HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — Jep Thibault

loved life and tried every day to share his joy with others. He had a jolly personality, a wonderful laugh, and a sparkle in his eye. He loved being outside, playing golf, fishing, hunting, cheering for the Hogs, listening to music, being with his dogs, and cooking for others, but mostly he loved human connections. He always saw the best in others, and he never gave up hope.

Jeptha Jonson Thibault Sr., was born in El Dorado, Ark., in 1952 to Dr. Frank G. and Lillian Scott Thibault. He was the baby of the family by nine years and appropriately adored by all. He graduated from El Dorado High School and attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock where he was a Kappa Sig. In 1973, he married his high school sweetheart, Shannon Rae Hutzel as soon as the ink was dry on her El Dorado High School diploma.

Over the years, Jep worked successfully in sales in the building supplies and lived in Little Rock and Poplar Bluff before settling in Benton, Ark. There, Jep and Shannon raised two sons, Jeptha Jonson “Jon” Thibault, Jr., and Eric Andrew Thibault, whom they loved unconditionally. Jep and Shannon were married for 43 years until Shannon passed in February 2017. In September of that same year, their youngest son, Andrew, lost his life to a tragic overdose.

Throughout the sadness and grief that followed, Jep remained hopeful and encouraging. His faith in God and the compassionate humanity of others gave him strength. He found joy playing golf, fishing, grilling steaks on the deck, and spending time with his friends.

In early 2022, while engaged to Cherry Ann Moore Somers, Jep was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Later that year, they were married at Diamante Country Club on the course where they met. For two years, Jep valiantly and optimistically fought his cancer, but on February 19, 2024, he passed away at home in Hot Springs Village with his wife, Cherry by his side.

Jep was preceded in death by his parents, Frank “Doc” and Lillian Thibault; his first wife and the mother of their two sons, Shannon Thibault; his youngest son, Andrew Thibault; his sister, Lillian Scott “Dutch” Thibault of Hot Springs; and two infant siblings.

In addition to his wife Cherry, Jep is survived by his son Jeptha Thibault and wife Katelyn; his sister, Dorothy Thibault of Leesburg, Va.; his brother, Dr. Frank G. Thibault and wife Ashley of Benton; his grandson, Zach Meredith; Andrew’s beloved, Shellie Ann York of Bryant; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends that he loved like family.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton, Ark. In honor of Jep, the family encourages you to lift up those you encounter as you never know what they are battling, and remember the only way to fight hate is with LOVE!

Online guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com