Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Obituaries
OBITUARIES Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes. For more information including cost and deadlines contact the advertising department at (501) 378-3889.
BELLA VISTA — Chris Dornan, 32, of Bella Vista died Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at his home. He was born March 2, 1984, in Fort Smith to Bill and Penny Chapman Dornan.
He worked at Glad Manufacturing for 10 years where he met the love of his life, Salina. Chris was an avid L.A. Lakers fan and enjoyed the Razorbacks. He was a great father who loved his children dearly.
He is survived by his wife, Salina Sisson Dornan of the home; his three children, Lukas, Chelsea and Valerie, all of the home; his parents, Bill and Penny Dornan of Bentonville; brother, David Dornan of Avoca; several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel and Crematory.
Condolences at www. beardsfuneralchapel.com.
BELLA VISTA — Lucille JoAnn “Lou” Gaye, 101, of Bella Vista, Ark., passed away, Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at Circle of Life in Bentonville, Ark. She was born Feb. 26, 1915, in Bridgeport, Conn. to Pete and Mary Palacino Pulvirenti.
In 1969, after traveling and living in many countries around the world, she and her husband, Fredrick Gaye, settled in Bentonville where they established and operated what has become a cherished local landmark, Fred’s Hickory Inn, for over 45 years. She had recently celebrated her 101st birthday there.
She was a kind, gentle spirit, and unconditionally accepting of others.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Fred Gaye in 2005; son, Tony Gaye in 2012; three brothers; and two sisters.
Lou is survived by one daughter, Fredda Porter of Bella Vista; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many dear friends.
Memorial services will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 2, 2016 at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Rogers with the Rev. Craig Gavin and the the Rev. Allen Bates officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your local animal shelter.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services of Rogers. Memories may be shared at stockdalefuenral. com.
BENTONVILLE — Joseph Earl Kunkel, age 79, of Bentonville, Ark., died Thursday, March 24, 2016, in Bentonville. He was born Jan. 16, 1937, in Newport, Ark., the son of Karl Frederick Kunkel and Ida Elnora Johnson Kunkel.
Kunkel attended the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1959.
He was president of Kunco, Inc. and General Building Corporation. His entire career since college was devoted to construction. After retirement, he was a volunteer at Mercy Hospital.
He was an Eagle Scout, Scoutmaster of Troop 8 for 16 years, and was awarded the Wood Badge, Lamb Award and Silver Beaver.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles Edgar Kunkel and Eugene Kunkel.
He is survived by his wife, Lanita Kunkel of Bentonville; sister-in-law, Edna Kunkel; one son, Joseph Glynn Kunkel of Chicago; daughter, Kimberly Kay Pierson and husband Grant of Van Buren; and daughter, Tammy Donita Schroeder of Bentonville. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Joe Bailey Pierson and Laura Pierson of Van Buren, Loren Schroeder and Nathan Schroeder of Bentonville and Ervin Jay Schroeder who was like a son.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 30, 2016, at St. John’s Lutheran in Fayetteville.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, 2016, at Oak Valley Cemetery in Greenwood under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville. Memorials may be made to Living Savior Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 579, Lowell, AR 72745.
To place an online tribute visit www.nelsonberna.com.
FAYETTEVILLE — David W. Bules, born on Sept. 2, 1926, in Marietta, Ohio, to Maude and Charles J. Bules, passed away at the age of 89 on Friday, March 25, 2016, at the Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Maude and Charles J. Bules; siblings: Edna Scott, Elsie Bishman, Bud Bules and Betty Spies; and his son, Matthew David Bules.
He is survived by his wife, Billie Culp Bules of the home, to whom he was married 54 years; daughter, Debbie Parker (Russell Parker) of Amarillo, Texas; grandson, Josh David Cochran (Sara Cochran) of Kennewick, Wash.; granddaughter, Jaime Petta of Amarillo, Texas; great-grandchildren, Makayla Cochran and Silas Cochran of Kennewick, Wash.; and nieces, Melanie Brandt (Charlie) of Marietta, Ohio, and Kathie Lee (David) of Fleming, Ohio.
