Obituaries

Pulaski County

VIRGINIA McGRUDER REED CAMPBELL of Little Rock, Ark., born January 20, 1927 passed October 17, 2015. Survived by six children, Joseph (Gloria) Campbell, Freddie Lee (Jerlene) Campbell, Sharon Davis, Mamie Mills, Vevlon Campbell and Alecia Campbell; 20 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Visitation: Saturday, October 24, 2015, 12-4 p.m. Gunn Funeral Home. Services: Monday, October 26, 2015 11 a.m. Gunn Funeral Home. Arrangements Gunn Funeral Home, 4323 West 29th, Little Rock, Ark. 72204 (501) 6604323.

––––– ––––– JOHN RIDGEWAY “JOHNNY” FLETCHER, 75, of Little Rock, loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend, died Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at UAMS in Little Rock. Born February 19, 1940 in St. Louis, Mo., he was the son of the late William Ridgeway Fletcher and Dorothy (Comer) Fletcher Cole.

John was six months old when he moved with his parents to Bauxite, Ark., a company town where everyone knew one another. He described his childhood as idyllic, playing from dawn to dusk with cherished friends. John graduated from Bauxite High School in 1958.

John began his college career at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in the fall of 1958 where he studied architecture and was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.

John earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1963 and upon graduation began a successful architecture career that he enjoyed for over 50 years. He worked for prominent Little Rock architects Bruce Anderson and Nolan Blass before joining Fletcher Miller Dean Architects in the early 1970’s.

In 1981, John founded The Fletcher Firm Architects in Little Rock, which he owned and managed until his retirement in 2012. The firm was responsible for the design of hundreds of elderly healthcare and rehabilitation facilities throughout the United States for many of the country’s top healthcare providers.

John was an active member of the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Board. He was appointed by then-Governor David Pryor as a board member to the Arkansas State Board of Architects.

A longstanding supporter of the University of Arkansas, John and his wife recently established the John R. and Judy W. Fletcher Endowed Scholarship, awarded annually to a U of A Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design student with high academic standards and demonstrated academic promise.

John was an avid horseracing fan. He and his wife Judy traveled all over the country watching the ponies run but especially at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs and at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. He owned several horses over the years and his stable was called Round Table Stable, named for the table where he and his friends laughed and told stories for over 35 years at the Country Club of Little Rock. In addition, John enjoyed playing tennis, hunting, listening to music, watching football and participating in float trips at the Kings River with friends and family.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Judy Waddell Fletcher; two daughters, Karen Fletcher Malloy (Mike) of Atlanta, Ga., and Kristin Fletcher Litzinger (Steve) of Fayetteville; a son, William Ridgeway Fletcher of Little Rock; one sister, Gail Fletcher Kinney (Ragon) of Albuquerque, N.M.; seven grandchildren, Fletcher, Ashby and Katie Malloy of Atlanta, Ga., Alex and Ridgeway Fletcher of Little Rock, and William and Grace Litzinger of Fayetteville, Ark.; two nephews, Ragon and Mark Kinney; and trusted business partner and friend, Greg Steinbeck. The family wishes to express appreciation to John’s caregivers, Robert Brikha and James Towns, as well as his devoted physicians.

Memorial donations may be made to one of the following organizations: University of Arkansas Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, 120 Vol Walker Hall, Fayetteville, Ark. 72701, ATTN: Development; Arkansas Arts Center, P.O. Box 2137, Little Rock, Ark. 72203-2137; or UAMS Foundation, Stop Alzheimer’s, Reynolds Institute on Aging #748, 4391 W. Markham, Little Rock, Ark. 72205.

Friends and family are invited to a celebration of John’s life to be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Little Rock with the Rev. Dr. Christoph Keller III officiating. A reception will be held after the service in Morrison Hall. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home of Little Rock. To sign the online register visit www.ruebelfuneralhome. com.

––––– ––––– MARCELLA STOUGH GOODWIN of Little Rock died unexpectedly October 19, 2015. She was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma on March 8, 1931. Along with her parents she moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas where she graduated from high school. Marcella attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri before transferring to Hendrix College. It was at Hendrix that she met and married her husband of 49 years; Perry C. Goodwin.

Predeceased include her husband Perry and only son, Tommy Goodwin. Marcella is survived by her daughter, Liz Wright of Little Rock, three grandsons, Birch Wright (Rebecca), Trey Wright (Tamara) and Hunter (JC) Goodwin and six great-grandchildren: Madison, Parker, Caroline, and Savannah Wright; Hunter Goodwin and Devin Shaw.

Burial service will be Thursday at 11 a.m. in Little Rock National Cemetery followed by a memorial service at Westover Hills Presbyterian Church, officiated by Rev. Frank LeBlanc. In lieu of flowers, due to her love of fishing memorials may be made to Lakeside, Ferguson Lake Restoration, P.O. Box 1251, Little Rock, Ark. 72203 or to Westover Hills Presbyterian Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www. ruebelfuneralhome.com.

