BELLA VISTA — John William McDougal,

age 84, of Bella Vista died Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at his residence. He was born October 11, 1938, in Bentonville, the son of Louella Haynie and Charles William McDougal. He enjoyed cooking, raising chickens, watching football and Gunsmoke, and hanging out with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, and gardening.

He worked as an editor for Donrey Media for 25 years until his retirement in 1984. In 1994, he purchased his own newspaper, The Haskell Free Press, in Haskell, Texas. He served in the Navy from 1955 to 1959. He was also a member of the reserves. He taught at Gravette Public Schools for 10 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Jona Ann; and siblings, Patsy Lovell, Harry McDougal, Bobby McDougal, Jerry McDougal.

John is survived by his wife, Doris McDougal, whom he married in 1959, of Bella Vista; sons, Bart (Annette) McDougal of Tulsa, Okla., Charlie (Bobbi) McDougal of Centerton, Ark.; daughter, Raven Emory of Gentry, Ark.; and sister, Sue McDougal of Bentonville, Ark.; grandchildren, Brittani (Evan) Mace, Lindsi (Cody) Miles, Kelton (Britney) McDougal, Charli (Chase) Branham, Kyle McDougal, Mollie (Kale) McDougal and Taryn (Patrick) Emory; and eight great grandchildren.

A celebration of John’s life will be February 18th, at 10:30 a.m. at Mount Pleasant Church located in Hiwassee. Memorials may be sent to: Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home Bella Vista. Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com