David served in the State Guard of Ohio, U.S. Army briefly in 1945 and the U.S. Air Force from 1945 to 1948, and was stationed two of those years in Germany. He returned to his hometown, Marietta, Ohio, following his military service, later moving to Boulder, Colo., where he met the love of his life, Billie Culp Bules, and they were married in Littleton, Colo., in 1961.
They raised their two children, Debbie and Matthew in Boulder and the family enjoyed camping, fishing and other outdoor activities together. David and Matthew liked to hunt ducks, geese and other small game. Billie and David enjoyed playing tennis and ballroom dancing, especially the polka, for many years.
David was a member of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry, Local #575 and #208 and briefly a member of the Steelworkers Local #8031. His hobbies were fishing, hunting, camping, reading and metal detecting.
Following David’s retirement, he and Billie moved to Phoenix, Ariz., to be closer to family. He spent his leisure time calling bingo for the veterans at the V.A. Hospital in Phoenix and collecting books for the veterans, fishing, attending grandchildren’s sports activities, attending horse races at Turf Paradise; and he and Billie traveled. They made their home in Phoenix for 19 years.
Their last move was to Fayetteville where they have enjoyed gardening.
David requested there be no services. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Washington Regional Friends of Hospice, c/o Washington Regional Foundation, 325 E. Longview St., Fayetteville, AR 72703-4618 or the American Institute for Cancer Research, P.O. Box 97167, Washington, D.C. 20090-7167, or the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.
Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel and Crematory.
Condolences at www. beardsfuneralchapel.com.
FAYETTEVILLE — Dorothy Edna (Copley) Cusanelli (97) went to be with her Lord and Saviour on Thursday, March 17, 2016, at 10:30 p.m. with her only remaining son, Fred by her side. Too frail and weak to move from her room at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville she was attended by Willard Walker Hospice Care.
Dorothy was born in New York City on June 14, 1918, to Harold and Anna Copley. She graduated from William Cullen Bryant High School and attended Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church both in Woodside, N.Y. After graduation she joined her mother and started her career with The American Telephone and Telegraph Co. in lower Manhattan. She worked as both an overseas and mobile marine telephone operator. She really enjoyed talking and helping the tug boat captains in the N.Y. Harbor and connecting passengers from the ocean liners to their relatives already in the USA.
After retiring she joined the staff of the Pan American Motor Inn in Elmhurst, Queens, as their telephone receptionist.
In 1990, she joined her son, Tom and his family here in Fayetteville, Ark. She gained employment at The University of Arkansas as their evening switchboard operator. She loved working for The University and considered herself a loyal “Razorback,” then due to failing health and driving skill she reluctantly retired at 93.
She loved knitting and crocheting and made sure that all of her children and grandchildren had “Granny Square” quilts.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick A. Cusanelli; her parents; a brother, Harold T. Copley and his wife, Joan, and two sons, Frederick Carl Cusanelli and Thomas K. Cusanelli, and one loving granddaughter, (Wendy Rohrich).
She is survived by a son, Fredrick H. Cusanelli of Fayetteville; sister-in-law, Evelyn Salat of Chestertown, Md.; two daughters-in-law, Linda S. Jacob of Little Rock and Karen Gregory of Montgomery, Ala.; two grandchildren, Frederick A. Cusanelli of Fayetteville, Ark. (of whom she was especially proud of him being the fourth generation telephone worker in the family), Carrie Snider and her husband, Chris of Little Rock; and one great-granddaughter, Jessica Gregory of Montgomery, Ala.
Dorothy loved all of God’s creatures especially her dogs and perhaps one special cat.
She was a proud member of University City 495 Order of the Eastern Star and a life member of The Telephone Pioneers of America (Carl Whitmore Chapter in NYC).
Nelson Berna Funeral Home and Crematory handled the cremation arrangements.
The family will handle a memorial service at a later date.
Online condolences at www.nelsonberna.com.
