Obituaries

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FAYETTEVILLE — Dr.

James Staton Chase, age 85, of Fayetteville, passed away Monday, July 31, 2017, in Fayetteville. He was born July 2, 1932, in Richmond, Va., the son of Francis Seabury and Sue Wilbourne Elder Chase Jr.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Dr. Chase was a central figure in the life of the Department of History at the University of Arkansas from his arrival as an associate professor in 1968 until his retirement in 1999.

As department chair between 1970 and 1976, Dr. Chase oversaw the hiring of key faculty members like Willard Gatewood, Randall Woods, Henry Tsai, William Tucker, and Nudie Williams, guaranteeing the viability of the department’s embryonic doctoral program. It has thrived in the decades since. He also brought Alpha Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta back to life and served as faculty advisor, restoring it to a status befitting the founding chapter of the large and prestigious history honor society. He established the annual Phi Alpha Theta initiation and awards banquet. The 47th of these ceremonies was held last May. Dr. Chase also founded the Ozark Historical Review, now in its forty-sixth year of publishing the best in undergraduate and graduate research and writing. And he edited History Newsletter for many years, keeping the department and its alumni in close contact.

Colleagues and students can attest to countless acts of understated thoughtfulness and graciousness on his part, such as inviting new faculty members over to his home for a well-appointed brunch; seeing that younger colleagues were introduced to peers outside the Department; and besieging a store until it had procured just the right spoon to complete a wedding present for two graduate students. Most of all, though, they recall his fierce devotion to students’ education and careers. Dr. Chase was honored in 1995 with Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Advisor Award, and the Associated Student Government named him “Teacher of the Year” in 1994.

A scholar of 19th century political history trained at William & Mary (BA, 1953) and the University of Chicago (MA 1957, PhD 1962), Dr. Chase was the author of the still standard Emergence of the Presidential Nominating Convention, 1789-1832 (University of Illinois Press, 1973).

Before coming to the University of Arkansas, Dr. Chase served as assistant professor of history at the University of Texas at Austin from 1962 to 1968. He was an active member of the Democratic party and attended its 1976 national convention as a delegate. He was a veteran of the United States Army and served in Korea.

He is survived by his sister, Suzanne Winters of Irvington, Va., and a brother, Frank S. Chase of Lewisburg, Pa.

Funeral service will be held Monday, Aug. 14, at 12:30 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, Kilmarnock, Va. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Foundation for Historic Christ Church, P.O. Box 24, Irvington, Virginia 22480. To sign the online guest book visit www. mooresfuneralchapel.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Richard Lee Hutchinson, born June 15, 1948, in Fayetteville, Ark. was taken home by our Heavenly Father on July 31, 2017.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Margurite Jones Hutchinson and William Pate Hutchinson, both of Fayetteville, Ark.

Rick is survived by Margaret Dunaway Hutchinson; his brother, Frank Hutchinson; his sister, Deby Goodman; his three daughters, Kim Hutchinson, Laura Hutchinson Burns and her husband, Billy, and Carrie Hutchinson, all of Northwest Arkansas; his eight grandchildren, Joshua Dewayne Walker, Jessica Case, Richard Hutchinson, Meagan Hollingsworth, Jimmy Hollingsworth, Charles Hutchinson, Zachary Hutchinson and Mitchelle Hollingsworth; and nine great-grandchildren. Rick was a kind-hearted cowboy that enjoyed making people laugh. He will be missed by many.

The viewing will be Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017, from 2-4 p.m. at Beard’s Funeral Chapel in Fayetteville. A memorial service will be held at Zion Christian Union Church (4984 W. Wedington, Fayetteville, Ark., 72704) on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, at 10 am. Family and friends will gather at the church following the memorial services. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel. com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Dr.

Jimmie D. Ramey, 83, Fayetteville, died Aug. 2, 2017. Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Alice M. Ramey; and parents, James H. and Frieda E. Ramey. He is survived by his children, Jim D. Ramey Jr. and Dr. Mary Alice Ramey; siblings, Tom G. Ramey and Linda Mann; four granddaughters, and three great-grandchildren. Please visit his online memorial at www.WestfieldChapel.com.

