Obituaries
ROBERT RICHARD “BOB” BROWN, JR.
Robert Richard “Bob” Brown, Jr., 96, of El Dorado, passed away Saturday, August 13, 2022 at the Medical Center of South Arkansas. Bob was born November 5, 1925 to Robert Richard Brown, Sr. and Carrie
May Wilson Brown in El Dorado,
AR. He was an aircraft radar mechanic in World War II and after returning home from service attended the University of Arkansas. Upon graduating he joined the United Insurance
Agency, which was founded by his father and partners in
1929. Shortly after returning to
El Dorado he met his future wife of 64 years, Joyce Byrd Brown.
They married March 9th, 1952, built a house, which they made into a loving home, and started a family.
In 1958 Bob became president and principal owner of United Insurance Agency. Working diligently, he rarely missed a day of work, until he retired at age 90. An active state and local business leader, Bob served for many years on various boards including the board of trustees at Hendrix College, the Board of First Financial Bank and former chairman of the El Dorado Airport Commission.
A man of deep personal faith, he was a lifetime member of First United Methodist Church and former chair of the administrative and finance committees, and a member of the outreach committee which aided in the establishment of St. Paul United Methodist Church.
Bob provided for his loved ones throughout his life and helped ensure their path to success through his guidance and council. Bob preferred little recognition, quietly aiding others through his generosity and time.
An eternal jokester and prankster, he loved making others laugh, often in the most unexpected ways. He was a repository of the stories and tales of El Dorado and could recount them with the utmost skill. Bob was an avid sportsman and passionate lifelong hunter. He was a devoted and caring husband and father, instilling in his children and grand-children the importance of family: a bond which will last forever and for which his family is deeply grateful. He adored his wife Joyce and dedicated himself to her care in her later years. Bob was cherished by his entire family and will be profoundly missed.
Preceding him in death are his parents; wife, Helen Joyce Byrd Brown; sister Jo Ann Brown Bushart; and son, Robert Richard “Dick” Brown III.
Survivors include his daughter, Susan Inez Brown of Little Rock, Arkansas; son, Christopher Morgan Brown of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren Jennifer Carrie Robertson, Natalie Louise Robertson, Cara Elizabeth Blaylock, Robert Richard “Rob” Brown, IV.
The family would like to express its gratitude to CNA Veronica Bailey for her devotion to the care of Bob which allowed him to remain at home and continue to do the things he loved.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Saturday, August 20, 2022 at Young’s.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, August 21, 2022 at the First United Methodist Church with Dr. David Bush officiating. A private burial will be under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors. Condolences can be expressed online at www. youngsfuneralhome.com Memorials may be made in honor of Bob Brown by donating to the Arkansas Children’s Foundation 11 Children’s Way, Slot 661 Little Rock, AR 72202 https://www. archildrens.org/giving/ . Bob honored his wife Joyce in 2017 through the expansion of the Arkansas Children’s dental outreach program and establishment of a successful home visitation program for new mothers in Union County. Donations will assist in the continued success of these programs.
SALLY JANE NOLAN
Memorial services for Sally Jane Nolan, 66, are Saturday, August 20th, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Blanchard Springs Baptist Church in Junction City under the direction of Farrar Funeral Home of Farmerville, La.
Sally Jane Nolan was a member of Blanchard Springs Baptist Church. She enjoyed flower gardening and was a caregiver to many. Sally loved her family and taking care of her friends. During her life time she dedicated her life to taking care of her mother and her late husband. Sally retired from Milbank Manufacturing Company where she worked on the assembly line for electrical products.
Sally is preceded in death by her husband Teddy L. Nolan, her parents Troy Lee and Eunice Ledbetter Smith and her brother Kenneth Joe Smith.
She is survived by her two sons Ben Allen Thurmon and Patrick Wayne Nolan, her grandson Luke Allen Thurmon, four sisters Betty Ann Weaver (DC Manning), Francis Dison, Frankie Rowland (Danny) and Kay Dison, two brothers Jessie Lee Smith and David Lee Smith (Kathy).