FAYETTEVILLE — Robert Lee Fullerton Sr., age 84, of Fayetteville, died Wednesday, March 23, 2016, in Fayetteville. He was born March 31, 1931, in Phoenix, Ariz., the son of Homer and Mae Stites Fullerton.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Louise Fullerton; three sons, Kevin, Kerry, Robbie Fullerton; a daughter, Sherry Fullerton; and a grandson, Joshua Adam Shrum.
He was veteran of the United States Army during the Korean War and worked for the Chanute Kansas Police Department; and was a carpenter. He loved his kids and family and his two dogs, Gizmo and Kippy.
He is survived by his companion of 22 years, Evelyn Edmisten; two daughters, Peggy Shrum of Springdale and Brenda Fullerton of Cave Springs; two sons, Jon Barry Fullerton of Fayetteville and Tommy Fullerton of Centerton; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; and caregivers, Ray Anschutz and Mary Peters of Elkins.
Visitation will be 5–7 p.m., Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at Moore’s Chapel. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Moore’s Chapel followed by burial at Lee Cemetery.
To sign the online guest book, visit www.moores funeralchapel.com.
FAYETTEVILLE — William Earl Harding, 69, of Fayetteville, passed away March 24, 2016, in Fayetteville. Born June 5, 1946, to Brady and Charlot (Kellar) Harding.
Survivors include sons, Donnie and William Reuben Harding; daughter, Wendy Wilhite (Howard); stepson, Forrest Benton; grandchildren, Paige, Howard III and Kimberly; stepmother, Fanny and half-siblings; aunt, Jane Bell; and nieces, nephews and cousins.
At his request, there will be no services.
Condolences at www. beardsfuneralchapel.com.
FAYETTEVILLE — Winnie Dell Jones, 92, of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away Friday, March 25, 2016, in Bentonville, Ark. She was born Oct. 19, 1923, in Wattensaw, Ark., to Doc and Minnie (Short) Meacham.
She was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church in Camden, Ark.
She is survived by two sons, Jim Jones and wife Libby of Benton, Ark., Ray Jones and wife Cheryl of Bella Vista, Ark.; one brother, Roy Meacham and wife Mary of Houston, Texas; three grandsons, Jayce Jones and wife Sarah of Little Rock, Ark., Bret Jones and wife Jennifer of Bella Vista, Ark., A.J. Jones of Glastonbury, Conn.; two granddaughters, Mandy Hamilton and husband Chris of Benton, Ark., Tracy David and husband Rick of Little Rock, Ark.; and 10 great-grandchildren, Sophie and Harper Jones, Chloe and Balend Bland, Laci Hamilton, Breann, Beau and Bryan Jones, Zachary and Julia David.
Graveside funeral services will be held 2 p.m., on Monday, March 28, at Pine Crest Memorial Park in Alexander, Ark.
Memorial contributions may be made to Circle of Life Hospice Legacy Village 1201 NE Legacy Parkway Bentonville, AR 72712.
To sign the online guest book please visit www. nelsonberna.com.
FAYETTEVILLE — Marilyn R. Smith, 78, of Fayetteville, went to be with her Lord, Friday, March 25, 2016, surrounded by her family. She was born Sept. 1, 1937, to Clarence and Margie Tucker. She is survived by her six children: Terrance, Ruth, Mary, Sean, Betty and Deborah; four step-children; 15 grandchildren; and multiple great-grand and great-great-grandchildren.
A private graveside service will be in Wadena Cemetery in Wadena, Iowa, under the direction of Beard’s Funeral Chapel.
Online condolences may be made to www.beards funeralchapel.com.
FAYETTEVILLE — Bob Winkelman, age 84, of Fayetteville, passed away Wednesday, March 23, 2016, in Fayetteville. He was born Oct. 16, 1931, in Wink, Texas, to Charlie and Edna Lee Winkelman.
