Herbert Jackson Wages, CHESTER —

81, of Chester passed away Friday, Sept. 11, 2020, in a local hospital.

Herbert was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert “Jack” and Hazel (Shackelford) Wages and Ethel (Hicks) and Harry Doremus; first wife Peggy (Lehman) Wages; and sister Jeri Gann.

Herb retired in 2016 after pastoring the Chester Freewill Baptist for almost 20 years. His desire for spreading the gospel of Christ lead many to the Lord. He frequently referenced Isaiah 6:8. “Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I: send me.”

He also retired from Walmart where he was the facilities manager for the fitness center in Bentonville. Herbs love for cars began at a young age. He was a mechanic for Neal’s Alignment and then went on to own and operate Herb’s Alignment. Through the years he restored and tinkered with antique cars and was a reference for anyone who asked.

Herb was a gifted artist who enjoyed painting and photography. He and his first wife Peg were master basket-makers owning Wages Basketry. They took their baskets to some of the top craft shows, starting with the War Eagle Crafts Fair. Then over the years attended shows across the United States, winning several awards for the variety and workmanship.

In 2016, he married Ailene Lockard. Although they were only married for four short years, they shared a great love filled with joy and happiness.

Through the years Herb had many adventures. He was a firefighter for the forestry service, a realtor, a fly fisherman and a bit of a jokester. He could fix anything and was a helper to anyone in need. He was a lifelong Gideon and supporter of Teen Challenge. He was a son, a brother, a husband, a loving daddy, a doting papa, an uncle and a friend to everyone he met.

While he held many roles, most everyone called him Brother Herb. He loved life to the fullest. His love of God came first, and his love of man came second.

Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, at Ocker Chapel of Alma with interment at Vaught Cemetery in Mountainburg, under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home of Alma. Survivors include wife Ailene of the home; daughter Cheryl (Wages) Hight and husband Bryan of Lawton, Okla.; sisters Patsy Glisson and husband Bo of Elkins, Ark., and Peggy Glisson and husband Danny of Wesley, Ark.; brother Gary Wages and wife Charlotte; grandchildren Will Hight and Madi Hight; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Pallbearers will be Will Hight, Sam Osman, Rick Shaffer, Tanner Shaffer, Trent Shaffer and Trey Shaffer. Honorary pallbearers will be the men of Chester Freewill Baptist Church.

The family will visit with friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020, at Ocker Chapel of Alma, 917 Arkansas 64 E., Alma, Ark. Memorial contributions may be made to Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch, P.O. Box 20, Morrow, Ark., 72749.