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.

CANE HILL — Ricky Don Robinson, 51, of Cane Hill, died Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018. Ricky was born Nov. 4, 1967, to Johnny and Shirley Robinson. Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, at Riverside Cemetery in Madison County near St. Paul, Ark. Online condolences www.WestfieldChapel.com.

ELKINS — George Dean Patterson passed away Oct. 14, 2018, surrounded by his family. His illness was sudden and surprising, and disheartening to his close friends and family. As a doctor, George bravely took his illness with great stride — he emitted only more of himself, all of the traits that made him the wonderful man that he was stood out even more during that time. His wittiness, his charm, his humor, and his affection were exemplified. He was a man whose wishes were simple, even when he himself was remarkable.

George ‘Dean’, was born Dec. 27, 1946, in the small city of Portola, Calif., to George Elwood and Kathleen Mary Patterson. He was the eldest of three children, and along with his brother David and sister Barb, the family moved to Boise, Idaho, and then to Vale, Ore. He graduated from Vale Oregon High School in 1965, and graduated from the Eastern Oregon College in Lagrande, Ore., in 1969.

He then moved on to medicine, studied and graduated from the College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1976. He went on to work at the Colville Indian Health Services as a DO, as well as a physician for the Colville Convalescent Center. He built his own private practice in Coulee Dam and was a staff physician at the Coulee Community Hospital in Grand Coulee. At age 40, he decided he wanted to pursue internal medicine and took a three-year residency position in Sioux Falls, S.D., where he practiced medicine at the VA Hospital and at the McKennan Hospital. He then went on to practice in Grand Junction, Colo., for three years before taking a position at the VA Hospital in Fayetteville, Ark., where he finished out his career in internal medicine.

George was a wonderful doctor, father, brother, and friend. Over the years he accumulated a vast amount of relationships with not only his family and friends, but his patients. He carried a kindness as a human being that in turn gave those who looked for it the most comfort — he not only performed excellent medicine, but gave his time to his patients in professionalism and companionship. His familiarity with each of his patients grew the longer he practiced, and continued to fashion him into an even more generous and kind man. The acknowledgment that the human condition exists and should be appreciated was never lost to him.

Growing up as the eldest of three siblings, he was very protective, and kind. He came from humble beginnings, and worked hard for his family. He also excelled in the pursuit of knowledge, shining in mathematics and science.

While he was a quiet, reserved man, those who knew him personally knew the love for his family and close friends was strong. His two children, David and Sarah, remember him fondly. He was gentle and warm, and loved spending time with them as small children. He took them to the forests and lakes in Colorado, hiking along paths and catching fish in the reservoirs, demonstrating a necessity to enjoy nature and respect all living things.

His teachings helped shape his children to pursue their dreams, talents, and to appreciate the world, as well as the creatures and people that lived there. And while there may have been hardships raising his children, he never lost touch - he was always there to talk, always there to lend a hand, and always there to deliver a warm embrace.

He is survived by his children David Thomas Patterson, Sarah Kathleen Alvarado; his step-daughter, Natika Tillman; his sister, Barb Peterson; his niece, Jennifer Kelley; and his partner, Jeanne Silvestri. Not to be forgotten are the wonderful Missouri family members of which Dean was very fond — and who will continue to carry on everything that made him who he was and who he came to be.

His wishes were simple. He wanted to be with his family, he wanted to be warm, and he wanted to be safe. His wishes were met by family and friends, until the day he passed. From there he wished for his ashes to be spread beneath his favorite tree, the ‘Ogon,’ a beautiful gold rush dawn tree he tended himself. There, he will be permanently showered in the sunlight.

George Dean was an amazing human being. He was a wonderful and loving father. He was an unforgettable friend. He made a special place for himself in each and every one of the people he encountered throughout his life, and would smile to know that even though he is physically gone, his kindness and friendship will continue to live on.

In the National Forest, a grove of trees is growing under George’s name. If you would like to contribute a tree to his grove, please visit www.treesforachange.com/products/custom-grove-oftrees. Condolences may be given online at www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Lavada L. West, 84, of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away Nov. 18, 2018, at Innisfree Nursing Home in Rogers, Ark. She was born Nov. 2, 1934, in Van Buren, Ark., the daughter of Perry and Iva West.