He was active in Covenant Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville; he was a Christian.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathryn Lee Winkelman.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Patricia Robinson Winkelman; six sons: Robert C. Winkelman, Jr. and his wife, Darlene of West Hartford, Conn.; Daniel Scott Winkelman of Eldorado Springs, Mo.; William Richard Winkelman and his wife, Xiaoyang of Collierville, Tenn.; Thomas Patrick Winkelman, Charles Clark Winkelman and John Andrew Winkelman, all of Fayetteville and several grandchildren.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 30, 2016, at Evergreen Cemetery in Fayetteville with the Rev. Mr. Tim Barr officiating.
Memorial service will be 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville with Dr. Paul Sagan officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Moore’s Chapel in Fayetteville.
Memorial contributions may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church, 4511 West Wedington Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72704.
To place an online tribute, visit www.mooresfuneral chapel.com.
ROGERS — Leean Burgner Dye was born in Prescott, Ariz., and passed March 21, 2016, at Mercy Hospital following a short illness.
She is survived by two sons, Joshua Perry and Trendon Dye; her parents, Jim and Lu Burgner; one sister, Victoria Tyree; and two brothers, Curt Burgner and wife Kim, Jay Burgner and wife Robin; several nieces and nephews.
She was a 1985 graduate of Rogers High School. Her entire career was spent in the Rogers medical community. She worked at St. Mary’s for 10 years and Boozman Eye Clinic for 11 years.
Leean was a loving free spirit who cared deeply for her patients who loved her. Her children were the light of her life. She leaves behind a host of dear friends and an extended family of brothers and sisters. She will be greatly missed by all who shared her infectious and wicked laughter.
Leean’s family wants to thank the doctors and nurses at Mercy Hospital for the loving care that they extended.
There will be a celebration of Leean’s life on, Monday, March 28, 2016 ,at Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers from 5-7 p.m. Casual dress. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: The Samaritan Community Center at 1211 W. Hudson Road, Rogers, AR 72756.
ROGERS — Ezekiel B. “Ed” Hughes, 89, of Rogers passed away March 24, 2016, in Rogers. He was born Oct. 16, 1926, in Indianola, Miss., the son of George Washington and Estelle Barry Hughes.
Ed was the founder of the Hanna House in Rogers for 25 years. He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Rogers and also attended the St. Stephens Catholic Church in Bentonville.
He was preceded in death
by two grandsons, Barry and Matt Hughes.
He is survived by his sons, Randy Hughes and wife, Sue of Rogers and Greg Hughes and wife, Kris of Sorrento, La.; two grandchildren, Sarah Duplessis and Jeremi Hughes; and one great-granddaughter, Brianna Hughes; and his caregiver, Paul Aiello.
Funeral mass: 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 30, 2016, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the St. Vincent Cemetery, Avoca, Ark.
Visitation: 5:30 to 7:30, Tuesday at Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers. Memorial contributions to the Samaritan House. Online condolences to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.
ROGERS — Sally Greenert Kern, 74, of Rogers, Ark, passed away Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at Circle of Life Legacy Village in Bentonville, Ark. She was born Dec. 11, 1941, in Denver, Colo., to Francis and Margaret Pitcher Greenert.
She was a professional photographer and artist and enjoyed working in oils and creating beautiful landscapes and abstract paintings. She loved all animals but especially her little dog, Tiny.
Sally attended Fellowship Bible Church in Rogers and was devoted to her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; and one sister.
Sally is survived by two daughters, Wendy Cox of Topeka, Kan., and Shannon Rumsey and husband, Bill of Rogers; one sister, Becky Aguilar of Norman, Okla.; three grandchildren, Andrew Cox, Lindsey Miner, Logan Rumsey; and her special dog, Tiny.
Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 2, 2016, at Lake Prairie Creek in the main pavilion, 9300 N. Park Road, Rogers. Memorials may be made in memory of Sally Kern to your local animal shelter.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services of Rogers. Words of comfort may be shared at stockdale funeral.com.
ROGERS — Fay Marceline Roske of Rogers passed away on March 14, 2016. She was born on Aug. 13, 1925, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to the late Burton and Alice McGregor.
