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.

CENTERTON — Janet Carol Vandiver, 68, of Centerton died Nov. 16, 2019, at Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville. Survivors include husband, Alan Vandiver; children, Misty Gibson (Mike), Kevin Vandiver (Tanya), Jennifer Vandiver, Matthew Vandiver (Michelle), Lindsay Stanley (Jesse); 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of loving friends. Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home. Condolences: www. eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Shirley Kathleen Johnson Johanson died on Nov. 17, 2019, at Butterfield Trail Village in Fayetteville, Ark. Shirley was born in Dallas, Texas, on Jan. 5, 1929, to Gordon Landrith and Kathleen Ewing Johnson.

She graduated as Valedictorian of North Dallas High School in 1945 and then attended Baylor University and Southern Methodist University. It was at SMU where she met and married her husband of over 62 years, Richard Claude Johanson. Their wedding was on Dec. 23, 1947, at the Church of the Incarnation in Dallas, the third generation of Shirley’s family to marry in that church.

Richard and Shirley were very active in the management consulting business. In 1973 they incorporated Johanson & Associates, allowing them to work together on a variety of projects that improved the business and personal lives of many. After Richard’s death in 2010, the company continued as The Johanson Group with their sons Bruce and Blair as principals in the firm.

Shirley was recognized by Chi Omega Fraternity as a 72-year member of their beloved sisterhood, and that sisterhood is shared with daughters Kathy, Claudia and Karen, daughter in law Ann, and granddaughter Lindsay.

She was a soloist in the choirs of the Church of the Incarnation and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Dallas, Texas, St. David’s Episcopal Church in Denton, Texas, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville, Ark.

She loved to read the Bible every day, doing genealogical research, traveling in their Blue Bird motor home with their grandchildren, wintering in warmer climates, snow skiing in Breckenridge, Colo., and having family and friends gather around a dinner table.

One of the pastimes Shirley enjoyed most was playing Duplicate Bridge. She was recognized by the American Contract Bridge League as a Silver Life Master. Certified as a Duplicate Bridge Director, Shirley had the opportunity to mentor new players of the game and enhance the level of play for those she taught. In later years, her favorite part of playing bridge was riding with her Fayetteville carpool friends to the organized games in Rogers, Ark.

Shirley was a member of the Perennial Garden Club, Chapter BH of P.E.O., Town Club and a Board Member of the Washington County Historical Society.

Shirley is survived by her children Kathleen and husband Dr. James Webster of Fayetteville, Claudia and husband Cary McClure Abney of Marshall, Texas, Karen and husband John W. Cole, Blair and wife Ann Johanson, and Bruce and wife Debra

Johanson, all of Fayetteville. She proudly adored 11 grandchildren: Kerry Webster Herzog, Rebecca Webster Gayer, Richard Blair Abney, Karen Abney Neal, Alan W. Cole, Richard W. Cole, Thomas W. Cole, Steven Johanson, Lindsay Johanson Bailey, Grant Johanson and Matthew Johanson, and her 22 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband and her parents.

Shirley’s family remembers her as a beloved and devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was the heart and soul of the family with her unwavering and unending devotion to her husband and family members and was a beautiful lady inside and out.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019, at Moore’s Chapel in Fayetteville. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22, 2019, at Sparkman Hillcrest in Dallas, Texas, under the direction of Moore’s Chapel of Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Memorials may be made to Life Styles, P.O. Box 1114, Fayetteville, Ark. 72702-1114.

To sign the online guest book, visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Charles Wayne Keeton, 78, of Fayetteville died Nov. 18, 2019, at Washington Regional Medical Center after a brief battle with cancer. He was born Dec. 24, 1940, in Fordyce, Ark.

He was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Jo Ann Keeton; his parents, Henry and Annie Maude Keeton; and brothers, Kenny and William “Bill” Keeton.