––––– ––––– MARION L. (M.L.) GORDON’S being departed this earth on Tuesday, October 20, 2015. Left to miss him and cherish his memory is his wife Judith (Judi) of 48 years; daughter, Shelly and husband Kyle Shipley in McKinney, Texas and daughter, Tracy Charles Smith and husband Rick Smith, in Fairbanks, Alaska, and grandchildren, Dylan Shipley, Sailor Shipley, Ridge Smith and Rory Smith. M.L. is also survived by three sisters and two brothers; Doyle Gordon, Linda Womack, Alfred Gordon Jr.; Cathy Faulkner and Sharon and husband Oren Davis all of Perry County and numerous nieces and nephews and other family members. Also left to remember him is his close friend A.B. Hundley.

M.L. loved his brothers and sisters and in his later years looked forward to frequently fishing, playing cards or dominoes with his family. M.L. was born on November 8, 1935 in Casa, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by father Alfred A. Gordon and mother Ova Gordon and one sister Irma Otto.

After working in Chicago, Kansas City, Oklahoma City and serving in the U.S. Army, M.L. finally settled in Arkansas and worked in the construction field. He later started his own company beginning with a truck and tools he received as severance pay from his employers. M.L., with Judi, incorporated their business and operated as family owned commercial construction company specializing in metal buildings for 28 years. His company was an active member of the Associated Builders and Contractors for many years. He retired from construction in 1997 but continued to work part time managing family owned property. In his retirement he enjoyed working around his home and property, clearing and cutting trees and growing tomatoes. He also learned to enjoy traveling and was able to make several memorable trips in the United States and abroad.

M.L. loved his wife and daughters and other family and was delighted to be a grandfather. M.L was an all-around good man you could admire and depend on. He also enjoyed living in Little Rock and knowing so many people he considered his friends. However, his first love was the gasoline powered engine! He was also a great handyman and could fix or repair just about anything he wanted. Those interests and talent led him to a 34 year hobby of collecting, restoring, showing and talking about classic antique cars. He was an active member and past President of Arkansas Travelers Antique Automobile Club. The annual car show at Petit Jean Mountain was a high point of his year and he never missed attending and taking part in the event, since joining the car club in 1982.

Flowers or a memorial in his honor may be made to the Museum of Automobiles on Petit Jean Mountain at 8 Jones Lane, Petit Jean Mountain, Morrilton, Arkansas 72110. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m., Friday, October 23, 2015 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. 72211 (501) 224-8300, followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m.

Pallbearers will be: Scott Womack, Kenny Womack, Bryce Madden, Doyle Gordon, Keith Davis and Allen Faulkner. Honorary pallbearers will be: Rickey Gordon, Randell Gordon, Jason Jordan and Tommy Gibson. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

––––– ––––– TOMMY HALBROOK JR., 56, of North Little Rock passed away on October 17, 2015. He was born on September 3, 1959 in North Little Rock to the late Tommy Halbrook Sr. and Ila Halbrook.

He is preceded in death by two brothers, Earl Johnson and William Halbrook. Tommy is survived by his children, Tommy Halbrook III and Timmy Joe Cole; two grandchildren, Hayden Dwayne Cole and Chaise Wesley Cole; siblings, Lois North, Jimmy Halbrook, and Billy Halbrook; brother-in-law, Bill Copeland and many nieces and nephews. Tommy loved working on hot rods but more importantly he loved his family dearly.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.

––––– ––––– Deacon KIRKE L. HERMAN of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away on October 18, 2015. His passing was tranquil, serene, and cloaked in the love of family at his bedside. Shortly before his passing he received the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick in the Catholic tradition, the family prayed a rosary and he received the Apostolic Pardon. This was a blessed tradition for a man whose devotion to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, family, friends, and his community were incomparable. His story begins with his family; he was born on September 23, 1928 in Mobile, Alabama to Alex Herman and Inez Hill Herman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his lovely wife Pearl, his daughter Debby, and his son Michael. He is survived by his two sons, Kirke “Rocky” (Teresa) Herman of Little Rock, Ark. and Alex “Tank” (Dianne) Herman of Sugar Land, Texas; one sister, Alexis Herman of Alexandira, Va.; and a daughter-inlaw, Johnnie M. Herman of Denver, Colo. Deacon Herman was also grandfather to Jon-Michael Herman of Little Rock, Ark., Rafanee Herman of Atlanta, Ga., Rita Baldwin of New York, N.Y., as well as Gavin Herman and Jeremiah Herman of Little Rock, Ark. Deacon Herman is also survived by his great-grandson, Keaton Herman of Little Rock, Ark., and great-granddaughters, Taylor and Tamika Henry of El Paso, Texas.