Fay will be remembered as a vibrant woman who was proud of the family she raised. While her husband, Vince, was serving in the United States Air Force, Fay lived the life of a loving, dedicated military wife. She and Vince were married for 74 years, and together they raised four children. After Vince retired from the military, he and Fay enjoyed spending time together, playing golf and traveling.
She is survived by her husband; her children, Vince Roske Jr., Linda Evans, Wayne Roske, Gayle Draughon; nine grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; four siblings; and a grandchild.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 30, at St. Theodore’s Episcopal Church in Bella Vista.
ROGERS — Anthony Lynn Taylor, 69, Rogers, died March 23, 2016, in Fayetteville. He was a Marine Corps veteran. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Iola Taylor; and a sister, Patsy Lewis.
Tony is survived by two sons, Scott Taylor of Rogers and Travis Taylor of Indianapolis, Ind.; and four grandchildren.
A Memorial service will be 12:30 p.m., March 31, 2016 at Westfield Chapel Funeral Home, Springdale. Inurnment will follow at Fayetteville National Cemetery with military honors.
Share online condolences on Anthony’s memorial at www.WestfieldChapel.com.
SILOAM SPRINGS — Carolyn Knight, 84, longtime resident of Siloam Springs, Ark., passed away Friday, March 25, 2016, at her home, surrounded by her daughters. She was born March 20, 1932, in Little Rock, Ark., the oldest of two children to George Henry and Augusta (Morris) Hand.
Carolyn was raised in Yellville, Ark, and graduated from Yellville-Summit High School. She married her high school sweetheart, Bob Knight in 1950 and together raised five children. Even though divorced in 1974, they remained good friends up to Bob’s death in 2012.
She retired from Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital after 28 years of service. Carolyn loved the quiet life: feeding the birds, especially hummingbirds; playing her favorite game, Yahtzee; going on special trips with family members; and reading every book she could get her hands on. Carolyn especially loved the Christmas season with her family and it was not uncommon to see her decorations up as early as September. Carolyn was a longtime member of the Community Christian Fellowship Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Tom Wacaster; sister, Connie Robison; daughter, Nancy; son, Bobby: and infant grandson, Kevin Knight.
Carolyn is survived by her daughters, Beth Patterson and husband, Joe of Stone Mountain, Ga.; Shirley Stafford and husband, Lester of Surf City, N.C.; and Susan Knight Harder of Siloam Springs, Ark; daughter-in-law, Jane Anne Knight of Tulsa, Okla.; eight grandchildren, Courtney Patterson, Zach Patterson, Nancy Nix, Eric Stafford, Ryan Knight, Laurie Knight, Michael Knight and Carolyn (Carrie) Harder; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Tommie Grim, of Prairie Grove, Ark.; brother, Jim Wacaster and wife Renetta of Springdale, Ark.; many nieces, nephews, cousins & lifelong childhood friends; best friend, Polly Steele of Bates City, Mo.; and her precious cat, Baby.
A special thanks to the staff of the Willard Walker Hospice Center in Fayetteville, particularly Stanley Bradley, M.D.; Chaplain, Ken Hargis; social worker, Julie Moore; nurses, Monica Allen and Teresa Fulks; and aide, Vickie Stevens Calvert. They were such a blessing to Carolyn and her daughters.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home in Siloam Springs.
Celebration of Carolyn’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday March 30, 2016 at Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home with Chaplain Ken Hargis officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts may be made in her name to the Willard Walker Hospice Home, 325 E. Longview St., Fayetteville, AR 72703 or to the Friends of the Siloam Springs Library Foundation, P.O. Box 6723, Siloam Springs, AR 72761.
To sign the online guest book visit www. backstrom-pyeatte.com.
SPRINGDALE —
Paula Maxine Boles, 62, of Springdale passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at her home. She was born Oct. 23, 1953, in San Antonio, Texas, to Earl Gordon and Mary Kathleen (Kay) Minesinger Boles.
Paula moved to Springdale with her family in 1962, following the retirement of her father from the Air Force. She was a graduate of Springdale High and the University of Arkansas and a member of St. Raphael’s Catholic Church. Paula was a career civil servant at the Veterans Hospital in Fayetteville. Following her retirement, she remained in Springdale, spending much of her time raising exotic goats and chickens on the family homestead. She later became manager for the Springdale Farmer’s Market.