Wayne owned and operated Keeton Auto Parts in Fordyce for many years before retiring and moving to Hot Springs, Ark. In 2016, Wayne and Jo Ann relocated to Fayetteville to be close to their children and grandchildren.

Wayne loved the outdoors. He loved to hunt and fish and work in the yard. He was the ultimate handyman building just about anything from birdhouses to tree houses. He preferred to stay away from computers and technology, often complaining when he saw his photo posted online by his daughters. He had a witty sense of humor and always kept his family laughing.

After Jo Ann was diagnosed with cancer and was no longer able to manage daily tasks, Wayne was right there by her side, taking care of her every need and never complaining. He was the utmost family man always doing anything and everything for the three women in his life. He was a man of few words but he had so much love to give. Wayne was a great Dad, but to see the love he shared with Jo Ann during her fight with cancer was beyond anything his family could have imagined. A true role model of the vow they shared… in sickness and in health, until death do us part.

He is survived by two daughters and sons-in-laws, Jennifer and David McGill of Fayetteville and Rebecca and Keith Wilbern of Springdale; sister, Barbara Brandon of Jonesboro; three grandchildren, Keeton and Mitchell Wilbern of Springdale and Sarah Qureshi of Fayetteville.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce, Ark. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019, at Hebron Cemetery in Kingsland, Ark.

Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.

GARFIELD — Isabel “Izzy” Barman Moore, 85, originally from Lake Charles, had a much anticipated meeting with her Savior surrounded by her children singing her favorite hymns at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in a local care facility. Her children count it all joy that they witnessed her victoriously finishing her race.

Mrs. Moore was born on Feb. 25, 1934, in Roanoke and moved to Lake Charles at the age of 12 where she was 1952 graduate of LaGrange High School. She furthered her education at McNeese State University where she received a degree in teaching and was awarded their very first “Rodeo Queen” title. Mrs. Moore moved to Arkansas in 1989 where she worked for JB Hunt in the public relations department. She resided in Arkansas until this past spring when she moved back here to be closer to her children and home. Mrs. Moore was most proud of being dedicated to raising her children and also of her strong faith. She was able to be a very involved parent as well as a follower of Christ, through ups and downs, He always brought her through her hard ships.

In her earlier years, Mrs. Moore was a member of Trinity Baptist Church and had precious diary entries of memories mentioned hosting Baptist Youth Fellowship socials beneath the Oaks at her parent’s home where the McNeese Alumni Center stands now. As an adult, her years of Christian mentoring continued at Sweetlake Methodist Church for nearly 25 years where she was a choir leader, organist and pianist, Sunday school teacher, and volunteered for many other activities and events. In the early 1970’s she belonged to the Women’s Gideons Auxiliary.

She took great pleasure in gardening and she loved every animal and the beauty of nature which she enjoyed every morning with Jesus, a cup of coffee, and her daily devotional. She will be remembered for her skills in jitter bug dancing and beating anyone that would play against her in a game of horseshoes and the card game Rook.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Monte S. Moore of Garfield, Ark.; three children, Cindy Helms Pedersen (Mark) of Sweetlake, Thomas Helms of Sweetlake, and Susan Helms Cart (Rusty) of Lake Charles; stepson, Monte C. Moore (Michelle) of Bentonville, Ark.; sister, Margaret Ruth Gentry of Zachary, La.; five grandchildren, Lindsay Duplechain, Tyler Pedersen, Hayden Helms, and Cullen and Sutton Cart; and five great-grandchildren, Bray and Jeraldine Duplechain, and Jack Tyler, Isabel, and Grace Pedersen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Martha and Jacob Barman.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019, in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. John Bigwood will officiate. A private inurnment will follow. A gathering will begin at 12 noon and continue until the start of the service.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.

HUNTSVILLE — Johnny Lynn Reed, 83, of Huntsville, died Nov. 15, at Fayetteville. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Nov. 19, at Brashears Funeral Home. Services will be 2 p.m., Nov. 20, 2019, at Brashears with interment immediately following at Huntsville Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory of Huntsville.