Deacon Herman was a lifelong member of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church. He attended The Most Pure Heart of Mary School in Mobile, Ala., and went on to graduate from Xavier University in New Orleans, La. There he was known as the “Mobile Magician” as a star running back for the Xavier Gold Rush Football Team from 1949 through 1951. It was also at Xavier that he met the love of his life, Pearl LeMay. They were married August 6, 1951 in New Orleans, La. Deacon Herman was an educator at Jones High School in North Little Rock, where he was a coach and teacher. He went on to be an administrator for the Economic Opportunity Agency; he served for a number of years in the Arkansas General Assembly as a Senate Sergeant at Arms. And for many years he worked with the John Walker Law Firm. Deacon Herman was actively involved in the political process and voter advocacy in Arkansas. He was a man of a strong and a pure faith, compassion, and immeasurable love for his family and community. His faith and commitment to Jesus Christ and his church were demonstrated in his commitment to be ordained one of the first of two African American Permanent Deacons of the Catholic Diocese of Little Rock (State of Arkansas). For many years he was a Bible Study leader at St. Bartholomew, as well as an RCIA Instructor, a founding member of the Little Rock Service Organization The Imperials Inc. Social Club, and a Knight of Peter Claver. He received numerous awards throughout his life for his contributions to making his church and community a better place. A special thank you to sister-in-law, Pam Mercer, “Uncle” Bruce and Jeanette Swinton, and Sarah Robinson. Deacon Herman loved all kinds of sports and enjoyed the entertainment provided by Oaklawn Park. Many friends will miss his kind words of wisdom, his warm smile, and of course his famous gumbo.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday (today) at the Cathedral of St. Andrew, 7th and Louisiana, Little Rock with the Rev. Anthony Taylor, Bishop of Little Rock and Father Warren Harvey, Celebrants. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Bartholomew Men’s Scholarship Fund, 1622 Marshall St., Little Rock, Ark. 72202 .To sign the online guestbook, go to www. griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.

––––– ––––– IVRIA JOHNSON JR., 70, devoted and loving father to many, passed away Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015 in Little Rock, Ark., after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s. He was born on August 25, 1945, in Brinkley, Ark. Ivria was preceded in death by his parents, Ivria Johnson Sr. and Lizzie Shelton Johnson; sister, Brenda and brother, Evirt. He was baptized and attended James Addition Baptist Church in Cotton Plant, Ark.

Ivria received his B.S. in Biology from Philander Smith College and his Masters of Education from UALR. Ivria retired from the Navy Reserve in 2005 after 20 plus years. While in the Navy, he received the National Defense Service Medal w/Device. His career as a science teacher was a highlight of his life. He retired from Mann Magnet (LRSD) in 2012 after 30 years. His love for young people was the reason he founded Strategic. Empowerment thru Social Planning. He wanted to empower others. Ivria held many positions/jobs but his first love was teaching.

Ivria’s gentle demeanor and humble spirit will be remembered and cherished by his son, Ivria III; daughters, Crystal and Cicily; grandsons, Michael, Tarique, Ivria IV, Micah and Kinnon; sisters, Latricia (Dwight) and Vernoica (Daniel); aunts, Artelia and Marie; many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

Family hour for Ivria will be held Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, 6-7 p.m. at St. John Baptist Church, 26th and Main, Little Rock, Ark., and the celebration of life program will be held Friday, Oct. 23, 2015, 11 a.m. at St. John Baptist Church. Services entrusted to Willis Funeral Home of McGehee, Ark., and Watson Northcrest Funeral Home, 1801 Maple St. North Little Rock, Ark. 72114. (501) 812-5303.

––––– ––––– Dr. FRED J. KITTLER, 83, of Little Rock, Ark., died Oct. 18, 2015. A native of Shreveport, La., he was the son of the late Frederick Kittler and Marjorie Sill Kittler.

He was a graduate of St. John’s High School (1950) where his list of honors included accolades in the areas of choral music, piano, theater, debate, and as Editor of “The Flyer”. He then attended Spring Hill College of Mobile, Ala., from 1950 through 1953, graduating Magna Cum Laude. From there, he attended Louisiana State University where he was editor of the “Tiger Rag,” graduating with his Medical degree in 1957. It was during his time in medical school that he met his best friend and lifelong companion, Catherine Lutz. They were married in July of 1957 and remained inseparable throughout their lives. He concluded an internship at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, La., and his residency in Pediatrics in Portland, Ore., where his son, Fred, was born. He then located his family to Little Rock, Ark., where his daughter, Karen, was born. At that time, he went into private practice at the then Arkansas Allergy Clinic located on Capitol Ave. He continued practicing for 40 years until his retirement in what became the Arkansas Allergy & Asthma Clinic. There he touched the lives of many individuals around the state with his calm, gentle manner, and always wearing a smile or telling jokes. Often, when he could not be located in the office, he would be found on the floor of the shot room playing blocks with one of his younger patients.

