Obituaries

OBITUARIES Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes. For more information including cost and deadlines contact the advertising department at (501) 378-3889.

BELLA VISTA — Paul Clayton White of Bella Vista, Ark., died on June 27, 2017, following a brief illness and complications related to Parkinson’s Disease. He was 88 years old. The second son of Donald and Rachel (Harvey) White, Paul was born April 20, 1929, in Coffeyville, Kan.

It is in Coffeyville where he spent his childhood and formative years, including two years at Coffeyville Junior College following graduation from Coffeyville High School in 1947.

After completing his studies at Coffeyville Junior College, Paul attended the University of Kansas on a track and field scholarship, graduating in 1951 with a bachelor of science degree in business, majoring in marketing. He would forever remain a staunch supporter of the university and their athletic programs.

It was while attending KU that Paul met his future wife, June McClenny (Topeka, Kan., KU Class of ‘53). They were married Feb. 7, 1953, in Washington, D.C., and lived in Portsmouth, Va., while Paul completed the remainder of his active duty in the U.S. Navy.

Lieutenant Commander White’s active and retired reserve naval career spanned decades and included graduation from Officer Candidate School, serving time as a member of the Navy’s Underwater Demolition Team and as an explosive ordnance disposal officer.

After completing active duty with the Navy, Paul began his professional career in the summer of 1955 working as a commercial trainee for U.S. Steel Corporation in Pittsburg, Pa. Following various job promotions over the next few years, Paul and his growing family relocated several times in the Midwest, eventually settling in the Chicago area. In 1968 Paul left U.S. Steel, but remained in the steel industry, joining Feralloy Corporation. He would work for Feralloy Corporation 24 years, retiring in 1992, having held managerial positions in sales, as a divisional vice president/general manager, and as a corporate marketing and purchasing manager/ vice president at the company’s world headquarters in Chicago.

After retiring and moving with June to Bella Vista in 1992, Paul spent over 10 years working for Walmart at the Bentonville Corporate Fitness Center, primarily at the tennis complex, keeping him close to one of his favorite sports.

Paul was preceded in death by June, his wife of sixty-three years, his parents and older brother Donald. He is survived by his three sons and daughters-in-law; Mark and Debbra (Bella Vista/Land O’Lakes, Wis.), Dane and Marilyn (Lake Zurich, Ill.), Mitchell and Maria (Frazeyburg, Ohio); granddaughters Samantha (Robert) Conforti (Kenosha, Wis.) and Alexis (Lake Zurich, Ill.). Included also are two great-grandchildren, Savannah and Serafino Conforti and his beloved dog, Piper.

A memorial service will be held Friday, Au. 18, 10 a.m. at Highlands United Methodist Church in Bella Vista. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Paul’s name to (Kansas University) KU Endowment, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, Kan., 66044, or online at www.kuendowment.org/givenow. All donations will be specifically directed to the Kansas Athletics’ Williams Education Fund supporting student athletes.

Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home of Bella Vista. Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.

CABOT — Jessica Randolph Dyer of Cabot, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 2, 2017, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo., after a courageous battle with leukemia. She was the cherished wife of Marc Dyer of Cabot. Jessie was a member of Cabot United Methodist Church.

Jessie was born in Jacksonville, on Sept. 22, 1977, and grew up in Cabot. She was the daughter of Butch and Carol Randolph. Jessie was a teacher at Northside Elementary in Cabot until her diagnosis in July 2016.

Besides her husband Marc, Jessie leaves her precious sons, Trip and Carter Dyer; brother and sister-inlaw, Aaron and Ann Randolph, and their children, Charlotte, Daniel, Benjamin and Elizabeth Randolph; her mother-in-law, Joan Dyer; her sisters-in-law, Amy Dyer, Lori Rogers and her husband, John. She is also survived by her aunts, uncles, cousins and her grandmother, June New.

She leaves behind many friends and family to cherish her memory. She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Irene and Ralph Randolph, and her maternal grandfather, Joe Coaley.

Our family would like to express our gratitude to each and every member of her healthcare team at both UAMS and Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. From her diagnosis in July, 2016, the technicians, therapists, nurses, doctors, and nurse practitioners were extremely compassionate, knowledgeable and skilled.

