Obituaries
SARAH LEE HALES LORD
Sarah Lee Hales Lord, 68, of Junction City, LA passed away Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Reeves Memorial Medical Center in Bernice, LA. Sarah was born August 9, 1954 in Dearborn, MI to the union of Clinton Hales and Patsy Smith Hales. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Bobby, and Doyle, sister, Wendy and a sister-in-law, Liz. Sarah was a member of Bethel Baptist Church and was involved with the youth, and had many adopted children and extended church family through her work with the church. She loved to grow plants and volunteer her time to help others. Survivors include her husband of 6 years, Marco Lord, two daughters, Angela Moioffer, Tonya Adkison and husband Jerome, one son, Thomas Moioffer, one sister, Patsy Edgerly, four brothers, Ronnie Hales and wife Denise, Chuck Hales, Calvin Edgerly, August Edgerly, six grandchildren Trenton, Christian, James, Dylon, Mikaela, and Thomas, three great grandchildren, Dylon, Alahni, and Jupiter, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Everett and Zola Jackson, sister-in-law, Judy Hales. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. until funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. Phillip Farris officiating. Interment will be in the Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home of Junction City, AR. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to the Bethel Baptist Church, 1048 Bethel Church Rd. Lillie, LA 71256 Please visit www.baileyfuneralhome.net to sign the online register book.
MARY ELAINE HANEY
Mary Elaine Haney, 94, of New Braunfels, TX formerly of El Dorado, passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. She was born on May 19, 1928 to Ruben Howard and Betty Fletcher Hamilton in Florence, AR. Before her retirement, she was a Librarian for the El Dorado School District, and she was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Preceding her in death are her parents; husband of 65 years, Robert Justin “R.J.” Haney, Sr.; son, Ronald Harvey Haney; brothers, James, Ruben, and Earnest Hamilton, sisters, Irene Sheiron and Betty Waller; and grandson, Will Haney. Survivors include her son, Robert Justin Haney, Jr. (Tina) of Pea Ridge, AR; three grandchildren, Ryan Haney (Johniece), Matt Haney (Priscilla) and Lauren Haney West (Brian); five great grandchildren; and her great niece and great caregiver, Stacy Norris. A private entombment will be under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors. Condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome. com for the Haney family.
BERNARD ANDREW BALTZ, SR.
Bernard Andrew Baltz, Sr., 93, of Pocahontas, AR, died on January 26, 2023. He was born in Pocahontas to the late Ambrose and Anna Matczak Baltz on January 4, 1930. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Margaret Steimel Baltz, his seven children, Jo Anna Brown of Dunwoody, GA, Bernard (Eva) Baltz, Jr, of Fayetteville, AR, Greg (Mary Nell) Baltz of Pocahontas, Thomas (Christine) Baltz of Pocahontas, Kristie (John) Coats of Fort Smith, AR, Laurie (John) Eckart of El Dorado, AR, and Alex (Tiffany) Baltz of Pocahontas, plus one sister, Pauline (Desmond) Marsh of Springfield, MO, 17 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, Thursday, February 2 at McNabb Funeral Home followed by the Rosary at 7:00 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, February 3, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Pocahontas with the Reverend Stephen Elser officiating. Burial will follow in St. Paul Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul School, 1002 Convent St., Pocahontas, AR 72455.
MELBA JERRY
Melba Jerry, age 83, of El Dorado, Arkansas passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Silver Oaks Health and Rehabilitation. She was born on November 1, 1939 to Isaac T. Norrell and Inez Hester Norrell in Fountain Hill, AR. Before her retirement, she worked as a teacher’s aide at the Norphlet High School. Melba was a member of East Main Baptist Church and enjoyed camping and traveling. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 59 years, Clyde Henry Jerry. Survivors are a son, Chuck Jerry (Stacy) of Louann; daughters, Clyla Carroll (Matt) of Rogers and Christa Sanchez of Norphlet; sister, Kaye Drummond Coke (Gary) of El Dorado; brothers, Tim Norrell (Ruth) of Ozark, MO and Tom Norrell (Marti) of Springfield, MO; grandchildren, Angel Smith (Steven), Blaklee Ramsey (Will), Kimber Jerry, Baylee Hodges (Zach), Kaleigh Jerry, Britain Sanchez, Chris Carroll (Mikalah), Cameron Carroll, Craig Chadwick (Hannah), and Sydney Segura (Devan); great grandchildren, Cooper Smith, Colby Smith, Gracelee Smith, Adaline Carroll, Coleson Carroll, Evie Chadwick and Elias Chadwick. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 3, 2023 in Young’s Chapel with Rev. Carley Davis officiating. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Young’s Funeral Directors. Memorials may be made to East Main Baptist Church, 1903 East Main St., El Dorado, AR 71730. Condolences for the Jerry family can be shared at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
CHARLES H. LEHWALD
Charles H. Lehwald, 87, of Magnolia, formerly of El Dorado, passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. He was born April 11, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois to Marie and John W. Lehwald.