In 1969 he was offered a ride on a sailboat which began one of Fred’s lifelong passions — sailing. He joined the Grande Maumelle Sailing Club and began sailing and competing both locally and nationally. He fostered this love of the sport by taking countless people out on his boats so that they, too, could enjoy the beauty of sailing on Lake Maumelle. Throughout his years as a member, Fred (Phast Phred) served twice as the Commodore of GMSC and maintained a monthly column for over 40 years chronicling the Club’s growing history in “The Mainsheet”, the sailing club newsletter.

In 1978, Fred made his first solo flight, received his pilot’s license and started flying. He continued to fly privately for over 25 years for pleasure and making visits to the Allergy Clinic’s ‘satellite’ offices around the state.

He was a member of the Alan Cazort Allergy Society of Arkansas of which he also served as president. Fred also held membership in the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, the American College of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, the Pulaski County Medical Society, the Arkansas Medical Society, and the American Medical Association, and was a professor on the staff at UAMS. He was a longtime member of Kiwanis and worked to help support the Pfeifer Kiwanis Camp.

Fred was a member of Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church where he served as lector, cantor, and as a Eucharistic minister. He was a longstanding choir member and stayed active musically throughout his time in the church. He was also a member of the Serra Club.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Catherine Lutz Kittler. He is survived by his sister, Dr. Marjorie Cynthia Kittler; his son, Fred J. Kittler, Jr. (Christi); daughter, Dr. Karen Kittler Hunter (Scott); and grandchildren,

Brandon J. Kittler and Jessica L. Hunter. He is also survived by his aunt, Emily Kittler; cousins, Rosalie Thrillkill, Elaine Forrest Petrick, Robert C. Forrest, Jr., and Raymond Kittler; and his blended family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Rosary is on Friday Oct. 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church, 1003 N. Tyler, Little Rock, followed by visitation from 6-7 p.m. at the church. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Erik Pohlmeier on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church, followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Memory of Fred Kittler to Alzheimer’s Arkansas, 201 Markham Center Dr., Little Rock, Ark. 72205 (1-800-689-6090) or the Pfeifer Kiwanis Camp, 5512 Ferndale Cutoff, Little Rock, Ark. 72223. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., Little Rock, (501) 224-2200. Dr. Kittler’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

––––– ––––– ROBERT EARL LONDON JR. of North Little Rock, born February 7, 1977 passed October 18, 2015. Services Saturday October 24, 2015, 11 a.m. Gunn Funeral Home. Arrangements Gunn Funeral Home 4323 West 29th Little Rock, Ark. 72204. (501) 660-4323.

––––– ––––– CELIA ELIZABETH (BIG MAMA) SHEARD, 84, departed this life on October 15, 2015. She was born on December 22, 1930 to Rev. Clayborn and Elizabeth Peoples in Coahoma, Mississippi.

She was preceded in death by James Sheard, her husband of 64 years, daughters, Lucille Sheard, and Laverne Sheard Britton, and sons, James Sheard, Jr. and James Maurice Sheard. She is survived by one brother, Lemuel Peoples, and three sisters, Ora Bee Phipps, Dora Jones and Frances Smiley. She is also survived by one son, Michael Sheard, and seven daughters, Lena (Ronald) McCullum, Bernice Bush, Bettie (Wallace) Blunt, Dora (Roosevelt) Noise, Angie Carter, Angela (Paul) Noid and Nikia Sheard, nineteen grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Big Mama’s house was always a place of love and comfort for all who knew and loved her. All of her loved ones knew of her love for the Lord, and her expressed desire to meet him in her many daily recitations of words from an old song by Walter Brennan. She would say “One of these days I’m going to climb that mountain and walk up there among those clouds.”

A Celebration of her life and “climbing that mountain and walking up there among the clouds” will be held on Saturday, October 24, at 11 a.m. and Family Hour will be held on Friday October 23, from 6 to 7 p.m. both services at St. John Missionary Baptist Church 2501 South Main Street, Little Rock. Services entrusted to Premier Funeral Home, 1518 S. Battery St., Little Rock, Ark. 72202.

––––– ––––– PAULINE SMITH, 96, of Little Rock, formerly of Cotton Plant died Thursday October 15 at St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center in Little Rock. Three sons, six daughters, a sister, 11 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, six gre a t - gre a t - grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends survive her. Visitation will be held Friday evening October 23 from 6 until 8 p.m. at Branscumb Funeral Home Chapel, 911 North Main Street in Brinkley. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 24 at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church James Addition, 178 West McGowan Street in Cotton Plant. Interment will take place at Ash Grove Cemetery by Branscumb Funeral Home of Brinkley. (870) 734-2772. branscumbfuneralhome1928@ & Facebook: Branscumb Funeral Home.