The Dyer family requests memorial gifts be made in Jessica’s name to The Jessica Randolph Dyer Children’s Education Fund at First Arkansas Bank and Trust.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 6, 2017, at Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home, (501) 843-5816. Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Cabot United Methodist Church with burial following at Glover Cemetery. Please sign the online guestbook at www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com.

FARMINGTON — Delmer Ray Matthews, age 70, a resident of Farmington, passed away Tuesday, July 4, 2017, at his home. He was born Nov. 4, 1946, in Prairie Grove, Ark., the son of Raymond Lacy and Kate Ethel (Alexander) Matthews.

Delmer graduated from Prairie Grove High School in 1964, served in the National Guard and was a member of the Lincoln Riding Club. He was a member of the Summers Missionary Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Barbara Ann Matthews; three daughters Paula Smith and husband Donnie of Green Forest, Carlita Justus and husband Brett of Fayetteville and Kelsey Matthews of Farmington; six grandchildren Danuel Smith, Savannah Smith, Clayton Smith, Cedric Justus, Aubrey Justus and Lucy Justus.

The family will receive friends Friday, July 7, 2017, 6-7 p.m. at Luginbuel Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, July 8, 2017, at Summers Missionary Baptist Church in Summers. Burial will be in the Dutch Mills Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Danuel Smith, Clayton Smith, Cedric Justus, David Payne, Lonnie Cantrell, Beetle Bailey and Ed Bailey. Online guest book, www. luginbuel.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Mary K. Jones, 91, of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away on Monday, June 26, 2017, at the Willard Walker Hospice. She was born March 27, 1926, in Birmingham, Ala. She leaves behind her son Edward, two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many devoted friends.

HINDSVILLE — Gary Dean Johnson, 63, of Hindsville, died June 27, 2017, at his home. Survivors: sons, Clayton Johnson, Travis (Tanya) Johnson, Andy (Jessica) Johnson, Gary Johnson, Jr. and Joey Johnson; daughter, Natasha (Wesley) Davis; brother, Ron Johnson and 16 grandchildren. Services: 10 a.m. Saturday, Brashears Funeral Home-Huntsville, www. brashearsfuneralhome.net. Interment: Venus Cemetery.

LITTLE FLOCK — George Edward Daugherty, 81 of Little Flock passed away Sunday, July 2, 2017, at Circle of Life Hospice Legacy Village in Bentonville. He was born Aug. 27, 1935, in Fayetteville, Ark., to Samuel and Helen Trimble Daugherty.

George was an automotive mechanic by trade, but his real passion was racing. George and family could be seen at Tulsa Speedway, racing Stock and Mini-Sprint. During retirement he enjoyed helping maintain family and friends vehicles, hunting, as well as being a people greeter at Walmart Store No. 1.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Rodney Edward Daugherty. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Gussie Watson Daugherty of the home; two sons, Bobby Daugherty and wife Amy and Samuel Daugherty and wife Sharon all of Tulsa, Okla.; one daughter, Julia Thompson of Rogers; one brother, Larry Owen of Fort Smith; three grandchildren, Adam Daugherty and wife Jessica; Kyle Daugherty, Alysia Thompson and three great grandchildren, Ameria, Preston, and Madalee Daugherty.

Funeral services will be Friday, July 7, 2017, at 2 p.m. at Sisco Funeral Chapel of Springdale with Pastor Ernest Lastovica officiating. Burial will follow in Bluff Cemetery. No visitation is planned. Online condolences can be left at www.siscofuneral.com.

ROGERS — Nancy Berry, age 87, passed away on Wednesday, July 5, 2017, at Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville. She was born July 20, 1929, in Jones County, Texas, to Sarah Eunice (Johnson) and Lee Hoyt Goodwin.

Nancy, whom her family called Muth, graduated from Stamford High School on May 28, 1946. She moved to Arkansas in 1972 where she worked for Walmart and Rogers School Services before retiring.

Muth was a bright light to her family. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, her dog, Oscar, and watching movies. But most important to Muth was her family. Holidays and special events were spent laughing, playing games (Chicken Foot was a favorite!), eating and reminiscing.