GARFIELD —Clarence

Edward McKenzie of Garfield passed away peacefully in his home on Aug. 2 at 11:05 and pronounced deceased on Aug. 3 at 1:58. Clarence was born July 15, 1935, to Clifford and Edith (Weaver) McKenzie.

Clarence is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Clyde of Nebraska, brother Clint of Pea Ridge, and brother Guy of Pea Ridge. Clarence leaves behind his precious wife of 64 years, Marzene Loretta McKenzie (Duty), whom he loves so much, two loving sons, Lonnie Edward McKenzie of Gateway and Christopher Leon McKenzie of Gateway. He also leaves behind one special daughter-in-law of which he called his own, the wife of Chris, Cindy Coylene McKenzie. Clarence has four grandchildren, Adam McKenzie of Pea Ridge, Angie Warford of Gateway, Amanda Cleghorn of Colorado Springs, and Ty Curbow of Branson. Clarence was very proud of his seven great-grandchildren Jeremiah, Josh, Bryrr, Slade, Jordan, Rylee, and Kinslee. He will be greatly missed by so many other friends and family to numerous to mention whose lives he touched.

At the age of 13 he worked as a crane oiler in Nebraska, and then moved on at 15 to become a foreman of pouring concrete at an airport. At the age of 17 he came to Oklahoma for a short break and he met the love of his life and married after one week of dating and took his new bride back with him to Nebraska.

From there they moved to Washington for a brief period where he picked potatoes and grapes, disliked the weather and moved to sunny California, first living in Arbuckle and then on to College City where he worked year round farming and working on equipment.

After his job farming he moved to the mountains in Sonora, Calif., working with a logging company. Finally in 1962 he moved to Arkansas where he began his own company AMCO Inc. doing all kinds of dirt work until he retired.

While living in Gateway, Ark., he became a very well known and respected member of the community. Clarence became the driving force behind many community projects. In 1984 Clarence along with Bill Schnitzer began the Volunteer Ambulance Service which is still in effect today. Bill and Him drove several miles up into Missouri to get an ambulance for the community and was a driver for 15 years. Clarence played a key role in bringing city water to the small town of Gateway and was on the board, as well as, laid most of the water lines for the people of Gateway. He was also an avid member of the Neighborhood Watch program.

Clarence, also known as Pa, remained active until his last days. He was an avid gardener growing the best vegetables and always sharing with his friends and family. He also loved to fish, going to yard sales and flea markets, but most of all he loved helping and being with people. He loved just sitting for hours on end with family, friends, or even a stranger and chatting for hours. He always had the best advice and touched the lives of everyone he encountered. He was a wonderful, kind, compassionate man who will be truly missed by all.

Service is set for 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5 at Sisco Funeral Home Chapel in Pea Ridge. Burial will be at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Garfield. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at sisco funeralhome.net.

PEA RIDGE —

Cynthia Jane Browning, 75, of Pea Ridge, died Wednesday, Aug. 2, at Circle of Life Legacy Village in Bentonville. She was born Aug. 7, 1941, at San Mateo, Calif., to William Howard Thomas and Minnie Cockran Thomas.

She graduated from Pea Ridge High School in 1959 and married Gordon Leon Browning on July 12, 1959, at Cassville, Mo. She was the local Avon representative in the area for many years, worked at Harp’s Pharmacy in Pea Ridge, was devoted to her husband Gordon’s Air Force career.

She enjoyed gardening, shopping with friends, reading and loved her cats. Cynthia loved the city of Pea Ridge and was a devoted fan of the Arkansas Razorback basketball team.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gordon Browning, her parents, and one brother, Howard Thomas Jr. Survivors are one son, Darren Browning and wife Teresa of Plano, Texas; two grandsons, Greg Browning and Sean Browning of Plano, Texas; one brother, Lyndol Thomas and wife Shirley of Washburn, Mo.; many nieces, nephews, and friends in the community.