––––– ––––– Loving wife, sister, daughter and aunt, ALLYCE PARKS RICE TWEDT, died suddenly Saturday night, October 17, 2015. Visitation will be this evening, Thursday, October 22 from 5-7 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). Services will be Friday, October 23 at 2 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2223 Durwood Rd., Little Rock. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Allyce’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

––––– ––––– KATHRYN JEAN WALKER of Jacksonville, Ark., born February 11, 1955 passed October 18, 2015. Survived by four children, Marty Walker, Keadron Walker, James (Brandi) Jordan, Micheal Jordan; one brother, Micheal Stevens and five grandchildren. Family hour: Friday, October 23, 2015, 6-8 p.m. Gunn Funeral Home. Services: Saturday, October 24, 2015 11 a.m. Longley Baptist Church, 9900 Geyer Springs Road, Little Rock. Arrangements: Gunn Funeral Home, 4323 West 29th, Little Rock, Ark. 72204 (501) 660-4323.

Arkansas

ALEXANDER — Robert Newton Brown, 63, of Alexander, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2015. He was born June 15, 1952, In Indianapolis, Indiana, to Amos and Betty Rogers Brown. Celebration of Life Saturday, October 24, 2015, at 3 p.m. For location information please contact the family. Online guest book visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.

––––– ––––– AMAGON — Charles Andrew “Andy” Crisher, 79, of Amagon departed this life Monday, October 19, 2015. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday, October 23, 2015, at Pennington Church of Christ. Burial will be in Pennington Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, October 22, 2015. Arrangements by Dillinger Funeral Home. www.dillingerfuneralhome.com.

––––– ––––– AUGUSTA — Doris Jean Jackson-Lockhart, 52, of Augusta, died Monday, October 12 at White County Medical Center in Searcy. Her husband, David Lockhart, two daughters, her father, three brothers, four sisters, eight grandchildren and a host of other relatives survive her. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 24 at 2 p.m. at Northside Church of Christ, 1206 Rightaway Road in Augusta. Interment will take place at New Quiet Cemetery by Branscumb Funeral Home of Brinkley. (870) 734-2772. branscumbfuneralhome1928@yahoo.com and Facebook: Branscumb Funeral Home.

––––– ––––– BATESVILLE — Sylvia Elizabeth Reynolds Johnson, 77, of Batesville died Sunday in Georgia. She was a 1956 graduate of Batesville High School and retired with White-Rodgers. Survivors: brother, Van Reynolds. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Cushman by Roller-Crouch Funeral Home. No visitation. www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/batesville.

––––– ––––– BENTON — Anita Dove, age 47, of Benton, passed away Monday, October 19, 2015. She was born March 28, 1968. Anita was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Sharp Melson; father, Floyd Melson; and a sister, Debra Melson. She is survived by her husband, Richard Dove, Sr.; son, Richard Dove, Jr.; daughter, Amber Hamilton and husband Justin; two granddaughters, Nevaeh Dove and Aubrey Hamilton; and three brothers, Terry Melson and wife Paula, Michael Melson and Floyd Melson. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 22 at the Church of God on Richards Street in Benton. Memorial services will be 3 p.m. Friday, October 23 at the Church of God on Richards Street. On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.

––––– ––––– CABOT — Eric Allan O’Bryan, 31, of Cabot, departed this life on Sunday, October 18, 2015. He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on September 19, 1984, to Joe O’Bryan and Sandy Barnett O’Bryan. Eric served two tours in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon his return, he served with the Arkansas National Guard. He enjoyed music and playing the guitar.

Eric is survived by his wife, Cassidie O’Bryan, of Cabot; father, Joe O’Bryan; mother, Sandy O’Bryan, both of Cabot; sisters, Jessica Wallace, of Little Rock, and Stephanie O’Bryan, of Apple Valley, California; paternal grandfather, Harold O’Bryan, of Cabot; nephew, Ian Wallace; and niece, Mia Wallace, both of Little Rock.

Funeral service will be Friday, October 23, 2015, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home, with interment following at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, October 22, from 6-8 p.m. Please sign the online guestbook at www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com. Arrangements under the direction of Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home (501) 843-5816.

––––– ––––– CALICO ROCK — Marilyn Sue Guy, 68, of Calico Rock died October 19, 2015, in Mountain Home. Sue is survived by two sons, one daughter, one brother and nine grandchildren. Funeral will be 2 p.m. October 23, 2015, at Conner-Hankins Funeral Home & Cremation Center Chapel. Online guestbook and obituary at www.conner-hankinsfuneralhome.

