Obituaries

BELLA VISTA — Mary L. Towner, age 71, of Bella Vista, Ark., passed away Nov. 15, 2019. She was born Aug. 1, 1948, in Jamestown, N.D., to Donald and Luetta Craft.

Mary was a probation officer for Benton County.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. Left to cherish her memories are son Robert Towner, Robert’s girlfriend Tracy and her children Blake and Alyson Sprowl; brother Donald Craft and grandson Elliot Towner.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Nov. 25, at Bella Vista Funeral Home. Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences may be expressed at www.funeral mation.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Thomas Ralph Clark of Fayetteville died Nov. 16. He was born June 6, 1932, in Long Beach, Calif., to Thomas and Margaret Clark. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Carla; sisters Dorothy and Margie; and many loving friends and family. Services are pending. Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home Fayetteville. Condolences: www. eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Lowell M. “Codge” Johnson, age 76, of Fayetteville, Ark., departed this life Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019, at Washington Regional Medical Center. He was born Dec. 29, 1942, in Minneapolis, Minn.

An active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, he was the founder of the food delivery program to 7 Hills Homeless Shelter, helped deliver snacks packs in the Outback program to Fayetteville Public Schools and was a member of two separate Bible study groups.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Raymond Johnson and Winifred Hansen Johnson and brother Loren “Whitey” Johnson.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Shirley Haugen Johnson; daughter Sara Cooper and husband Drew of Springdale, Ark.; daughter Kari Young and husband Jeff of Bentonville, Ark.; grandchildren Katherine Cooper and Ben Cooper of Springdale, Ark., and Jackson Young and Austin Young of Bentonville, Ark.; and nephew Aaron Johnson of Cottonwood, Minn.

Codge was a talented athlete, playing basketball and football for Marshall (Minn.) High School. He went on to graduate from Mankato (Minn.) State University and served in the Minnesota National Guard. Codge enjoyed a 42-year career with Butterball, transferring from Minnesota to Northwest Arkansas in

1982. Upon his retirement as a distribution manager in 2007, Codge immersed himself in the lives and activities of his grandchildren.

Memorial service is 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church with Pastor Jeffery Carpenter officiating. Memorials are preferred to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 2901 E. Zion, Fayetteville, Ark., 72703, or 7 Hills Homeless Shelter, 1031 N. College Ave., Fayetteville, Ark., 72701. To place an online tribute, please visit www. nelsonberna.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Lila Faye Lampkin, devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend passed away Nov. 17, 2019, in Fayetteville, Ark. Lila was born Feb. 22, 1925, in Belleville, Ark.

She was preceded in death by parents Dewey Wilson and Verna Frazier Lampkin and sister Ruby Lampkin Richardson.

She is survived by sister Alene Lampkin White of Montgomery, Ala.; brother Hoyt Lee Lampkin of Bluffton, Ark.; nieces and nephews Marcia White Rucker (husband John) of Montgomery, Ala., Debbee Richardson Shaffer (husband Steve) of Oro Valley, Ariz., Lisa Lampkin Shelby (husband Phillip) of Fayetteville, Misty Richardson Hibbard (husband Bill) of Claremont, Calif., Byron Lampkin of Bluffton, Gary Richardson (wife Robyn) of St. Louis, Mo., and Chris Lampkin (wife Leslie) of Paris, Texas, and numerous great-nephews and nieces.

She was a graduate of Danville High School and Draughon School of Business. She was a member of First Christian Church, Little Rock and held offices on the board of directors and the Christian Women’s Fellowship.

Lila devoted 41 years in work for the blind. She was integral in the opening of Arkansas Enterprises for the Blind (now known as World Services for the Blind) and served as administrative assistant for AEA until her retirement in 1988. She was a life member of the American Education and Rehabilitation Services for the Blind (AER), served on the board and as an officer.

Lila was a member and officer of both the State and Regional Chapters of AER. She was also a member and officer of Arkansas Chapter of National Society for the Prevention of Blindness, a member of American Council of the Blind, Altrusa Club of Little Rock, Radio Reading Service for the Blind board and life member of Beta Sigma Phi Society. Lila received the Superior Services Award and an award for Outstanding Services to Blind People from AER.