She retired from Levi Straus and was an active member of First United Pentecostal Church in Fayetteville.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Helen Martin, Sue Phillips, and Linda Thomas and brothers, Perry West Jr and Carsey West. She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, at First United Pentecostal Church, 3701 W. Wedington Drive, Fayetteville, Ark., 72704, with Pastor John Hassel officiating under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home, 3926 Willowood Ave., Springdale, Ark.

Graveside services will follow at Sons Chapel cemetery with her niece, Rev. Cathy Caudle officiating. There will be no visitation. The family request donations be made to the Arkansas Childrens Hospital. Online condolences may be made to www.memorialfhspringdale.com.

SPRINGDALE — Priscilla (Taylor) Harvey, 68, of Springdale died Monday. Survivors: Shelly Rankin, Terry Graves, Mary Ann Vaughn, Donna Kay Perry, Alfred W. Taylor, Ashley Southern, R.J. Smith, Kaylee Allen, Lauren Barber, Taylor Graves, Tiffany Graves, Bobby Graves, two great-grandchildren. Funeral Friday, 11 a.m. Sisco Chapel. Visitation Friday beginning at 10 a.m. www.siscofuneral. com.

SPRINGDALE — Howard Mac Thurman, a loving father, husband and a leader in the Springdale community passed away Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. Howard was born on Jan. 17, 1937, in Aurora, Mo., to his parents Joy Abner Thurman and Merle Taylor Thurman. Mr. Thurman finished high school in Springfield at Central High School. He continued his education at Southwest Missouri State University and graduated in 1959. Howard joined the U.S. Naval Reserve straight out of high school in 1954 and served honorably through 1962. He was honorably discharged as a petty officer 3rd class.

Howard was employed by Union National Bank in Springfield in June 1960, then promoted to assistant trust officer, just two years later in 1962. In 1967 Howard took a new position with Exchange Bank & Trust in Dallas, Texas, later named Texas American Bank in 1977. There he became the executive vice president of the Trust Department. In 1987 Mr. Thurman moved back to Springdale where he served as president of Arvest Trust Company and was heavily vested in the organization and expansion of Arvest Bank until his retirement in March 2004.

During his time in Springdale, Howard was involved with Lion’s Club and served as the treasurer while a member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks in Fayetteville/Springdale.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Howard Mac Thurman Jr. Mr. Thurman is survived by his wife Marcia McGowen-Thurman; his son, Doug Thurman and wife Julie; his daughter, Kelley Thurman and husband Kelly Sherman; Scott McGowen and wife Jamie and Tony Taylor.

Visitation for Mr. Thurman is this Friday, Nov. 23, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Funeral services are the following day, Nov. 24, at 1 p.m. Those services are to be performed at Sisco Funeral home followed by a graveside ceremony at Bluff Cemetery. Chad Johnson will perform the funeral services. Pallbearers for the services are Tommy Karr, Zach Brothers, Buddy Philpot, Andres Manon, Scott McGowen and Tony Taylor. Honorary pallbearers are Will Winn and Scott Test. Family and friends are all invited to attend. Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com.

VAN BUREN — Gerald L. Skinner, 64 of Van Buren died unexpectedly on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in Sheridan, Ark. He was born on Sept. 12, 1954, to Jerry and Jo Skinner of Malvern.

He was a longtime project manager for Fort Smith Glass Company and Overhead Door. Gerald received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas where he was an All-Southwest Conference offensive lineman in the 1973-1976 seasons. After his collegiate football career, he played three seasons in the NFL for the New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Green Bay Packers.

He later received his master’s degree from the University of Central Arkansas, and spent several years in Conway as a teacher and coach.

Gerald is survived by his loving wife, Payne Skinner of Van Buren; his sons, Sam New of Providence, R.I., and Adam Skinner of Minturn, Ark.; his parents, Jerry and Jo Skinner of Malvern, Ark.; his brothers, Michael Skinner, Larry Skinner, and Ronny Skinner; two granddaughters.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018, at Ocker Memorial Chapel in Van Buren. A celebration of life will follow immediately at Harry’s Downtown, 509 Garrison Ave., Fort Smith.

Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Stoltz, Keith Hefner, Ken Griffin, Bo Busby, and all the other members of the Arkansas Razorbacks 1973-1976 football teams. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association. Online tributes: www.ockerfuneralhome.com.

WINSLOW — Joyce Fern Miller Barker, age 85, of Winslow, Ark., passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Walker Hospice Home on Nov. 19, 2018. Joyce was born on Dec. 21, 1932, in Chester, Ark., to Luther and Celestia Rose Miller.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Willis Barker; her mother, Lettie Wilke; her father, Luther Miller and two sisters, Betty Drain and Susie Miller. She is survived by two sons, Larry Barker (Gale) and Randall Barker (Laura), all of Winslow, Ark.; a brother, Harold Miller (Janie) of Winslow, Ark., and a sister, Martha Hamilton of Winslow, Ark.; five grandchildren, Tara Barker, Stacey Trucks, Paul Barker (Brittney), Steven Barker (Leigh-Ann) and Clay Barker and six great-grandchildren, Conner Barker, Brylee Barker, Payton Barker, Hadley Rogers, Blaine Barker and Braelynn Barker.

Joyce married Willis Henry Barker on July 25, 1949. The couple settled in the Sunset community where they raised two sons, Larry and Randall. Joyce was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was very proud of her family, enjoyed the holidays and get-togethers. Joyce will be remembered fondly by her children, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Joyce was a longtime member of the Black Oak Church as well as Winslow Church of Christ. Joyce loved the Lord, gardening, cooking, knitting, crocheting, puzzles, Uno and Checkers.

Joyce was known for her feisty, yet good natured sense of humor. She will be missed by all that knew and loved her.

Visitation will be 1 p.m.2 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018, at Sunset Community Building, followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. at Sunset Community Building. Interment will follow at Sunset Cemetery, under the direction of Moore’s Chapel.

Joyce asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, Texas, 75231, or American Lung Association, 55 West Wacker Dr., Chicago, Ill., 60601. To sign the online guest book, visit www. mooresfuneralchapel.com.

NORMAN, Okla. — Geraldine Virginia Fisher (“Jed”), loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away quietly on Nov. 15, 2018. She was born in 1920 in Meeker, Okla., one of nine children of Mildred and Charles Ware, all of whom predeceased her.

The family settled in Norman, Okla., where Jed graduated from University of Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. After graduation, she married Paul Andrew Fisher, who became a decorated career Army officer, serving in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

Jed was always able to make any place feel like home, as the family moved throughout the United States, Europe and East Asia. Through all the comings and goings, the unpredictability, and the hardships of military life, she remained strong, always keeping life interesting and exploring their ever-changing surroundings.

After more than 30 years of military service, Paul retired and the couple fulfilled their dreams by moving to West Fork, Ark., where they built a home and farmed on land they had purchased. Jed remained on the farm for 38 years, forming many close friendships in the area.

The final 15 years after Paul’s passing were spent there on her own, where she tended their cows and land, and rode around on her red tractor mower. Wanting to simplify her life, she and her faithful dog, Molly, moved to a small bungalow style home in Medicine Park, Okla., where, she said, every day felt like a vacation. Her final six years were spent in Austin, Texas, enjoying the warm weather and relaxing surroundings.

Her loving kindness and overwhelming desire to help others positively affected many lives as she moved through her roles as school teacher, school principal, and math and English tutor for the Arkansas Literacy Program. As manager/buyer for military gift shops, her exposure to the beautiful and exotic was always evident in her home. Her competitive spirit from her younger softball days emerged on the golf course, bowling alley, and at the bridge table.

She was an impeccable seamstress, an adventurous cook, and a stickler for good grammar. She had beautiful handwriting that was always admired in every card and letter that she wrote. She was well-known for never forgetting to send a birthday, anniversary or Christmas card to her friends and family.

Jed is survived by her son, Paul Fisher Jr. of Lawton, Okla.; daughters, Linda (Fisher) Massey of Denver, Colo., and Gail Fisher of Austin, Texas; their spouses, three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held in Norman, Okla., on Saturday, Nov. 24 at 11 a.m. at Havenbrook Funeral Home, 3401 Havenbrook St., followed by burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. May she rest in peace knowing that she was deeply loved by all.