A host of nieces and nephews, friends and relatives. Online condolences may be left at www.farrarfuneralhomeonline.com.
DAN W CRAWFORD
Dan W Crawford, of El Dorado, died Tuesday, August 16, 2022, following a long illness. He was born September 22, 1929, near El Dorado, Arkansas, to Joe L. and Jimmie Hays Crawford.
Dan grew up in El Dorado and graduated from El Dorado High
School (EHS) in 1947. After graduation he worked at Woolworth in El Dorado before becoming employed by the Post Office.
In 1951 he was drafted into the
US Army where he served most of his tour in New Jersey. In his eyes, the only good thing about that posting was that it allowed him to attend major league baseball games. After leaving the Army, he seldom left El Dorado again. The family joked that he felt he needed a passport to leave Union County.
Following his service time, he quickly resumed his employment with the Post Office and “carried the mail” until 1986 when he hung his mail sack up for good. The last few years of his Postal service, he carried “City 1”, delivering mail to most of the downtown offices, businesses and homes. He enjoyed his daily visits with his many friends in the downtown area.
Dan was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church and a very active in the Francis Asbury Sunday School class prior to his illness. With his uncle, also Dan Crawford, he was a founding member of the Yocum Deer Camp near Lisbon, and an avid deer hunter, especially during the days when he could run his beloved Walker Hounds.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Sam Hays Crawford, and his favorite Walker Hound, Murline. He is survived by his sister, Mary Jo Crawford, his nieces, Sammye Crawford of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Connie Ehlmann (Jim) of Camden, Arkansas, his nephew Chris Crawford (Andy) of El Dorado. Also surviving him are a great-niece, Hannah Black (Tanner) of El Dorado, and two great-nephews, Jay Ehlmann of Royal Oak, Michigan, and Samuel Ehlmann of Austin, Texas.
Visitation will be held Sunday, August 21, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Young’s Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 22, 2022, at First United Methodist Church, Dr. David Bush officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 201 S Hill, El Dorado, Arkansas 71730 or the John R. Williamson Hospice House, 2301 Champagnolle Road, El Dorado, Arkansas 71730.
Condolences can be made online a www.youngsfuneralhome. com
ETTA CLAUDINE OWEN OWENS
Etta Claudine Owen Owens, two days away from her 95th birthday, died Aug. 9, 2022, at her residence at Presbyterian Village. Claudine was born in Three Creeks, Arkansas, the daughter of John Edgar Owen and Alcie Jane Hanry Owen. She was one of 14 children, including 3 half-brothers, and graduated from Junction City High School, where she lettered in basketball.
Claudine and her husband,
John Lee Owens, made their home in El Dorado, where she was a hairdresser and owned the Powder Puff Beauty Shop.
She moved to Little Rock a little over a year ago to be closer to her children.
Along with her family,
Westside Baptist Church was central to Claudine’s life, and she volunteered many hours there, offering her celebrated cooking skills and working in the office. In her free time, she also loved a good game: She was a whiz at canasta and dominoes, played Scrabble online with her grandson Jackson in Seattle and Bingo at Presbyterian Village, which she was always delighted to win.
Claudine was predeceased by her husband and all but one sibling, Betty Murphree of El Dorado. She is survived by her son, Douglas Owens, and his wife, Dennie Compton; her daughter, Marian Berry, and her husband, Craig; and her grandchildren John Owens, Rebecca Berry and Jackson Berry, all of whom she adored and was adored by.
Claudine was funny, big-hearted, fair-minded and plain-speaking, which made her a favorite among her children’s friends and all who came to know her. She will be sorely missed.
A celebration of life will be Monday, Aug. 22 at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Little Rock. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. the same day at Hopewell Cemetery near El Dorado. Memorials may be made to the Presbyterian Village Foundation or Westside Baptist Church in El Dorado. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome. com
ESSIE MAE JONES
Essie Mae Jones was born to Jim and Eolion Hughes on March 23rd, 1941.
She loved fishing, having all her children over, and having a good time. She opened her home to anyone that needed a place to stay. She was known for cooking her Sunday dinner every Sunday. Even though her health began to decline, she determined to prepare her famous meals on Sunday.