Lila was a talented cook and loved to entertain. She enjoyed many hobbies including knitting, playing bridge, gifting crafts she made and gardening. After her retirement she joined numerous bridge clubs and a quilting group at church. Most of all, Lila enjoyed helping friends and family. She set a wonderful example for all she encountered.

She moved from her longtime home (of 64 years) in Little Rock to Butterfield Trail Village in Fayetteville in 2010.

She dearly missed her friends from Little Rock but was blessed to have made many new ones at Butterfield. Her family extends their heartfelt thanks to all of the wonderful caregivers at Butterfield. She loved them as they loved her.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22 at the Butterfield Trail Village’s Performing Arts Hall. A private graveside service will follow at 3 p.m. at Upper Spring Creek Cemetery in Belleville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to First Christian Church, 14411 Taylor Loop Road, Little Rock, Ark., 72223, World Services for the Blind, 2811 Fair Park Blvd., Little Rock, Ark., 72204, or Upper Spring Creek Cemetery, 12730 Spring Creek Road, Belleville Ark., 72824. Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home Danville. Online guestbook and condolences at www. cornwellfuneralhomes.com.

GARFIELD — Wylie Nolen, 79, of Garfield passed away Nov. 18, 2019. He was born Aug. 28, 1940, in Van Buren. Survivors include his wife, Rosemarie Nolen; brother Cly (Kay) Nolen; and two nieces. Celebration of life will be 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, 2019, at Grassy Knob Community Center/Fire Station, 12037 Hwy. 187, Eureka Springs.

ROGERS — Mrs. Laura Lee Patton Dalati, 80, died Nov. 18, 2019. She was born Oct. 9, 1939.

Late last night departed a beloved friend. We truly lost a genuine credit to all humanity. An avid traveler, devout wife, loyal mother, writer and foodie. She is survived by three children, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Funeral will be held Wednesday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. at Rogers Cemetery, 510 S. 10th St., Rogers, Ark.

ROGERS — Mrs. Harriet Sue Weaver, age 81, of Rogers, Ark., passed away Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019, at Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville. She was born April 25, 1938, in Harlingen, Texas, to William and June Cowan Howland.

Mrs. Weaver was preceded in death by Douglas Weaver and Candy Davis, sister Betty Herrington and Laurene McFall.

Mrs. Weaver is survived by husband Vernon E. Weaver; children Eric Weaver and wife Darla, Stan Weaver and wife Lorie, Tena Hill and husband Darren, Andy Marshall and wife Cheryl and Pamala Alderson; sisters Leota Hawes and Patricia Wagoner; nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

SPRINGDALE — Ginger Lee Cornelison, 58, of Springdale passed away Nov. 15, 2019. She was born July 7, 1961, in Fayetteville, Ark., to David and Ruth (Johnson) Cornelison. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Connie Tull.

She is survived by brothers Brian Cornelison and Jeffrey Ross.

A special thank you to her caregiving family at Westwood Health and Rehab for all the love and support. The chair was always open.

Memorial services will be Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at 10 a.m. at Sisco Funeral Chapel with Pastor Lynn Crawford officiating. Online condolences may be left at www.sisco funeral.com.

SPRINGDALE — Barbara Jean Melvin, 91, of Springdale passed away Nov. 15, 2019. She was born Sept. 26, 1928, in Depew, Okla., to Carl and Zuma (Hill) Harris.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Cecil Melvin, and grandson Christopher Cox.

She is survived by daughters Sharon Littlejohn of Massachusetts and Elizabeth Wadene Cox of Florida; sons Victor Ren Butler and wife Georgia of Stilwell, Okla., and Robert Wesley Butler and wife Daisy of Wellston, Okla.; grandchildren James Littlejohn and wife Yong Cha, Carla Littlejohn-Booker, Rodney Littlejohn and wife Kari, Chad Cox, Amanda Holland and husband Jeremiah, Stephanie Barnes and husband Tim, Matthew Butler, Nan Butler and Ethan Butler. ; 10 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren and another soon to arrive.