Survivors include one brother, Bruce Boles and his wife, Linda of Omaha, Neb.
A memorial service will be planned at a later date.
Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral. com.
SPRINGDALE — Patricia Haak, 56, of Springdale, died March 25, 2016, in Springdale. She is preceded in death by her husband, James Haak and her parents, Glennon and Ella Horner.
Patty is survived by her sons, Roger Haak and Joe Haak and sisters: Norma Horner, Barbara Huddleston and Margaret Horner.
Online condolences at www.WestfieldChapel.com.
SPRINGDALE — Erma “Jean” Jackson, 82, of Springdale, Ark., entered her Sabbath Rest, Saturday, March 12, 2016, at her residence. She was born Jan. 1, 1934, in Mena, Ark., to George Robin and Alta Jewel Moyer Winters.
She was a faithful member of the United Church of God in Cave Springs and loved her church family. She will be dearly missed. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters.
Jean is survived by her husband of 45 years, Roy James Jackson; two sons; two daughters; three grandchildren; and many friends.
Memorial services will be at 3 p.m., Sunday, April 3, 2016, at Circle of Life, 901 Jones Road in Springdale with Pastor Tim Martens officiating. She will be buried at the National Cemetery in Fayetteville.
Arrangements are by Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services in Rogers.
SPRINGDALE — William “Bill” Mathias, 82, of Springdale, Ark. passed away March 22, 2016, at Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville, Ark. He was born July 6, 1933, in Rib Lake, Wis., to Henry Mathias and Elizabeth Ehrenreich Mathias.
Bill was a member of St. Raphael Catholic Church in Springdale where he served as usher and devoted many hours of prayer in the St. Raphael Adoration Chapel. He was a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus and a member of the 4th Degree Assembly #3101 of Tontitown. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #12082 at St. Raphael where he served as Membership Director. In addition, he recruited new members, drove new prospects to and from exemplification ceremonies and provided the council newsletters. They could always count on him to volunteer his time for the Tootsie Roll drive and fireworks stand.
He attended Rib Lake High School where he championed in basketball. In his senior year of 1951, he was instrumental in leading the Rib Lake Redman to regionals, sectionals and then onto the state tournament.
Upon graduation, desiring to serve his country, Bill joined the Air Force, specializing in preventative medicine and was stationed in Nancy, France. After an honorable discharge in 1955, Bill attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and transferred to the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1956. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science in 1960, and went on the receive his Master’s Degree in Agriculture in 1961. He was immediately hired as a Food Technologist at General Mills in Minneapolis. In 1956 he took a job with Ralston Purina in St. Louis as Manager of Human Foods Research & Development, eventually progressing to Director. He was especially proud of his work developing the Bugles snack, Bacos Bacon Bits, and Cookie Crisp.
In 1986, he became the Administrator in the Food Division for the USDA, State of Wisconsin, Trade and Consumer Protection. In 1993, he moved his family to Northwest Ark. to head the Quality Control Improvement Team for Campbell’s Soup Company and retired in July of 2000. He was an active member of the Institute of Food Technologists, serving as Chairman in St. Louis and continued his affiliation in Wisconsin and Arkansas.
It was in 1965, at the UW-Madison Homecoming where he met his future bride, Charlene Gurke, on a blind date, arranged by her cousin with whom he worked. They married at Holy Ghost Church in Wood Dale, Ill., on Feb. 19, 1966, and just celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. After seven years of marriage they were blessed with the adoption of infant twins, Dina and Neal, and two years later were blessed with a little girl, Michelle, from Vietnam.
His hobbies and interests included baseball, football, and bowling. His favorite teams included the Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Green Bay Packers, and St. Louis Cardinals, and he rarely missed a game. He played league bowling throughout his years at Ralston Purina and played the sport exceptionally well, carrying a very high average. Another passion of his was researching and chronicling his family genealogy.
