Obituaries

BELLA VISTA — Leo Kenneth Hicks, 62, of Bella Vista passed from this life to his heavenly home on Sunday, Nov. 12, with Toni, his beloved wife of 40 years, at his side. Kenny was born Oct. 19, 1955, in Prescott Ark.

He was preceded in death by his father, Adron Carol Hicks, and mother, Maxine White Firm.

He married Toni VanMeter, the love of his life on Oct. 14, 1977.

In addition to his wife, Kenny is survived by his stepmother, Melba Hicks of Marysville, Ark., Jerry “Bo” Hicks and wife Laurie of Magnolia, Ark., and Ronnie Hicks and wife Vicky of Willisville, Ark.; two daughters, Heather Cook of Bella Vista, and Kim Baltz and husband Matt of Farmington; and four grandchildren, Noah Navarrete of Bella Vista, and Keaton, Brooks and Everly Baltz of Farmington.

Kenny worked 25 years for Alcoa in Magnolia, Ark., as plant supervisor, before moving to Bella Vista in 2012. He served the Bella Vista Property Owners Association as a dedicated member of the golf course maintenance staff for five years until his recent retirement.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel, 504 Memorial Drive, Bella Vista Ark., with Pastor Mark Voll officiating.

Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.funeral mation.com.

BENTONVILLE — Andrew Ernest “Andy” Perry, 94, of Bentonville passed away peacefully Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017. He was born Dec. 13, 1922, to the late Manual Machado Perry and Mary Urbana Areia Perry in Pismo Beach, Calif.

He was also preceded in death by two sons, Michael Andrew Perry and Jeffrey Scott Perry; his daughter, Tonya Denise Spears; and his 16 siblings.

Mr. Perry proudly served his country during WW II as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army. Andy was the owner and proprietor of Cannery Row (The Row) and Ol Andy’s Corner in Modesto, Calif., before moving to Bentonville 10 years ago to be near his family. He will be remembered as a good-natured jokester who enjoyed the time he shared with family, with friends and riding his Harleys.

Survivors include his daughter, Tamara Wheeler of California; two sons, Kevin Perry (Cindy) of Bentonville and Douglas Perry of California; 11 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; numerous extended family members; business associates and dear friends.

Services will be Wednesday, Nov. 15, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. followed by a Memorial Celebration at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Callison-Lough Funeral Home in Bentonville. Interment in be at a later date in the San Jouquin National Cemetery in Santa Nella, Calif.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.Callison Lough.com.

YFAYETTEVILLE — Millicent Rebecca Center, 63, of Fayetteville passed away Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Fayetteville. She was born Sept. 15, 1954, in Fayetteville to Billy Joe and Arnell Boyd Tate.

She was a homemaker who loved spending time with family. Millicent enjoyed sewing and embroidering.

She was preceded in death by her father, Billy Joe Tate and two brothers, Carson and Manly Tate.

Millicent is survived by her husband, Edward “Gene” Center of the home; her mother, Arnell Tate of West Fork; a daughter, Geneva Tate of West Fork; a brother, Danny Tate of West Fork; and a granddaughter, Ashly Tate of West Fork.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, at Beard’s Chapel. Interment will follow in Farmington Cemetery under the direction of Beard’s Chapel. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017, at the funeral home.

Condolences at www. beardsfuneralchapel.com.

GARFIELD — John Eric Sundholm, 62, of Garfield, Ark., died Nov. 12, 2017, at Circle of Life Springdale. Born March 27, 1955, in Kansas City, Mo., to Arthur and Dolores Sundholm. Memorial services will be held in Oklahoma City at a later date.

GREEN FOREST — Catharine Gwynne Miranda of Green Forest, daughter of Max E. and Elizabeth L. Norman, died Nov. 8, 2017, at age 70. A Celebration of Life will be held 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, at Bethel Baptist Church and interment follows at New Home Cemetery, both in Green Forest.

PARIS — Donavan Paul Lang (Hice), 18, of Paris passed away Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017, at his home. A celebration of life will held at 4:20 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017, at the McKendree Cemetery near Subiaco. Cremation arrangements are by Roller Funeral Home in Paris. Online guestbook available at www.rollerfuneralhomes. com/paris.

PINE BLUFF — Judge Lawrence E. Dawson of Pine Bluff, transitioned from Trinity Village Medical Center to Heaven on the 11th day of November 2017 at the age of 94.

He joins his parents, Allie Banks Dawson and Lawrence E. Dawson, Sr.; his beloved daughter, Laura Dawson Chamberlin; brothers, Banks (Louise) Dawson and John (Nelle Jane) Dawson, Sr.; and John’s son, Johnny Dawson, Jr.; in-laws, Henry and Cecil Dial; brother-in-law, Dr. Bud Dial; sister-in-law, Pat Henry.

He leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Margaret Ann Dial Dawson, and adored daughters, Dana Dawson McLellan (Mac) and Robin Banks Dawson. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Sterling Henry; son-in-law, Greg Chamberlin; nephews, Martin Henry, Jeff Turner, Alex Dawson, Bruce Dawson, Allen Dawson and Miguel Mendoza; nieces, Linda Dawson Ferstl, Leslie Henry, Betty Ann Hurt, Jacque Dial, and Valerie Dial; and many great-nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Judge Dawson was born in Shreveport, La., Oct. 9, 1923, and was raised during the Depression in Buena Vista, Ark. His father owned and operated an oil company and was a Justice of the Peace. His mother was a teacher and social worker. He had many fond memories of his childhood.