––––– ––––– CAMDEN — Perry Ford Beaver, age 86, of Camden, Arkansas, died October 20, 2015. Visitation will be Thursday, 6-8 p.m. at Proctor Funeral Home. Funeral will be Friday, October 23 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with interment at Memorial Park Cemetery in Camden, Arkansas. To sign the online guest register, visit www.proctorfuneralhome.com.

––––– ––––– CLARENDON — Steve T. Hickman, 73, went home on October 17, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Linda Hickman. Visitation will be 12 noon, Thursday, October 22, 2015, at Clarendon FUMC, with graveside service at 2 p.m. at Shady Grove Cemetery. Services entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. Guests may register at www.arcremation.com.

––––– ––––– CONCORD — Tommy Evans, 74, of Concord died October 16, 2015, in Batesville. He was born October 1, 1941, to Albert and Mary Martin Evans. Survivors include his daughter, Ruthie Goodwin; two brothers, John Evans, Gene Evans; two sisters Ellene Cox, Mary Rhodes. Preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Eldon Evans.

––––– ––––– CONWAY — Alvin “A.T” Thomas of Conway, Arkansas, departed life here on Earth to join His Heavenly Father on Monday, October 19th, 2015, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born on July 15th, 1944, in Conway, Arkansas, near Toadsuck at home to Murmon and Lenora Thomas. He was their only child.

He is survived by his two loving and adoring children, Herman Andre Thomas & his wife Donnalyn Thomas of Bellevue, Washington, and Felicia Lendora “Lisa” Thomas and her husband Anthony Carr, Sr. and his three grandsons: DeAndre, Christopher & Anthony, one granddaughter: Maya Ashley Thomas, and two great-grandsons, Christopher Jr., and Corvay.

Visitation tribute will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, October 23, 2015, at Griffin Leggett Conway, located at 1751 Dave Ward Drive. Funeral Services will be held at 11 p.m., Saturday, October 24, 2015 at Christ Temple Holiness Church located at 868 Willow Street in Conway with Pastor Willie L. Owens, Jr. officiating. Internment will be at Robinson Cemetery, Conway. Services entrusted to Griffin Leggett Little Rock/Conway. Please sign on-line guest book at www. griffinleggettconway.com.

––––– ––––– ELAINE — Opal Imogene Montgomery, 84, of Elaine, Ark., walked into the welcoming arms of her Savior on Saturday, October 17, 2015. She was born in Bunny, Craighead County, Arkansas, on June 17, 1931, to the late James R. Brown of Evansville, Indiana, and the late Sarah Ethel Gabbert Brown of Joplin, Missouri. She was a retired farmer and a devout Christian.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Claude Brown and James Wesley Brown and Benjamin Brown; and her sisters, Mary Brown, Emma Busby and Bessie McGinnis; and her granddaughter, Kimberly Bridges-Chudy (Dennis). She is survived by her son, James Michael Montgomery (Karen) of Elaine, Ark.; and her daughters, Sandra Bridges (Rick Cooper) of Mayflower, Ark., Shirley Nedry (Bill) of Pipe Creek, Texas, Mary Jane Montgomery of Savannah, Ga.; and grandchildren: James Robert Bridges (Crystal) of Frisco, Texas, Brandy Allison Bridges-McLaughlin (Mike) of Portola, Calif., Mickey Gawlik of Pipe Creek, Texas; and Colburn Clark of Savannah, Ga,; and great grandchildren: Ryan Baber, Caroline Coplin-Chudy, Tabitha Bridges, Dylan Bridges, Dakota Bridges, Jake McLaughlin, Kierra McLaughlin, and Maisie McLaughlin; sisters, Juanita Bynum of Memphis, Tenn., and Ruby Licata of Warrenville, Ill., and Barbara Green (Duane) of Montgomery, Ill.; 14 nephews, six nieces,15 great nephews, 19 great-nieces, 20 great-greatnephews, 16 great-great-nieces; and her loving and devoted caregiver, Regina Wood, welcomed into our family and whom she loved and considered a granddaughter, as well.

She was the very definition of perfect, unconditional love. Her strength, dignity and wisdom were invaluable gifts to all who knew her heart. Everyone who knew her was blessed. She had an extraordinary love for her family. Her life’s work was caring for others … always putting other’s needs before her own. Her amazing strength and unconditional love could cure selfdoubt, bruised knees and broken hearts. She always saw the best in everyone, showing those in pain that someone cared deeply for them. She motivated others to believe in themselves, have faith and trust in God, the power of prayer and love, to live their dreams, be happy, and never forget to have fun. Strong, wise, humorous, gentle, and charmed by the adventure and wonders in life … she carried the torch and was the light of our lives.