Bill was also an avid bird and nature lover, completing the Master Gardener Program from the University of Arkansas. In his retirement, he spent many hours gardening, planting, and driving his John Deere. There wasn’t a volunteer tree that he did not dig up and save.
What he most loved about retirement was being the fun-loving and goofy “Papa” to his four grandchildren. He enjoyed, and financially supported, both the University Drama Department and the Arts Center of the Ozarks. One of his favorite pastimes was playing cards, especially Cribbage, breaking out the cards every time his family visited.
His sanctuary was the hilltop sun room overlooking his property and beyond; watching the birds and listening to his favorite musicals in his La-Z-Boy with his two canine companions on either side. His upright and morally just character will forever be a strong influence not only to his family but to many of the people whose lives he touched.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Walter, Raymond, Lawrence, and Hank Mathias, and Bernita Edens.
He is survived by his wife, Charlene; three children, Dina Pellow (Chase Bramlett) of Ft. Scott, Kan., Neal Mathias of Springdale, Ark., Michelle Sexton (Farrell) of Fayetteville, Ark.; two brothers, Daniel Mathias of Green Bay, Wis., Glenn Mathias (Darlene) of Rib Lake, Wis.; one sister, Hattie Taylor of Neillsville, Wis.; two sisters-in-law, Joyce Mathias of Burnsville, Minn., and Jackie Douglas of Wood Dale, Ill.; four grandchildren, Abbi Pellow, Mikala Sexton, Sam Sexton, Savanna Sexton; and one great-grandchild, Marilynn Pellow; many nieces and nephews; and his two dog companions, Bella and Charlie.
A rosary will be recited in the Chapel of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home, with the Knights of Columbus as honor guard on Monday, March 28, at 5:30 p.m. with a visitation beginning at 6-7 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, March 29, at 10 a.m., at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Springdale. Burial with Military honors will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Fayetteville.
The family would like the thank all of the doctors and nurses on the 4th floor at Washington Regional Hospital for their outstanding care and concern for both Bill and our family. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the wonderful doctors, nurses, and staff at the Willard Walker Hospice Home; always treating Bill with dignity and respect. Their heartfelt support will not be forgotten.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Raphael Catholic Church Building Fund, 1386 South West End Street, Springdale, AR 72764 or to The Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks, 4703 North Crossover Road, Springdale, AR 72764.
To sign the online guest book please visit www. nelsonberna.com.
SUBIACO — Philip H. Schneider peacefully left this life Wednesday in Fort Smith.
A rosary will be held Monday evening, March 28, at 7:45 p.m. in Saint Benedict’s Catholic Church. Funeral services will follow on Tuesday, March 29, at 10 a.m. by Roller Funeral Home. The online guestbook is available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/paris.
LITTLE ROCK — Noel Walter Lawson, M.D., 76, passed away on March 19, 2016, in Little Rock, Ark. A retired cardiac anesthesiologist, he was born July 7, 1939, to the late Marvin and Bessie Arnold Lawson of Conway. He was the grandson of the late Walter Washington and Nettie Ragsdale Lawson of Imboden, Ark and William Noel and Effie Peebles Arnold of Williford, Ark. Dr. Lawson married Carol Ann Buchanan of Plainview, Texas in 1974.
Dr. Lawson attended Conway Public Schools, graduating from Conway High School in 1957. He was the fourth sibling of his family to attend Hendrix College, graduating from there in 1961 with the Biology Prize and a bachelor’s degree in Biology. He graduated with honors from the University of Arkansas School of Medicine in 1965.
Lawson served his internship at Duval Medical Center in Jacksonville, Fla. in 1966. He then entered the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute at Pensacola, Fla., in 1966 where he proudly served as a Navy Flight Surgeon, Carrier Air Group One, on the U.S.S. F. D. Roosevelt and U.S.S. J. F. Kennedy from 1967 to 1969.
