OBITUARIES
Gary Willard Meeks
Retired Colonel Gary Willard Meeks passed away April 12, 2018, at Siloam Springs Nursing and Rehabilitation after a long and lengthy illness. Gary was born on April 7, 1945, in Camden, Arkansas, to Dorman and Beulah Tuberville Meeks. He was a graduate of Camden High School and Ouachita Baptist University.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorman and Beulah Meeks; his brother, Wayne Meeks; niece, Tammi Tutt Ray; and stepson, Brad Norris.
He is survived by his loving wife, Alice of Siloam Springs; his precious daughter, Kristen Meeks Carter (Brad) of Franklin, Tenn.; two grandchildren, Carson Carter and Lauren Carter of Franklin, Tenn.; one stepdaughter, Rochelle Combest (Scott) of Dallas, Texas; three step-grandchildren, Clare Combest of Cincinnati, Ohio, Reid Combest and Wyatt Norris of Springdale, Ark.; one sister, Wanda Steed (Gene) of Camden, Ark.; one niece, Gigi Bird (David) of Hot Springs, Ark.; one nephew, Matthew Meeks (Lauren) of Fayetteville, Ark.; one aunt, Amanda Meeks Gray (Don) of Benton, Ark.; two sistersin-law, Margi Meeks of Fort Smith, Ark., and Rita Foster of Siloam Springs, Ark.; and many other relatives and special friends.
Gary was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Maumelle, Ark. He loved to sing, especially old hymns, gospel songs, and 50’s and 60’s music. Now he is singing in the Heavenly choir.
Gary was a devoted solider, serving 30 years in the military for his country. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and Desert Storm. Gary was a graduate of the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., Command and General Staff College, Army Jungle School, Armor School, and Field Artillery Advance courses.
He received the following awards during his service:
• National Defense Service medal
• Vietnam Service medal
• Army Commendation medal
• Humanitarian Service medal
• Army Service medal
• Armed Forces Service reserve medal
• Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal
• Kuwait Liberation medal
• Southwest Asia medal
• Bronze Star medal
• Combat Infantryman medal
Gary was an avid golfer. After retiring, he spent much of his leisure time playing golf, the game he loved, and loving on his grandchildren. His kindness and sweet smile will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
There was a celebration of Gary’s life with full Military honors at Wasson Funeral Home in Siloam Springs, Ark., on April 21, 2018, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice of North Arkansas, 3277 West Sunset Suite D, Springdale, AR, 72762. To sign the online guest book, visit www.wassonfuneralhome.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Donna ‘Jane’ Mickel
Donna “Jane” Mickel, 93, of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, went to be with The Lord on Monday, April 16, 2018, at the Siloam Springs Regional Hospital.
Jane was born on October 7, 1924, in Colcord, Oklahoma, to Floy Edgar Howerton and Thelma Keith Howerton Barney. In 1943, she married Donald Mickel and shared a wonderful, loving 63 years with him until he passed. Jane was the first female employee at Franklin Electric in 1965. She retired in 1986 as the first female salaried employee. Jane will be remembered as a loving wife and a homemaker for her family.
She is survived by three Daughters, Sandy Martin of Siloam Springs, Debra Brown of Siloam Springs, and Bevra Mickel of Tulsa, Oklahoma; one son, Gary Mickel and wife Marilyn of Siloam Springs; one brother, James and wife Jean Howerton of Reno, Nevada; one sister, Velva Ezell of Kansas, Oklahoma; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many other loved ones.
The Funeral Service for Jane was held on Thursday, April 19, 2018, at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church with a reception following in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, with Pastor Steve Abbott officiating the service. Burial was held privately. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Jane Mickel Scholarship at Camp Siloam Springs, Arkansas. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.backstrom-pyeatte.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Carol Lou Weber
Carol Lou Weber, 83, of Decatur, Ark., died April 19, 2018, at Circle of Life Hospice at Legacy Village in Bentonville, Ark.
She was born Aug. 26, 1934, in Fremont, Ohio, to Donald Cress and Ardella Folk Cress. She married James “Jim” Weber on March 24, 1951, in Fremont. They moved from Ohio to Alaska, then to California and to Arkansas.
She was preceded in death by one brother.
Survivors include her husband; three daughters, Angela Stewart and husband Keith of Decatur, Cindy Atwood and husband Tim of Wasilla, Alaska, and Jody Usher and husband Terry of Lincoln, Calif.; a son, James Weber Jr. of Decatur; 10 grandchildren; and 24 greatgrandchildren.
Visitation will be 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 22, 2018, at Wasson Funeral Home in Siloam Springs, Ark.
Funeral services will be noon Monday, April 23, 2018, at Wasson Memorial Chapel in Siloam Springs. Burial will follow at Fayetteville National Cemetery in Fayetteville, Ark.
An online guest book is available at www.wassonfuneralhome.com.
Wasson Funeral Home of Siloam Springs is in charge of arrangements.