayle Monkkonen}; and loving nieces, Amy, Ardele, Sarah, and loving nephew Sean.

Internment will be at a later date in Beloit, Wis., next to his mother and father. Memorials may be made to Fabulous Felines NWA, P.O. Box 1283, Bentonville, AR 72712. Arrangements are by Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services.

Online condolences to stockdalefuneral.com.

FAYETTEVILLE —

Maureen Margaret Kamm,

age 71, of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away Friday, March 17, 2017. She was born Jan. 9, 1946, in New York City to Christian and Veronica Smith Heimgartner Sr.

She graduated from St. Mary’s Villa Academy in

Sloatsburg, N.Y. She attended the College of New Rochelle in New Rochelle, N.Y.

Was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Tom Kamm.

Maureen is survived by her four children, Randall Kamm and his wife Meredith of West Monroe, La.; Kori Keith and her husband Gary of Denver, Colo., Hans Kamm and his wife Sarah of Springdale; Krisi Young of Pine Bluff; two brothers, Tom Heimgartner of Alexandria, N.J., Christian Heimgartner Jr.; 14 grandchildren, Alexa Kamm, Ian Kamm, Quentin Kamm, Kelsey Winters, Lara Keith, Aida Keith, Sam Keith, Chris Iles, Ava Kamm, Sophia Kamm, James Kamm, Austin Ross, Emery Young and Grayson Young.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, March 24, 2017, in the chapel at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home. Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Highland Cemetery in Ozark, Ark., under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home.

To place an online tribute, visit www.nelsonberna.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Floy VanLandingham Lawson,

96, of Fayetteville, departed this life on Monday, March 20, 2017, and is now in the arms of Jesus and in the presence of her husband, Doug, who preceded her in 1978. She was born June 3, 1920, in Redfield, Ark., to Horace and Nancy VanLandingham.

Floy is survived by her three children, Doug Jr. and wife Carolyn, Nancy Lawson Schmit, and Anita Lawson Stewart and husband Ray. She has 12 beloved grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Floy graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1942 and had distinguished careers as a teacher and in food service in Bentonville, Springdale, and at the University of Arkansas.

She is most remembered as a loving and godly woman, wife, mother, friend, and caregiver. Her life was characterized by hard work, integrity, generosity and especially perseverance with grace and good humor no matter what the circumstances. She cared for many relatives, friends, and strangers in her lifetime. She will be missed but not forgotten.

Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 24, at Cross Church Springdale. Interment will be at Fairview Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cross Church or to the Willard Walker Hospice Home, 325 E. Longview, Fayetteville, AR 72703. Arrangements are with Heritage Funeral Home, online guestbook at www.heritageofnwa. com.

HUNTSVILLE — Billy Gene Keys, age 52, of Huntsville passed away on Friday, March 17, 2017. He was born on Oct. 14, 1964, in Fayetteville, Ark., to William Sr. and Mary Virginia

Holloway Keys.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He volunteered for many years with the Goshen Fire Department. He worked for the Fayetteville Public Schools for many years as well. He was a devoted family man that would give you the shirt off of his back if you needed it.

Billy is survived by his loving wife, Mary Keys of the home; one sister, Martha Stensrude and husband Allen of Cassville, Mo.; two brothers, William Keys, Jr. of Fayetteville, and Jon Keys and wife Rhonda of Farmington; one niece, Amanda Finkus of Bentonville; one nephew, Dakota Keys of Prairie Grove; and two stepchildren, Ryan Sczenski and Kierra McBride.

There will be a visitation held from 5 p.m.–7 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, 2017, at Moore’s Chapel in Fayetteville. There will be a graveside service held at 1 p. m. on Friday, March 24, 2017, at Patrick Cemetery in Madison County, Arkansas.

Online condolences at: www.mooresfuneralchapel. com.

LITTLE FLOCK —

Tammy G . ( Pando)

Dolney was born in Springdale, Ark., on June 22, 1967. She graduated from Earth to Heaven on March 21, 2017.

Ta mm y wo rke d at N WA C C . She attended Grace Point Church.

She is survived by her parents, Patti and Antonio Pando; brother, Terry Pando; husband, Jeff Dolney; children, Mescha King, Micah Dolney, MakaLee Dolney and Wyatt Dolney; and grandchildren, Ethan King, Sydney King and Kalia Dolney.

A celebration of Tammy’s life will be 2 p.m. Saturday, March 25, 2017, with visitation from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers.

Memorial contributions to Sheep Dog. Online condolences to www.bentoncounty funeralhome.com. PRAIRIE GROVE —

Shirley Alice Rhodes, 95, of Prairie Grove passed away Saturday, March 11, 2017. She was born Nov. 2, 1921, in Lake Charles, La., to Peter and Edith (Bailey) Brammer.

Shirley was a practicing Jehovah’s Witness since 1944, and loved flowers and music.