He attended Oak Park River
Forest High School and later studied geology and philosophy at the University of Oklahoma.
His Beta Theta Pi fraternity brothers remained dear friends his entire life. He served as Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corp. and married his high school sweetheart, Sarah McGreevy in 1961 at Grace Episcopal Church in
Oak Park, IL. For eight years he worked in advertising in Chicago primarily on the United Airlines and Alberto Culver accounts. In
1965 he started his own oil and gas exploration company and spent the remainder of his career in that field. Charles served a variety of Episcopal churches, enjoyed spending time at El Dorado Country Club and serving in pro-life organizations.
He is survived by his two sisters, Mary Lofgren and Carol Dull, sister-in-law Jane Lehwald, two children, Margaret Philbrick and Carly Lehwald, four grandchildren: Ben Lehwald, Caleb, Jessie (Yero), and Nathaniel Philbrick, and with great joy a new grandsonin-law, Michael Yero. His seventeen nieces and nephews delighted him over the course of his lifetime as did his beloved dog, Chance.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 11, 2023 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
HAROLD DAVID MCDONALD
Harold David McDonald, 73, of Taylor, Arkansas passed away on Friday, January 27, 2023 at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born September 30, 1949 in Springhill, Louisiana to O.D. and Lillie Mae McDonald. Harold enjoyed working, hog hunting, raising cattle and loved being with his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Anita Harvey McDonald, parents and one brother Bob McDonald. He is survived by two sons, David McDonald (Tammy Cannon) of Taylor, Arkansas, and Johnathan McDonald of Taylor, Arkansas. One daughter Angela Owen (Joe) of Taylor, Arkansas. Special son-in-law Randy Honeycutt of El Dorado, Arkansas. Seven grandchildren, Megan McDonald, Gracie McDonald, Maddie McDonald, Tyler McDonald Honeycutt (Stori), Cody Honeycutt, Owen Honeycutt and Keeli McDonald. Two great-grandchildren Hedi Kait Honeycutt and Hollen McDonald Honeycutt.
TIM McKNIGHT
Tim McKnight 82 of Smackover, passed on to glory on Friday, January 27, 2023 at his residence. Born July 7, 1940 in El Dorado, he was the son of Clifford and Pearl Bryant McKnight. Mr. McKnight had worked in the oilfield and had been a pumper for Jerry Ramsey. He had a very big heart and loved helping others. Also made time for family and loved being a big kid with his grandkids. He was a member of Frenchport Community Church of Camden. Preceding him in death along with his parents, were a daughter, Carol Sue Williams, a grandson, Christian Cramer and 11 brothers and sisters.
JUNE MAXINE MURPHY (MAW)
June Maxine Murphy (Maw), age 89, passed away on February 2, 2023. This is 16 months after her husband of 70 years, Fred Bruce Murphy (Paw) passed. Their marriage was a life-long partnership of bringing God’s will and living presence to the lives of their congregations, communities and children of the many pastoral assignments they took in ministering to the rural communities of south Arkansas.
The family lived in El Dorado, Arkansas, Pasadena, California, Huttig, Arkansas and Stephens, Arkansas before moving back to El Dorado for her last 50 years. In El Dorado, she was employed and served the school district for 43 years. She was known as a child as “June Bug”, a name that stuck forever.
June Murphy at the age of 18 married the pastor of her church then supported her husband and children through his theological education in California and Texas. She had 5 children, Bruce (Teresa), Fred (Leanne), Tim (Rita), Todd and Tammy (Steve), who she raised after her husband started his full time ministry. One of her children was very special, Todd and she cared for him daily for 60 years as a permanent resident of their home. They had a unique bond.