Her Celebration of Life will be at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, 508 East Plaza, West Helena, Ark., on Saturday, October 24, 2015, from 10 a.m. to noon, with funeral services following at 12 noon, and interment at Sunset Cemetery immediately following. Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign an online guest book at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.

––––– ––––– EL DORADO — Elizabeth Garner was called home on Tuesday, October 20, 2015. Visitation will be at Immanuel Baptist Church from 6-8 p.m. on Friday evening. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Immanuel. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors. www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

––––– ––––– LONOKE — Donald R. West passed away on October 19, 2015. He was born on April 26, 1953. Funeral Service will be Friday, October 23, 2015 at 2 p.m. with visitation from 12:30-2 p.m. all at Plum Bayou Baptist Church of Wright, Arkansas. Burial Mulberry Cemetery. Wilson Robison Funeral Home England in charge.

––––– ––––– MALVERN — Winnie Beatrice Speed, 78, of Malvern joined our Savior Jesus on October 19, 2015. Visitation: Thursday, October 22, 2015, 6-8 p.m., Atkinson Funeral Home Chapel. Services: Friday, October 23, 2015, 10 a.m., Atkinson Chapel. Burial: Damascus Cemetery. Arrangements by Atkinson Funeral Home, Malvern. Guest register: www.atkinsonfuneralhome.net.

––––– ––––– MARSHALL — Geraldine Joyce “Jerrie” Ragland, 86, of Marshall died Tuesday. Survivors: sons, Danny, Mike, Ronnie, Jackie, Fred, Joe & Jerry Don; daughter, Joyce; 18 grandchildren, seven siblings. Arrangements by Roller-Coffman/Marshall. Graveside services: 2 p.m. Thursday, October 22, Dongola Cemetery in Marshall. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ marshall.

––––– ––––– NEW DEROCHE — William “W.C.” Crow, 73, of New DeRoche passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2015. Visitation will be Saturday, October 24 from 1:30-2:30 p.m., Regency, Malvern. Funeral Service will be Saturday, October 24 at 2:30 p.m. at Regency. Burial, Prairie Bayou Cemetery. Arrangements, Regency Funeral Home. Complete obituary and guest book, regencyfuneralhome.com.

––––– ––––– NEWPORT — James “Jim” Eskew, 89, of Newport, died Saturday. Survivors: wife, Winona “Winnie”; daughters, Nina Harmon, Glenda Klippel, Debra Diane Ivie; step-daughter, Michelle Francine McRae; step-sons, Stephen, Philip, Mark, Paul, Joel Mason; grandchildren, great-grandchildren. Visitation: Thursday, 6-8 p.m. Funeral: 10 a.m. Friday, Immanuel Baptist Church. Interment: Fakes Chapel Cemetery. www.jacksonsfh.com. Arrangements: Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.

––––– ––––– NEWPORT — Buddy Gene Summers, 37, of Newport departed this life Saturday, October 17, 2015. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Thursday, October 22, 2015 at Dillinger Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Sandhill Cemetery. Visitation will be 1-2 p.m. Thursday, October 22, 2015. Arrangements by Dillinger Funeral Home. www.dillingerfuneralhome.com.

––––– ––––– PINE BLUFF — Ms. Shelia Renee Ryles, 40, of Pine Bluff passed Saturday, October 17, 2015. Her Funeral Service will be 11 a.m., Friday, October 23, 2015 at New Community Baptist Church by Pastor Glen Barnes. Interment will be in Forrest Lawn Cemetery by Brown Funeral Home. Online: www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com

––––– ––––– PRESCOTT — Mr. Robert E. Brooks, age 59, of Prescott, Arkansas, passed away October 18, 2015. No formal visitation. Memorial service: 1 p.m., October 22, 2015 at Central Baptist Church in Prescott with Bro. Perry Johnson officiating. Arrangements by Brazzel/Cornish The Funeral Home of Prescott, Eddie Brazzel, Director. Online guestbook: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com.

––––– ––––– SHERIDAN — Donald Hugh “Don” Hawkins, 76, of Sheridan, Ark., died Monday. Survivors: sons, Reid (Julie) Hawkins of Wilmington, North Carolina, Richard (Susan) Hawkins of Sheridan; sister, Corienne Varnell and (Sonny) of St. Paul, Ark.; granddaughters, Olivia and Ella Hawkins; special friend, Ann Clark of Sheridan; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and church family. Funeral: 10 a.m. Saturday, First Baptist Church, Sheridan. Burial: Tulip Cemetery. Visitation: Friday at funeral home 5-8 p.m. Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Sheridan (870) 942-1306. www.memorialgardenssheridan. com.

––––– ––––– STUTTGART — Carolyn Doepel, 80, passed away Monday. Survivors are husband, Herman Doepel; grandchildren, Heath, Chris and Nick Robertson and Kristie Eisenbrei; brothers, Robert Poll and Skip Poll; sisters, Sherry Reynolds and Margie Sanders; and five great-grandchildren. Funeral is 10 a.m. Friday at St. John’s Lutheran Church with burial in Ulm Cemetery. Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Turpin Funeral Home. www. turpin-co.com.