He attended Magnolia A&M College (now SAU) for two years, where he received many recognitions including Student Body President, Most Popular, Friendliest, and Boy with the Best Personality. He was co-captain of the baseball team. In 2006, he received The Distinguished Golden Rider Alumni Award. He then attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where he attained a Juris Doctorate in 1948. During his time there, he joined the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and served as Chaplain, earning him the nickname “Deacon.” He was also Vice-President of the Young Democrats. Following graduation from law school, he moved to Pine Bluff where his mother and brother were living and where he was in private practice for 10 years. While in private practice, he taught Business Law at the Modern School of Business in Pine Bluff and later taught an extension course in Business Law through Monticello A&M.

Judge Dawson was always interested in politics and service to his state and community. He served as a United States Commissioner and in the Arkansas State House of Representatives from Jefferson County. In 1954, he ran successfully for Municipal Judge. Four years later, he ran for Chancery and Probate Judge against Pat Mullis. Mr. Mullis won but passed away shortly thereafter. The attorneys in Pine Bluff unanimously endorsed Judge Dawson to be appointed by then Gov. Faubus to fill the remaining term. He served honorably and ran without opposition and remained Judge for Jefferson, Arkansas, Lincoln and Cleveland counties. In 1968, he mounted an unsuccessful run for the Arkansas Supreme Court. Following that race, he continued as Probate and Chancery Judge. In 1992, following a lawsuit challenging redistricting, Judge Dawson was honored for his years of service by creating a Chancellor at Large position where he tried cases throughout the State.

A voracious reader, Judge Dawson devoted his time to write “50 Years as a Judge and Counting” which was both an autobiography and a treatise on the law. He loved classic movies, music, sports and was a passionately devoted Razorback fan.

There is perhaps no activity in his life he cherished more than his service to the Lord in the First Presbyterian Church, Pine Bluff where he was a Deacon and Elder. He was a Lay Minister at many other Presbyterian churches in South Arkansas. He was an honorary Charter member of the Belair Presbyterian Church and taught adult Sunday School for 22 years. He was a Moderator of the Presbytery of East Arkansas. He was on the Board of Trustees at Stillman College, a Presbyterian school at Tuscaloosa, Alabama and later served as Trustee Emeritus.

Judge Dawson felt a deep obligation to serve his community and did so in many ways through several organizations. He was actively involved in the Kiwanis Club, serving as Lieutenant Governor, President of the Pine Bluff Chapter, and was honored in 1972 as Kiwanis Layman Of The Year. He was a member of the Arkansas and Jefferson County Bar Associations, a Fellow of the Arkansas Bar Foundation, the American Judicature Society, President of the Judicial Council, a Mason and a Shriner. He was Vice-President on the board of the Community Chest (which evolved into United Way of Southeast Arkansas) and was on the advisory board of the Salvation Army. In 2004, the Daughters of the American Revolution awarded him with the Community Service Award.

He loved to laugh and his honor and integrity were guiding forces of goodness in his life. He always had a positive attitude and kept smiling until the end. The family wants to thank Trinity Village Medical Center and Hospice Angels for their loving care.

A visitation will be held at Ralph Robinson and Son Funeral Directors Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017, from 5-7 p.m. The service honoring his life will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, at the First Presbyterian Church, Pine Bluff. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery.

The family asks that donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 717 West 32nd Avenue, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71603 or in his memory to the charity of your choice.

Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.

ROGERS — Eula Belle Burch, 88 years of age, passed away on Nov. 13, 2017, at Innisfree Nursing Center in Rogers. She was born on April 17, 1929, in Connor, Ark., to the late Robert E. Lee Fancher and Susan Belle (Bunch) Fancher.

Eula was a Christian and member of the First Baptist Church in Rogers. She was a graduate of Green Forest High School and the Harrison Beauty College. She was a career hairdresser, having owned and operated “Eula’s Beauty Shop” from 1960-2002. Eula loved her family dearly and was a loyal Mountaineer and Razorback Fan throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by husbands, Eli Dotson Hayes and Hubert L. Burch; her brothers, Tim Fancher, Clifford Fancher, Ward Fancher, and Jack Fancher; and sisters, Mattie Roberts, Marie Fry, Margret Mathias, Analee Fancher, and Dixie Clark.

She is survived by one son, Barney Dotson Hayes and wife, Lisa Hayes of Rogers, Ark.; grandchildren, Haylee Jo Pierce and husband, James of Rogers, and Taylor Leigh Vaccaro and husband, Matt of Rogers; Ken Schrantz and wife, Karen of Bentonville, and Douglas Schrantz and wife, Amber of Edmond, Okla.; and stepdaughter, Brenda Bourdreaux of Fayetteville. Eula was especially proud of her great grandchildren, Maya Grace Pierce, Maddox Garrison Pierce, Allie Schrantz, Abby Schrantz and Matthew Schrantz.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017, from 5 until 7 p.m. at Rollins Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral will be Thursday at 11 a.m. in Rollins Chapel with burial to follow at Benton County Memorial Park.

Online condolences can be made at www.rollinsfuneral.com.

ROGERS — Lyric Francis Edwards, 59, passed away on Nov. 8, 2017, at home in Rogers, Ark. He was born Sept. 20, 1958, the son of Francis and Shirley Edwards.

He leaves behind his wife, Michelle Edwards and his brother, Lloyd Edwards.

Lyric and Michelle opened Edwards Optical in downtown Rogers 20 years ago. It has been their passion serving the community with optical care.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, at Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services in Rogers. Arrangements by Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services.

Online condolences to stockdale-moodyfs.com.