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours Thursday, Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., at the Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville, Ark., for Barbara Jean Melvin, who passed away at her home Nov. 15, 2019. Funeral services will follow at 10 a.m. with interment to follow at 2 p.m. at Morris Cemetery in Morris, Okla. To place an online tribute, please visit www.nelson berna.com.

CASSVILLE, Mo. — Vivian Lee Kinsel, age 88, of Cassville, Mo., passed away Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, at Roaring River Health and Rehabilitation in Cassville. She was born Aug. 20, 1931, in Little Rock, the daughter of Fred H. and Hattie (White) Knabe.

On June 12, 1948, in Benton, she was united in marriage to David O. Kinsel, who preceded her in death on March 16, 2002. Also preceding her were her parents, brothers Ralph and Everett and sisters Lola, Lela and Zola.

Surviving are daughters Karen Kinsel of Eureka Springs and Sandra (Kinsel) Davis and husband Albert of Garfield; granddaughters Shelly (Davis) Bradshaw and husband Byron and Susan (Davis) Bowen and husband Corey; great-granddaughters Haley Bradshaw, Allie (Bowen) Cochran and husband David and Emmalee Bowen; and great grandson Hunter Bradshaw.

Vivian grew up in Pulaski County, Ark., where she attended Lawson Elementary and graduated from Mabelvale High School. For 13 years she worked for Kroger and also helped her husband on their dairy farm for 15 years. Some of her favorite pastimes were crocheting, quilting, reading, playing games and visiting the Senior Center. She was a member of Cassville United Methodist Church.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019, at Halstead Cemetery in Little Rock, Ark., under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Pastor Jeff Fugitt will conduct the services. Visit www.fohnfuneral home.com for online obituaries, guestbook and private condolences.

DICKSON, Tenn. — A celebration of John Hugh Churchill’s life will be held Saturday, Nov. 23 at 11 a.m. in the Greene Chapel at Hendrix College in Conway, Ark. A reception will follow at the Mills Library. Interment will be at Walnut Grove Cemetery, east of Hector, Ark. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be directed to Hendrix College, Conway, Ark.

John Hugh Churchill, a resident of Dickson, Tenn., died Nov. 16, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. He was the son of Olen R. Churchill and Mary Josephine Cheek Churchill of Little Rock, Ark., both of whom predeceased him.

He is survived by wife Jean Hill Churchill, of Dickson, Tenn., son William H. Churchill of Nashville (Emily); daughter Mary Katherine Churchill Curcio (Michael) of Dickson; son Hugh O.H. Churchill (Gwen) of Fayetteville, Ark.; sister Betty J. Churchill of Chattanooga; brother Larry R. Churchill (Sande) of Nashville, Tenn.; grandchildren Rosalind, Churchill, Edward, Margot, Timothy, Josephine, Emmett, and Theodore.

Churchill retired in 2016 as national secretary (CEO) of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, based in Washington, D.C., a post he held for 15 years. Prior to that he served for 17 years as vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college at Hendrix College in Conway, Ark., including two stints as interim president.

In 1983-84 he was dean of students, and throughout his 24-year tenure at the college he taught philosophy, ending his time there as professor of philosophy. He held a B.A. from Rhodes College, Memphis, a second B.A. and an M.A. from the University of Oxford as a Rhodes scholar, and a Ph.D. from Yale. A member of the Society for Philosophy of Religion, he published widely in that field as well as in the philosophy of liberal education.

A polymath in a specialized age, Churchill was not only a philosopher and champion of the liberal arts, but also a collector of rocks, decorated athlete, friend of trees, humorous essayist and storyteller, and an enthusiastic horticulturist and cook. Churchill played guard on the Arkansas champion Hall High School football team in 1967. At Rhodes he captained the varsity football team, was conference champion in the discus, and was later inducted into the Rhodes College Athletic Hall of Fame. In 1980, his pickled okra earned a blue ribbon at the Faulkner County Fair.

Arrangements by the Taylor Funeral Home, Dickson, Tenn., (615) 446-2808, TaylorSince1909.com