Out-of-state

WASHINGTON, D.C. — David Patterson Lambert, 75, of Washington, DC died of a heart incident in his sleep early on the morning of October 16th, 2015 while attending the World Food Prize in Des Moines, Iowa.

Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on December 22nd, 1939, the third son of Beverly and Rose Lambert, and raised in Holly Grove, Arkansas, David had a distinguished career in public service.

He was an internationally recognized advocate for global food and nutrition security, lecturing and traveling widely on these issues. As the principal of Lambert Associates, a Washington-based public affairs consulting firm providing strategic policy advice, he focused on global food security and child nutrition and was strongly committed to working on behalf of those vital causes.

In 1999, President Clinton appointed and the U.S. Senate confirmed David as permanent alternate representative and Foreign Agricultural Service Counselor to the U.S. Mission to the U.N. agencies. A regular member of the U.S. delegation to the U.N.’s Codex Food Safety Commission in Rome and Geneva, David represented the U.S. in numerous international forums, including the World Food Summit, and he served on Ambassador George McGovern’s humanitarian missions throughout Asia and Africa.

Prior to his diplomatic appointment, David was Senior Vice President of the New York Stock Exchange, directing all public affairs programs, both U.S. and international, with responsibility for the executive branch and the diplomatic corps in Washington. He was principal negotiator for and a delegate to the NYSE’s historic U.S.-China Symposium on Financial Markets in Beijing and met privately with Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping.

Earlier in his career he served as legislative assistant to U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas, chairman of the Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee, with responsibilities on a variety of policy issues, including agriculture, trade, and tax matters.

David served on numerous advisory boards, including the advisory council of the University of Arkansas Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and the Clinton School of Public Service. Additionally, he served in advisory roles with the Chicago Council of Global Affairs, Farm Journal Foundation, Center for Global Development, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, Winrock International, Alliance to End Hunger, Auburn University’s College of Human Sciences, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Howard University’s World Food Law Institute. He was also active in civic and charitable activities furthering the goal of ending hunger.

He was a Distinguished Fellow of Iowa State University’s Seed Science Center and a lecturer at the Catholic University of America, teaching graduate courses on global food security and hunger issues. He received a B.A. degree from the University of Arkansas and a law degree from The George Washington University.

Survivors include his son, Walker Lambert and Walker’s wife Eleanore, who David loved like a daughter, of Washington, DC, and son Taylor Lambert of Walnut Creek, Calif.; former wife, Diana Rich of Washington, DC, and brothers Beverly Lambert of Little Rock and Hayden Lambert of Nashville, Tenn.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 25th, at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, 4700 Whitehaven Parkway NW in Washington, DC.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to Iowa State Seed Science Center towards the establishment of an initiative or scholarship in David’s name. Donations can be given online at http://tinyurl.com/oed4qg8 (please select “Area of Greatest Need, and write in Seed Science Center in the notes section) and then indicate David’s name in the honorary and memorial gifts section. Alternatively, donations can be mailed to: Iowa State University Foundation, Attn: Sue Jones, 2505 University Boulevard, P.O. Box 2230 Ames, Iowa 500102230.

––––– ––––– PLANTATION, Fla. — Rev. Dr. William (Bill) John Boyd III of Plantation, Fla., formerly of Monticello, Ark. passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at Westside Regional Hospital in Plantation, Fla. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday, October 23, 2015 at Wood Avenue Presbyterian Church in Monticello. Burial with Military honors will be held in Oakland Cemetery. Memorials may be made to: Nova Southeastern University, Dept. of Family Therapy Scholarship Fund, 3301 S. University Dr., Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. 33314 or Wood Ave. Presbyterian Church, c/o Rev. Michael Garvey, 120 Ross Dr., Monticello, Ark. 71655. Arrangements are Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Online guestbook www. stephensondearman.com.

––––– ––––– MONROE, La. — Sibyl Ogden Hutts, 85, of Monroe, Louisiana died Tuesday, October 20, 2015. Funeral service: 10 a.m., Friday, Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Pinewood Memorial Park. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Thursday. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home of Hamburg. Online guest book at www.jones-hartshorn. com.

––––– ––––– REDMOND, Ore. — Cynthia Purtle Lienkaemper was born June 21, 1955 in Conway, Arkansas to the late Bill and Bobbye Purtle. She departed our midst October 2, 2015 in Oregon leaving husband, George, brother, Mark (Lynn). She graduated from CHS, UCA and UofA Law school LR. Memorial service will be Friday, October 23, 1:30 p.m. at Old Liberty Baptist Church east of Conway.