Shirley was preceded in death by husband, Curtis Andrew Rhodes; her parents, Peter and Edith Bailey Brammer; her brother, Carl Brammer; her daughter, Nancy Rhodes Brown.

She is survived by her sisters, Lyndale Brammer Munoz and Dorothy Brammer Hanna; her son, Robin Rhodes; her daughter, Twila Rhodes Capshaw; eight grandchildren, Michael Rhodes, Patrice Rhodes Petersen, Matthew Rhodes, Jonathan Rhodes, Andrew Capshaw, Casey Capshaw, Joshua Capshaw, Alicia Capshaw King; 15 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held 7 p.m. Friday, March 24, 2017, at West Fork Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness, with Mike Meche officiating. To place an online tribute visit www.mooresfuneralchapel. com.

ROGERS — Betty Jo

Haley, 78, of Rogers, passed away March 22, 2017. She was born Sept. 10, 1938, to J.D. and Violet Helwick Tyree. Preceded in death by her son Steven Haley.

Survivors: her husband Glen Haley; daughters Cherry Williamson and Pamela Haley; six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services 10 a.m. Saturday, March 25, 2017, at Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers. Memorial contributions to Circle of Life Hospice. Condolences to www. benton countyfuneralhome.com.

ROGERS — Arline

Catherine Thrasher, age 76, of Rogers, Ark., went to be with the Lord on March 20, 2017, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Mo. She was born March 16, 1941, in St. Louis, Mo., the daughter of Robert and Pauline Emke McGee.

Mrs. Thrasher had attended St. Raphael Catholic Church in Springdale and was a homemaker. She enjoyed growing flowers, keeping house and listening to the Springdale Gospel Singing Group. She loved her dog, Daisy.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Thrasher of the home; one son, Thomas Thrasher and his wife, Jill, of Huntington Beach, Calif.; one daughter, Barbara Thrasher and Kenny Rauls, of Rogers, Ark.; one brother, Robert McGee and his wife, Cathy, of St. Louis, Mo.; two sisters: Shirley Albright and her husband, Jim, of Fort Worth, Texas, and Dianna Antonacci and her husband, Jim, of St. Louis, Mo.; one grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be Friday, March 24, 2017, at 10 a.m. at Fayetteville National Cemetery, Fayetteville, Arkansas, with Deacon Dan Cashman officiating, under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home, 3926 Willowood Avenue, Springdale, Arkansas 72762. No visitation is scheduled.

Memorials may be made to Christian Appalachian Project, P.O. Box 55911, Lexington, Kentucky 40555-5911. To send the family condolences, please visit www. memorialfhspringdale.com.

SILOAM SPRINGS —

Marilyn Anne Cox, 74-yearold resident of Siloam Springs, Ark., died March 19, 2017, at her home. Born Marc h 22, 1942, in Siloam Springs, she was the daughter of James Merritt Wells and Frances Ruth Klopfenstein Wells.

Marilyn lived most of her life in Siloam Springs. She worked as an appliance salesperson for Sears in Fayetteville, Ark., for many years. In the last few years, she had worked at Walgreen’s in Siloam Springs. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Siloam Springs. Marilyn dearly loved her two cats, Spunky and Little Bit, very much.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James Wells and Frances Wells.

She is survived by two sisters, Suzanne Thomas and husband Philip of Wynnewood, Okla., and Carolyn Gilman and husband Jim of San Dimas, Calif.; one brother, Curt Wells of Siloam Springs; her sister-in-law, Suzy Wells of Siloam Springs; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be 10 a.m., Saturday, March 25, 2017, at Wasson Funeral Home, Siloam Springs, with Pastor Tim Estes officiating. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery, Siloam Springs at a later date.

To sign the online guestbook, www.wassonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by Wasson Funeral Home, Siloam Springs.

SPRING DALE— Harold Dean Hewitt, 94, a third-generation lifelong resident of Springdale, Ark., passed away Saturday, March 18, 2017, in Springdale. He was born March 15, 1923, to Carl and Mae Anderson Hewitt.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Mary Virginia Jones Hewitt and one sister, Genevieve Hewitt Shouse.

He is survived by one daughter, Merry Lee Phillips and her husband, Jim; three grandchildren, Paige Elise Phillips of Austin, Texas, Payne Hewitt Phillips and Pierce Hewitt Phillips of Fayetteville; and several nieces and nephews.

Harold graduated from Springdale High School in 1942, where he made many of his lifelong friends. He excelled in sports and played football and basketball and was president of his senior class. After graduation he attended the University of Arkansas on a football scholarship and lettered in 1943 for the Razorbacks.

During World War II, Harold was drafted into the Air Force and married Mary Virginia Jones in 1944. He was stationed on several air bases in Oklahoma and Mississippi before being deployed to Iwo Jima.