HUNTSVILLE — Floyd Edward Reeder, 75, of Huntsville died at his home as a result of Agent Orange. He was born July 5, 1944, in Muncie, Ind.

He loved gardening and camping. He served in the Air Force Security Service in Vietnam and Japan from 1963-1966.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Myrtle Blount.

Survivors include his wife of 25 years, B.J Summit-Reeder; daughters, Theresa Holland and husband Thomas of Russellville, Patricia Briley and husband Mike of Ola, Ark., and Glynda Patton and husband Bradley of Fort Smith; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and several other family members and friends.

A graveside service with Military Honors will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019, at the Fayetteville National Cemetery with Rev. Gary Martin officiating. Funeral services are under the direction of Madison County Funeral Service of Huntsville.

Please visit madisoncounty funeralservice.com to leave the family an online condolence.

ROGERS — Jerome “Jerry” Gordon Kroll, age 87, died Nov. 17, 2019, at Circle of Life. He was born Dec. 18, 1931, in Milwaukee, Wis., to August and Francis Kroll.

Jerome proudly served in the U.S. Navy. He moved to Rogers, Ark., in 1990. Jerome enjoyed music and dancing and loved to make people laugh.

Left to cherish his memories are his children, Lynette Kroll, Denise Guck, Cheryl Kroll, Dennis Kroll; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and his special love, Joan Webb and her loving family.

No services are planned at this time. Memorials may be made to Circle of Life, 1201 N.E. Legacy, Bentonville, Ark. 72712.

Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences may be expressed at www.funeralmation.com.

ROGERS — Vernon E. “Gene” Percell, 93, of Rogers, Ark., died Nov. 17, 2019. He served in the United States Navy. Gene is survived by his wife, Jamie and three children. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019, at First United Methodist Church in Downtown Rogers.Stockdale-Moodyfs.com.

ROGERS — Margaret Dean Murry Speer, of Rogers, passed away on Nov. 13, 2019, at the age of 93. She was born in Warren, Ark., to H.J. and Myrtle Mae Colvert Murry and raised by her father and stepmother, Ruie Murry, after the death of her mother.

In 1945, Margaret married James D. Speer who preceded her in death along with their daughter, Marcia Speer. Margaret and James lived in Stamps, Ark., for many years before retiring to the Speer family home (The Farm) in Hopeville, Ark.

She is survived and missed by her brother, Bruce Murry and wife JoAnn; her sister, Andra Ayers and husband Tommy; her son, Murray

Speer and wife Karen; her son, Dan Speer and wife Linda and her son Mike Speer and wife Lynley. Margaret was the proud grandmother of nine and great-grandmother of five.

A graveside service will be held at the Bethel Cemetery at an undetermined date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.

SPRINGDALE — Haskell G. Hickman, 82, of Springdale, formerly of Oklahoma, died Monday, Nov. 11, 2019, in Springdale. He was born Jan. 13, 1937 in Page, Okla., the son of Elmer G. and Tossie Hickman.

He moved to the area 15 years ago form Oklahoma. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Beggs, Okla.

Survivors include his children, Traci Smith of Springdale, Keith Hickman of Beggs, Okla., Billie Miller of Tulsa, Okla., Mike Partain of Tulsa, Okla.; brother, Dewayne Hickman of Bethany, Okla.; six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Memorial Funeral Home 3926 Willowood Ave., Springdale, Ark., handled the local arrangements. Family will have private service at a later date in Oklahoma.

Online condolences may be made to www.memorialfhspringdale.com.

SPRINGDALE — Kathy Deane High, age 64, of Springdale, Ark., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale. Kathy was born April 2, 1955, in Springdale to Herbert Marion and Delores Pauline Fritchle Holt.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Bill and Marvin Love; sister, Joyce Puckett; and grandson, Peyton Thomas.