A memorial service is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, at The Ridge Church in Pea Ridge with Pastor Bonnie Austin officiating. Cremation arrangements are by Sisco Funeral Home of Pea Ridge. In lieu flowers memorials may be made to Circle of Life Hospice, 1201 NE Parkway, Bentonville, Ark., 72712. Online condolences may be made at siscofuneralhome.net.

PINE BLUFF — Sandra

Dees Breshears, a longtime resident of Pine Bluff, died Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017, in Little Rock after a courageous battle with lung cancer. She was 82. Sandra was born June 1, 1935, in Pocahontas, the third of six children born to Ben Woodall Dees and Marcia Collier Dees. She grew up in Little Rock and graduated from Little Rock (Central) High School, where she was a varsity cheerleader. She attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority and graduated with a bachelor of science in mathematics. She also earned a master’s in education from Oklahoma State University.

Sandra was beloved by multiple generations of family and friends. She made her home in Pine Bluff after marrying Dr. David Eldon Breshears on Sept. 8, 1956. Dr. Breshears, a veterinarian who maintained a private practice in Pine Bluff for nearly 50 years, died in 2009.

Sandra was a past president of the Junior League of Pine Bluff and served twice as president of Chapter AU of PEO. She was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church of Pine Bluff, where she served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and president of the Women of the Church.

She taught school in the Pine Bluff area for several years and, after raising her children, returned to the workplace. She worked at Pickwick Bookstore for 20 years. Most recently, she worked as the finance manager at Neighbor to Neighbor for 11 years until illness forced her to retire in 2016.

With her late husband, Sandra was active in the ownership of thoroughbred race horses, including stakes winners Dr.’s Enjoy Dollars and Bold Kabota. She loved spending time fishing at the Breshears Farm in Wabbaseka and was an avid reader.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her first-born son, David Eldon Breshears Jr.

She is survived by two sons, Hunter Dees Breshears (Virginia) of Bentonville and Stanley Broek Breshears (Erika) of Rogers; four sisters, Nodya Lambert of Little Rock, Fredonia Witherspoon (Gayland) of Conway, Mozella Flucht (Elmer) of Maumelle, and Jane Lovett Holt (Jack) of Little Rock; and a brother, David Dees (Sherri) of Crystal Lake, Ill. Survivors also include 12 grandchildren: Drake Breshears and Ashton Breshears, both of Rogers, Ark., Victoria Breshears of El Paso, Texas, Elizabeth Breshears Schlosser (Drew) of Stillwater, Okla., Houston David Breshears of Denver, Colo., Benjamin Breshears, William Breshears, and Juliana Breshears, all of Ames, Iowa, Mary Raines Scriber of Fulton, Mo.; Taylor Scriber of Appleton, Wis.; Hastings Scriber and Patricia Scriber of Bentonville, Ark. Other survivors include cousins Melinda Frew of Houston, Texas, and John Frew of Wright City, Mo., both formerly of Pine Bluff; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you for the love and support of dear friends, Ann Benton Pugh, Susan Grygiel and Taylor Phillips. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at the First Presbyterian Church of Pine Bluff with the Rev. Susan Matthews Arnold officiating. The family will receive visitors in McColgan Hall following the service. Burial will be private by Ralph Robinson & Son.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to First Presbyterian Church, 717 West 32nd, Pine Bluff, Ark., 71603, Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 S. Pine Bluff, Ark., 71603, or the Jefferson County Humane Society, P.O. Box 2233, Pine Bluff, Ark., 71613. Online register: www. ralphrobinsonandson.com.

ROGERS — Joy D.

Fithian, 89, of Rogers passed away Aug. 1, 2017, in Rogers. She was born Aug. 2, 1927, in Treece, Kan., the daughter of Herbert and Thelma Chandler Glenn.