After the war ended, he and Mary moved back to Springdale where he joined his father in the retail liquor business on Emma Avenue. He expanded the business that was begun by his father immediately after the end of Prohibition. Harold successfully owned and operated several retail liquor stores in Springdale even though he never tasted alcohol himself. Harold was fairly unique in

that he never tasted any soft drinks, tea or coffee. He also never tasted a single green vegetable and lived a long life eating meat, potatoes, gravy, tamales, chili and chocolate malts.

In 1990, Harold semi-retired and enjoyed traveling and visiting their condo in Branson where they often entertained friends and enjoyed the shows there. His hobbies over his lifetime included raising hydroponic greenhouse tomatoes, mining for magnesium, trips out West in his motorhome, traveling with Mary, his friends and family. He enjoyed houseboating on Beaver Lake, daily exercising, visiting with store employees, attending Razorback football and basketball games, tournaments and bowl games. Harold was true dog lover and was especially fond of puppies.

Harold was a former member of the Springdale Rotary Club, Elks Club, VFW, Springdale Country Club and on the board of directors of the First State Bank/Worthen Bank. He took pride in his induction into the Springdale High School Athletic Hall of Fame for football.

Socially, he and Mary were members of their “Couple’s Club” having 20 friends that met bi-monthly starting after WWII and lasting into the 1980s. He was a loyal friend to many of Springdale’s early leaders and saw Springdale grow from a very small town to the size it is today. As a youth, Harold spent many hours playing and spending his free time on Emma Avenue at popular places like Penrods and the Hitchin’ Post.

Visitation will be Sunday, March 26, from 4–6 p.m. at Sisco Funeral Chapel in Springdale, Ark. Graveside services will be Monday, March 27, at 2 p.m. at Bluff Cemetery in Springdale with Judy Van Hoose officiating.

Memorials can be made to Springdale Animal Shelter, 321 W. Randall Wobbe Lane, Springdale, Ark. 72764. Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com.

SPRINGDALE — Mary E. Martin, age 78, passed away on Fr i d ay, March 17, 2017, in Springdale. She was born on March 29, 1938, in Muhlenberg County, Ky., to Poli and Ivyl Pepper Robertson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl G. Martin, Sr.; her sister, Joyce Gilbert; and her brother, Duran Robertson.

She was a member of the Grace Cumberland Presbyterian Church. She had a deep love for children and was a day care provider for more than 30 years. She loved making people happy and spending quality time with her family and friends. She also enjoyed gardening.

Mary is survived by her three sons, Rickey Martin of Silver City, N.M., Carl (Grant) Martin, Jr. and wife Kathy of Hartford, Ala., and Steve Martin and wife Shawnetta of Springdale; her eight grandchildren, David Martin, Bethany Martin, Mary Elizabeth Martin, Rhonda Draper, Christina Kidd, Tressa Bowlin, Ashton Burba and Taylor Burba; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m.–11 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2017, at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2017, at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home. Interment immediately following at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville.

Memorials may be made to the Children’s Safety Center at 614 E Emma Ave. No. 200, Springdale, Ark. 72764. (479) 872-6183. Condolences may be given online at www. nelsonberna.com.

SPRINGDALE — Mildred Lee Dean Barron Parton, 89, of Springdale, Ark., passed away on Monday, March 20, 2017, at The Maples at HarBer Meadows. Mildred was born in Shoal Creek, Mo., on April 29, 1927, to Albert and Daisy Hern Barron.

She wa s married to Jessie Lester Parton on Feb. 13, 1947; they were married 62 years. Mildred enjoyed going to music shows, traveling and her sewing projects. Mildred is preceded in death by her husband, Jessie Parton; a brother, Donald Barron; a sister Mozal Barron.

Mildred is survived by her son, Lendeal Parton of Springdale; her granddaughter, John and Tonya Williams of Springdale; three brothers, Harold and Susan Barron of Springdale, Bill and Shirley Barron of Springdale and Tommy and Jolene Barron of Harrah, Okla.; a sister-in-law, Connie Barron of Jay, Okla.; and other family and friends.

Funeral service will be Saturday, March 25, 2017, at 10 a.m. at Sisco Funeral Chapel in Springdale. Burial will follow in Bluff Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sisco Funeral Chapel of Springdale.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, Arkansas 72762. Online condolences may be left at www. siscofuneral.com.

SULPHUR SPRINGS — Dennis Owen Hawkins, 55, of Sulphur Springs, born June 6, 1961, and died March 16, 2017. He is preceded in death by his father, Owen and brothers, David and Danny.

Survived by: his wife Angie; mother, Lorene; brother, Dwayne; sisters, Diane, Debbie, Dana; sisters-in-law, Lorelei and Tammy; children, Taylor, Javier, JR, Cody, Tanya; and 12 grandchildren.

Memorial service and dinner with the family at the Sulphur Springs Old School Cafeteria at 5 p.m., Sunday, March 26, 2017. Arrangements by Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services.