Known as bossy she was quick to give biblical or personal advice to her family and friends. She specialized in events that would build memory in her children, grandchildren (12) and great grandchildren (16). Her script for these family events started with prayer, the pledge of allegiance to America and roll call followed by talent shows from all the families represented. She managed all with her short bull horn or cow bell. During the first 2 years of the pandemic the family had a weekly Sunday morning devotional on Zoom digital, with 12-15 locations and 35-45 people attending. Her order of service and family participation was published by her before every service and there was little doubt who was in charge.
She was a cook and a comforter to her family and made sure that everyone had all they could possibly hold before quitting the table. Her recipes for chicken and dumplings, banana pudding, corn bread dressing, and hot water corn bread were so esteemed by her family that videos of her making them without a written recipe were made. Everyone maintains there was an absent secret ingredient she left off because they aren’t exactly the same.
Her devotion to the primary family of over 45 members was unparalleled. She kept up with everyone’s business, birthday, anniversary, graduation, or special event and politely attended or encouraged. Every family member got a phone call around 7 am on their birthday with a trio chorus of Maw, Paw and Todd singing Happy Birthday to them. It was very special. After her children left home for careers, she lived with Paw and Todd for many years. Their care was her specialty. She met Paw at Ebenezer Baptist Church in El Dorado to marry and move away, but after attending many churches and congregations they returned to Ebenezer to finish His work. Life came full circle back to its starting place and she will be greatly missed.
There will be an open service at Ebenezer Baptist Church on Monday, February 6 at 10:00 am for visitation, open service at 11:00 am and a family only graveside burial to follow.
Memorials may be made to Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1942 N. Wyatt Dr., El Dorado, AR 71730.
Condolences can be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome. com
JEFFERSON COLONIAL STANLEY JR.
Brother Jefferson Colonial Stanley Jr. was born to Jefferson C. Stanley Sr and Doris Anderson Stanley on February 22, 1948, in El Dorado, AR. He left his life behind on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at home.
He is preceded in death by his father, Jefferson C. Stanley Sr., his mother, Doris Anderson Stanley, and brothers, Donald, Harold, and Raymond Stanley. One sister
Frances Virginia Stanley.
He leaves to cherish his memories two sons Justin ( Traneika)
Stanley of Texarkana, Texas, and
Kelven (Nicole) Smith of Little
Rock, Arkansas, three brothers, Jimmy (Alane) Stanley of
Las Vegas, Nevada and Jessie
Stanley of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Vessie Stanley of Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, four Sisters, Darlena
Ndogo of Texarkana, Texas, Peggy
Jones of McKinney, Texas, Caroline (Ronnie) Brown of El Dorado, Arkansas, Karen Zillender of Dallas, Texas, seven grandchildren, Tyre, Keiara, Emmanuel Smith, Ja’Keeon , Zechariah, Harmonee, and Justise Stanley. A host of nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
Public Visitation Friday, February 3, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Sims Mortuary. Funeral Service Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Evergreen International Church. Interment will be at Shady Grove Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at www.simsmortuary.com
DAN R. OLIVER
Dan R. Oliver won his battle with cancer on January 29, 2023 at his home in Felsenthal, AR. Dan was born December 30, 1945 in El Dorado, AR. Dan was a U.S. Army veteran, and a retired pipefitter with over 55 years as a proud Journeyman with UA Local 706, now 155. Many of his coworkers remember him as “Papa Smurf”, and his deer camp buddies as Mr. Dan. Dan loved to hunt and fish, especially spending time with friends socially! He was a very early riser and daylight for most was his late afternoon. Never, ever could you call him late. He was preceded in death by his parents Woodrow and Neva Gilbert Oliver. Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of fifty-two years Paula Kay Oliver, daughter Teresa Oliver; son Scotty Oliver and his wife Jami; three grandsons; two granddaughters; eight great-grandchildren; three brothers Woody Oliver, Franky Oliver and his wife Glenda, and Johnny Oliver and his wife Beverly; two sisters Anita Faye Baugas, and Donna Griffith; as well as a host of extended family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at Felsenthal Baptist Church in Felsenthal, AR, Brother Todd Mattice officiating. A time of visitation will be held from 1-2:00pm Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at the church. Undertaking provided by Perry’s Funeral Chapel. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Andra McKnight, daughters, Stephanie Massey (Franklin) of El Dorado, Tami Rose (Dave) of Hot Springs and Lisa Cramer (Jerrod) of Mound Valley, Kansas along with 9 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in Young’s Chapel with Rev. Anthony Briggs officiating. Cremation services entrusted to Young’s Funeral Directors. Condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneraldirectors. com.