Kathy is survived by her husband Wray, of 41 years; her children, Candice West (Jason), Aaron High (Kari), Holly Thomas (Jason) and Whitney Baccus (Stephen); 10 grandchildren, Regan and Riley West, Elle and Harry High, Parker, Taylor and Sawyer Thomas, Hazel, Graham and Wray Baccus.

Kathy was devoted to her Faith in Jesus which carried over into every aspect of her life. She was the greatest wife, mother, and GiGi there ever was and will be greatly missed.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, Cross Church 1701 Johnson Road, Springdale, Ark. 72762.

Memorials may be made to Circle of Life Hospice.

Online condolences www. WestfieldChapel.com.

SUBIACO — Carol L. Geels, 71, a resident of Subiaco, passed away Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, at the Paris Health and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born Feb. 15, 1948, in Paris to the late Paul B. and Magdalene (Wewers) Geels. Carol was very active in St. Benedict’s Parish as lector, cantor, choir member and Eucharistic Minister. Early in her career, she worked at Stephens, Inc. in Little Rock. She also worked as business manager and board member at St. Scholastica Monastery in Fort Smith, manager of the Coury House at the Subiaco Abbey, member of the city of Subiaco Town Council, and a Saturday worker at the Paris Veterinary Clinic in Paris.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Fabian Geels and a brother-in-law, Emil Schluterman.

Survivors include three brothers, Daniel Geels and wife, Joani of Bothell, Wash., James Geels and wife, Eve of North Richland Hills, Texas, and Gerald Geels and wife, Lois of Carrollton, Texas; and two sisters, Patricia Schluterman of Paris and Theresa Klein and husband, Fred of Tulsa, Okla. Carol was loved deeply by her 30 nephews and nieces and by many great and great-great-nephews and nieces. She is treasured by countless cousins and devoted friends.

Carol was the center of her family, keeping all connected, informed and loved.

Rosary will be 7:45 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019, at the St. Benedict Catholic Church in Subiaco. The funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019, at the St. Benedict Catholic Church with Fr. Mark Stengel, OSB officiating. Burial will follow in St. Benedict Catholic Cemetery in Subiaco under the direction of Roller Funeral Home in Paris.

Carol requested memorials be made to the Coury House, c/o Subiaco Abbey, 405 N. Subiaco Ave., Subiaco, Ark. 72865 or the Charleston Dog Shelter, P.O Box 118, Charleston, Ark. 72933.

FORT SCOTT, Kan. — Willis “Hugh” Irvin, 99, of Fort Scott, formerly of Rogers, Ark., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019, at his home in Presbyterian Village, Fort Scott, Kan. He was born in Siloam Springs, Ark., Feb. 10, 1920, the son of Herbert and Hope (Swayze) Irvin.

On June 19, 1945, Hugh married Mary Agnes Barrett in San Francisco, Calif.

Hugh was a graduate of Decatur High School in Georgia, Class of 1938. Dr. Irvin graduated with a degree in Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University, Class of 1943. During WWII, Hugh was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and served as a Communication Officer on the USS Barnett in the European Theatre and took part in the invasion at Salerno, Italy, and D-Day at Utah Beach, Normandy. His next assignment was on the USS Montrose in the Pacific Theatre involved in the assault on Okinawa. When the war ended, his ship landed the first U.S. troops into Occupied Japan at Sasebo.

After the service, he started his career in Omaha as a USDA Veterinarian Meat Inspector. As he rose through the ranks, he worked in Chicago, Indianapolis, New Jersey, New York, Kansas City and Dallas. He retired after 35 years of service as the Director of Federal Meat and Poultry Inspection in Washington, DC. He and Mary retired to Rogers, Ark., in 1981. He was a longtime member of the Rogers’ Noon Kiwanis Club, a member of the Association for Beaver Lake Environment and a volunteer at Rogers’ St. Mary’s Hospital for many years.