It wasn’t just holidays that were special family times. Her daily life was also warmed by visits from one or more family members. On Saturdays, her home became a hub of activity and laughter as much of her family dropped by throughout the day.

Her family is grateful to have started a tradition years ago of celebrating Muth’s birthday with a big reunion/party. Each year was given a theme and family traveled from as far away as Texas and New York to be with her. Her family is blessed to have the memories of these celebrations.

Left to honor Muth and remember her love are her five children, Sue (Tim) Zinda, June (Mike) Northcutt, Margie (Jimmy) Bowen, Trish (Bob “Gil” Gilbert) Stewart, and Bob (Carrie) Roddy; her grandchildren, Jennifer (Tommy) Colley, Cyndi Byrum, Reece Cline, Jo Lindsey (Bill) Morgan, Meredith (Andrew) Miller, Lesley Bowen, George Roddy and Lily Roddy; her brother, Bob (Martha) Goodwin; several great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Dawn Rodgers.

There will be a graveside service at Benton County Memorial Park on Friday, July 7, at 11 a.m. with Grant Siemens officiating. “We will love you and miss you forever.”

ROGERS — Virgil Claude Hamilton, 88, passed away on July 4, 2017, in Iowa. He was born on May 5, 1929, in Lincoln, Iowa, to the late Claude T. and Rosa Leona (Boss) Hamilton.

He was the loving husband of Carrie Ann (Gutknecht) Hamilton.

He was preceded in death by parents; siblings, Alvin Hamilton, Glenn Hamilton, Robert Hamilton and Arlene Gillis; daughter-in-law, Rozi Hamilton. Virgil is survived by his wife, Carrie of Rogers; sons, David Hamilton of Iowa, Craig Hamilton (Nancy) of Iowa, James Hamilton (Patricia) of Missouri; daughter, Mary Miller (Gordon) of Iowa; step-children, Chad Abel (Michelle) of Florida, Chris Holmes (April) of Rogers and Crystal Redenius (Andy) of Iowa; 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild.

Visitation will be on Friday, July 7, 2017, from 5 until 7 p.m. at Rollins Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be on Saturday, 11 a.m. at the Grace Lutheran Church, Lowell. Burial will follow at Benton County Memorial Park.

ROGERS — Billy Joe VanDerWiele, 57, of Rogers passed away July 1, 2017, in Bentonville. He was born March 28, 1960, in Frankfurt, Germany, the son of Albert and Irma Faye Staggs VanDerWiele.

He is survived by his wife, Irma Ruth O’Rear VanDerWiele of the home; his brother, Fred VanDerWiele.

Memorial services 7 p.m. Thursday; July 6, 2017, at The Pentecostal Church of Northwest Arkansas, 2200 S. 13th Street, Rogers, Ark., 72756. Memorial contributions may be made to the VanDerWiele Family, c/o the church. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers, Ark., 72756.

WASHINGTON — Funeral for Floyd Chance, 2 p.m., Friday, July 7, 2017, at Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home, with Bro. Jimmy Dale officiating. Burial, Westmoreland Cemetery with military honors. Visitation, 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, July 6, 2017, at Brazzel/ Oakcrest The Funeral Home, 1001 S. Main, Hope, Ark. Arrangements, Brazzel/Oakcrest The Funeral Home. Complete obituary: www. brazzelfuneralhomes.com.

WEST FORK — The Rev. Jack N. Tedford, age 90, of West Fork, died July 5, 2017, in Fayetteville. He was born Aug. 24, 1926, in Friona, Texas, the son of Ralph B. and Sammie Sanders Tedford.

He was an accountant and retired pastor and founder of White River United Pentecostal Church in West Fork.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Tedford; two sons, David Tedford and Richard Tedford and his wife Carol, all of West Fork; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, July 7, 2017, at Moore’s Chapel. Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Saturday at Moore’s Chapel followed by interment in West Fork Cemetery, under the direction of Moore’s Chapel.

Memorials may be made to White River United Pentecostal Church in West Fork, c/o any Arvest Bank. To sign the online guest book, visit www. mooresfuneralchapel.com.