She is preceded in death by her husband, John Howard Jones, Jr. Her parents Jim and Eolion Hughes. One son Lavon Perry, one daughter Mary Jones and two grandsons: Anthony Jones and Jactavis Williams.
Essie’s memories will be cherished by her three sons: Eddie Perry of Huttig, Michael Perry, and Gerome (Queen) Perry, both of El Dorado. Two daughters: Felicia Jones of El Dorado and Latonya Washington (Erik) of Lawson. She has 20 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 17 great-great children. She has a host of aunts, uncles, relatives, and friends that will miss her dearly.
Walkthrough Visitation Friday August 19, 2022, from 1:00p.m. 5:00p.m. at Sims Mortuary. Graveside Service Saturday, August 20, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Lott Burgy Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at www.simsmortuary.com
IDA MAE GRAY MCDUFFIE
Ida Mae Gray was born on February 13, 1948, to the union of L.B. “Buster” Gray and Minnie Ree Jones-Gray in Sacramento, California. She departed on Friday, August 5, 2022.
Ida accepted Christ at an early age; as an adult, she united with St. James Missionary Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, L.B. and Minnie Ree Gray. Three brothers, L.B. Gray Jr., Horace, and Loyace Gray. Two sisters, Garland M. Lowery, and Elise Fuller.
Ida leaves to cherish her memories; her daughter Yolanda Gray-Brown (Aubrey) of Cincinnati, Ohio. Ida was fortunate to raise two of her grandchildren, Evelyn Gray and Josh Logan. She also leaves to cherish three sisters and one brother. Geneva Benford and Minnie Gray, both of Minneapolis, Mn. Velmarie Johnson of Kansas City, Missouri, and Nathaniel Pierce of Strong, AR. She also leaves two other grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews and cousins, and a special friend Tony McDuffie.
Graveside Service Saturday, August 20, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Batts Chapel Cemetery Huttig, AR, under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at www.simsmortuary.com
CLARA “LOUISE” POWELL
Clara “Louise” Powell, 82, of El Dorado, AR passed away, Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at the John R. Williamson Hospice House in El Dorado, AR.
Louise was born April 7, 1940 in Lillie, LA to Clara Adell Miller and Preston Wilson Powell.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her son-in-law, Barry Rogers, and brother-in-law, Donald Adcock
Survivors include her three children, Angella Kay Sandford and husband Tom, Stacey Ann Rogers, Tracy Ragen Bulloch and wife Stacey, her siblings, JoAnn Adcock, Donna Brown and husband Konrad, William Paul Miller and wife Maryann, Robert “Bobby” Ray Miller, ten grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Saturday, August 20, 2022 at the Bailey Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, August 21, 2022 at the First Assembly of God Church in El Dorado, AR with Rev. Daniel Egger and Rev. Greg Tucker officiating. Interment will be in the Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home of El Dorado, AR.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the First Assembly of God Church or Charity of the donor’s choice.
Please visit www.baileyfuneralhome.net to sign the online register book.
NATHAN LAMONT RAINEY, JR
Nathan Lamont Rainey, Jr, was born July 15, 1993, to Nathan and Demetria Rainey, Sr.
On August 21, 2017, God blessed Nate and Ta’Keisha (Bebe) Champion with the arrival of his heart in human form, Kingston Amari Rainey.
Nate answered the call to return home and transitioned from life on August 6, 2022. He was preceded in death by his brother, Deddrick Williams, two uncles, Wendell Jamar Miller and Shaun Gatson, and Maternal- grandfather, Javan “Dutch” Williams.
He leaves forever cherished memories to his son, Kingston Amari Rainey ( Brittany Champion), his mother and father, Nathan & Demetria Rainey, Sr; four sisters, Monique Greer, Jalisa Williams, Natrecia Rainey, and Ty’Isha Agans (David); three brothers, Ricco Rainey Jr, Derrick Ford, and Shaquille (Bobo) Kimble; his Maternal grandmother, Maolla (Pat) Mitchell; His Paternal grandmother Evelyn Carrol (Kenneth), paternal grandfather Nathan Rainey; and his brothers from another mother, Cortez Holloway and Kodi Harris.