In addition to his wife, Mary, he is survived by two sons, Roger (Susan) of Monroe, Ore., and David (Janet) of Fort Scott, Kan.; a daughter, Barbara Irvin (Bruce Mayer) of Madison, Wis.; four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Leslie Irvin, and Jack Irvin; and two sisters, Marguerite Steele and Evelyn Jean Bagwell.

Interment will be at the Fort Scott National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Nature Conservancy or to Presbyterian Village of Fort Scott Good Samaritan Fund.

KEOTA, Okla. — Roy Luther Harmon, of Keota, Okla., was born July 4, 1947, to Harley Drew and Nellie Damer (Myers) Harmon in Poteau, Okla., and passed away Nov. 16, 2019, in Fayetteville, Ark., at the age of 72.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn “Kathy” Harmon of the home; two sons, Samuel Luther Harmon and wife Misty of Alma, Ark., Courtney McLennon “Cole” Harmon; four sisters, Violet Ward of Mt. Ida, Ark., Mary Savage and husband Troy of Palo Pinto, Texas, Linda Hamilton of Glenwood, Ark., Sharon Sosa of Rogers, Ark.; three brothers, Harold Wayne Harmon and wife Minnie of Greenwood, Ark., Steve Harmon of Mt. Ida, Ark., David Harmon and wife Frankie of Mt. Ida, Ark.; seven grandchildren, Caitlyn Harmon, Emily Harmon, Rebekah Harmon, Dalton Stout, Logan Stout, Vaughn Cole, Malikeih Green; two great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews; other relatives and loved ones.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents; Harley and Nellie Harmon, sisters Pauline Lowe, Carolyn Roberts, and brother Harley Andrew Harmon.

He was a veteran of the United States Army during Vietnam, and a life member of the DAV. Roy enjoyed fishing and loved visiting with his grandchildren.

Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019, at the National Cemetery in Fort Smith, Ark.

Services are under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home in Spiro, Oklahoma. To sign Mr. Harmon’s online guest book, please visit www.mallorymartinfuneralhome.com.

ALLEN , Texas — William “Bill” Scott Bowen, age 76, passed away on Monday, Nov. 18, 2019, in Dallas, Texas. Bill was born on Sept. 21, 1942, in Corvallis, Ore.

Growing up in a military family afforded Bill the opportunity to gain life experiences in many different locations. Bill had stories about growing up in Heidelberg, Germany,

the Presidio in San Francisco, Governors Island in New York, and Monterrey, Calif.

Bill graduated from the University of Arkansas as a cadet in the ROTC, with a BA in Architecture. It is at the University where he met his wife and love of his life, Nancy Lafferty. Bill and Nancy exchanged wedding vows and said ‘I do’ February 1969. After graduating, Bill served as a U.S. Army officer in Korea, and from July 1969 to July 1970 served in Vietnam leading troops as an infantry company commander and earning the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. After completing his tour in Vietnam, Bill was stationed at Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska.

In 1973, Bill and Nancy moved back to Fayetteville, Ark., where Bill studied geology. He served 37 years with the Corps of Engineers before retiring in 2008. Bill loved crossword puzzles, gardening, golfing, reading and walking his dogs. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and taking his grandchildren to various museums and theaters in the Dallas area.

Bill is preceded in death by his mother, Isabel Bowen; father, Col. C.L. Bowen; sister, Moira Bowen; and brother, Claude Bowen.

Bill is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy Lafferty Bowen; two sons, Scott Bowen (wife, Heather Himel Bowen) and Michael Bowen (wife Margaret Diane “Mardi” Collier Bowen); brother, Robert Bowen; grandchildren, Corrin, Calee, Collier, Drew and Aaron; several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 5 p.m.–7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019, at Moore’s Chapel. Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at the Fayetteville National Cemetery under the direction of Moore’s Chapel. A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church Plano, Texas, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Bill would appreciate a donation be made to First United Methodist Church Plano, Texas, American Cancer Society, or the charity of your choice.

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