Joy was a homemaker, and formerly sold real estate and worked in the school cafeteria. Joy and Robert enjoyed square dancing, camping and traveling in their motorhome.

She is preceded in death by her daughter Carol Fithian.

Joy was the matriarch of a very large and loving family. She brought joy and laughter to all who knew her. Her smile and wit and her love and kindness for others will be missed by everyone.

She is survived by her husband of 72 years Robert Fithian; six children Randy Fithian and wife Christine, Jo Sue Cervi and husband John all of Rogers, Nancy White and husband Larry of Pea Ridge, Jean Tarbet and husband Keven of Noel, Mo., Linda Nicholas and husband Mike and Jim Fithian all of Rogers; her sister, Gale Cuneo of Rogers; 22 grandchildren, 65 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 7, 2017, at the Hunts Chapel. Interment will follow in the Pinnacle Memorial Gardens, Rogers, Ark. Visitation: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers. Online condolences to www.bentoncounty funeralhome.com.

LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. —

Dwaine Leonard Ream, 90, passed away on July 25, 2017, at John Knox Village House. Dwaine was born July 5, 1927, in Johnstown, Pa.

Dwaine was a World War II veteran and served in the Navy. He worked at Crane Co. for 35 years as a controller.

He is preceded in death by his infant daughter and son; parents, Leonard A. and Ethel I. Ream; brothers, William married to Peggy Smith and Ronald married to Sarah Ellenberger; and sister, Ellenar married to William Bryan Heckman. Survivors include his wife, Zina Sherle; daughter, Joan E. married to Gary Wehr; granddaughter, Kimberly Ann married to Aric Howe; and many nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be Tuesday, 10 a.m., at Lee’s Summit Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Village Hospice Fund, 400 NW Murray Road, Lee’s Summit, Mo., 64081. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at St. Luke’s East and the staff at John Knox Village Hospice for the excellent care given to our loved one.

NOEL, Mo. — Mr. Jerry

Clarence Wright, 74, of Noel, Mo., departed this life on Tuesday evening, Aug. 1, 2017, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Mo., after a sudden illness.

Jerry entered this life on Dec. 28, 1942, in Fort Smith, Ark., to the late Clarence Henry and Mavis Pauline (Pierce) Wright.

He was raised and attended school in Rogers, Ark. He furthered his education at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Ore., receiving an associate’s degree. On Aug. 15, 1961, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving his country faithfully during the Cuban missile crisis and Vietnam.

He was honorably discharged in 1965 and in 1972, he joined the Army National Guard, serving an additional 27 years retiring after Desert Storm with a Bronze Star. He was employed by Emerson Electric and Scott Paper Company before retiring in 2004 from CEI Engineering Associates in Bentonville as a land surveyor. Jerry was a member of the Pineville American Legion and Nativity of our Lord Catholic Church in Noel, Mo.

On Jan. 22, 1963, in Rogers, Ark., he was united in marriage to Faye Lewis and together they have shared the last 54 years, she survives of the home. Additional survivors include three children, Diana Wright of Tarkio, Mo., Jerry Wright of Noel, Mo., and Adam Salman of Fayetteville, Ark.; two grandchildren, SSgt. Joel Wright of Okinawa, Japan, and Sgt. Austin Tipton of Quantico, Va.; one great grandson, Ryder Wright; a brother, Albert Wright of Broken Arrow, Okla.; three sisters, Vicki King of Bella Vista, Ark., Nancy Stokes of Fayetteville, Ark., and Paula Shell of Claremore, Okla.; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday morning, Aug. 7, 2017, at 10 a.m. at Nativity of our Lord Catholic Church in Noel, Mo., with Father Derek Swanson officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at 2 p.m. in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Mo.

The family will receive friends on Sunday afternoon from 2-4 p.m. in the Noel Chapel of the Ozark Funeral Homes. Memorials are being directed to the Pineville American Legion, c/o the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website, www.ozarkfuneralhome. com. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Ozark Funeral Home in Noel, Mo.