Walkthrough Visitation Friday, August 19, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Sims Mortuary, Funeral Service Saturday, August 20, 2022, at 2:30 p.m. at Greater Paradise M.B.C., interment at Mt. Calvary M.B.C. Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at www.simsmortuary.com
BARBARA ANNE REUTER
Barbara Anne Reuter (nee Parker), passed away Monday, August 1, 2022. She was the beloved wife of Steven Reuter; dearest mother of Peter (Alexis) Lawless, and Madison Reuter; dear grandmother of Bruno Lawless; loving daughter of George Parker and the late Clare Parker; sister of Beth (Michael) Varley. Other survivors include loving nieces Amber (Justin) Foshee, Summer Varley; uncle Tim (Conni) Parker; aunt Betty (Don) Wilkinson; brother-in-law Mark (Diane) Reuter; sistersin-law Ann (Robert) Bradford and Kathy Murzyn; a dear aunt, cousins and many friends.
Barb grew up in El Dorado, Arkansas and graduated in 1979 from El Dorado High School. While in school, she was involved in choir and was a majorette in the marching band. She attended Hendrix College and the University of Arkansas. Barb was an outstanding legal secretary for 25 years. She served for a time on the City of Manchester (Missouri) Zoning Board of Adjustment and worked for several years with the Manchester Homecoming Committee. When not taking care of her family, she enjoyed gardening, music, and reading. She had a love of dogs and horses, especially “Deacon,” the horse she cared for as a teenager. During her fight against cancer, Barb was able to find joy in holding her new grandson, Bruno.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, August 20, 2022, at 1 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in El Dorado. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall of the church. A brief burial service will then be held at Arlington Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society.
ROY LYNN SMITH
Roy Lynn Smith age 63 of Jersey, AR died Tuesday, August 16th, 2022 at his home near Moro Bay, AR. He was born June 27, 1959 in Warren, AR a son of the late Roy Smith and Etta Hogue Smith. Roy Lynn was a welder by trade and worked for Milam Construction Company in El Dorado, AR. He loved and enjoyed fishing on the Ouachita River his whole life and going hog hunting as well. Roy Lynn is proceeded in death by brothers Jearl Smith and Herman “Hammer” Smith.
He is survived by his wife Donna Thompson, Jersey, AR. Daughters Katie Jo Robison and Tyrel, Texarkana, Katie Lynn Montgomery, Monticello, AR. A sister Wynoka Smith and Sambo, Hilo, AR. 2 grandchildren Stevie Jo Robison and Lillian James Montgomery.
Graveside services will be Saturday, October 1st 2022 at Marsden Cemetery. A family gathering will be before the graveside at Marsden Cemetery. Online guestbook www.frazerfuneralhome.com
LINDA JO WARREN
Linda Jo Warren, 65 of El Dorado passed away Saturday, August 13, 2022. Born December 14, 1956 in Freeport, Texas, she was the daughter of Joe C. Williams, Jr. and Bobbie Johnson Williams.
Linda was a former employee of the El Dorado News Times and a member First Assembly of God Church.
Preceding her in death along with her parents was her son, Jonathan Michael Warren.
Survivors include her husband, Mike Warren and a daughter, Tiffany Stegall (Mike) and children, Kristin Tilley, Ryan Stegall, Shelby Miller and Brennan Stegall, a son Bobby Warren (Kristin) and children Isaiah Warren, Nathan Warren and Madelyn Warren. Also surviving are 7 great-grandchildren, two brothers, Ronnie Williams and Gary Williams, and two sisters, Janet Williams and Margaret Westergaard along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday at Young’s. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 20, 2022 in Young’s chapel with Rev. Greg Tucker officiating. Interment will follow in Arlington Memorial Park under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
Memorials may be made to South Ark Foundation, P.O. Box 7010, El Dorado, AR 71731, Attention: Jonathan Warren Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.