He completed his residency in anesthesiology at The University of Missouri–Columbia in 1970. He received a Cardiovascular Anesthesia Fellowship from the Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Texas in 1971 where he was Assistant Clinical Instructor and served under heart surgeon, Dr. Michael DeBakey. He then became Director of Cardiac Anesthesiology and Director of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at the Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans from 1972 to 1974.
In 1974, Dr. Lawson became an Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Director of the Intensive Care Unit at the University of Arkansas For Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Ark. He also created its Emergency Medical Technicians school. He became a Professor of Anesthesiology in 1980, a position he later held at the Texas Tech University Health Science Center in Lubbock, Texas from 1981 to 1983, and again at the University of Texas Medical Branch in
Galveston, Texas from 1983 until 1992. In 1992, Lawson became the Russell D. Shelden Professor of Anesthesiology at the University of Missouri. A position he held until 1994 before becoming Chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine. He held the Shelden Endowed Chair until 2004, and became Emeritus Professor of Anesthesiology upon his retirement.
Dr. Lawson was active in many fields of research during his career including Age Changes, Pulmonary Physiology, and open heart surgery techniques. He was Vice-President of the Program Committee for the 3rd Japan-American Congress, Oita, Japan, and held chairmanships in the 4th and 5th Congresses in San Francisco and Matsuyama, Japan. His work helped establish ongoing cooperation in American–Japanese anesthesia collaboration. His professional writings were extensive and he was inducted into the University of Arkansas College of Medicine Hall of Fame in 2012.
Lawson was preceded in death by his parents; his
wife, Carol Ann Lawson; and a brother, Wilbur Glenn Lawson M.D. He is survived by his son, James Buchanan Lawson (Lauren); and grandchildren, Walter Raymond Lawson and Charles Raymond Lawson of Tulsa, Okla; a daughter, Nöel Lawson; brothers, Marvin Arnold Lawson of Arkadelphia, Ark. and James Larry Lawson M.D. (Nikki) of Little Rock; and a sister, Vivian Lawson Hogue (Gerald) of Conway. He is also survived by nephews, Arnie Lawson, Alan Lawson, Jay Lawson and Robert Lawson Adams; and nieces, Rhonda Crouch, Kathryn Griffin, Carole Lang, and Amy Adams. A great-nephew, Ryan Lawson, also survives whom he was quite fond of.
Dr. Lawson will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments, but for his exceptional artistic and musical talents. He was a member of the American Watercolor Society and an accomplished and award-winning painter of miniature figures and fine scale models of a historical and military nature.
Lawson was an amazing
mind, warrior for Christ, and gracious man who will be sincerely missed by those who knew him well.
A memorial service for Dr. Lawson will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday afternoon, April 15 at St. James United Methodist Church, 321 Pleasant Valley Drive in Little Rock, Ark. The service will be open to the public.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Marvin and Bessie Lawson Scholarship, University House 300, U of A, Fayetteville, AR 727011201. To sign the online guestbook, go to www. griffinleggetthealeyroth. com.
HARRISONVILLE, Mo. — Glee Wood, 98, Harrisonville, Mo., died March 23, 2016. Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at the Twelve Corners Cemetery, Pea Ridge, Ark. Memorial contributions to Heartland Hospice. (Arr. Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Mo. 816-884-6244, www.dickeyfh.com.)
KERRVILLE, Texas — Elsie Katherine (Hansen) Rinn, a longtime resident of
the Fayetteville area, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2016, in Kerrville, Texas.
Born Feb. 18, 1922, in Sidney, Mont., Elsie was one of 10 children born to Ernst Anker Jacob Hansen and Dagmar Caroline Clausen Hansen.
Elsie met and married Raymond Rinn in 1942 in Lawton, Okla. After moving around the United States and spending time living in Okinawa while Raymond was in the military, the Rinns settled in Fayetteville, Ark., where they lived for nearly 60 years. They were well loved members of the Goshen community and founding members of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fayetteville, Ark.
Elsie worked as a typesetter and proofreader for the Northwest Arkansas Times before she opened her own upholstery and drapery business. She was an expert seamstress, making many wedding gowns, formal gowns and uniforms for the residents of NW Arkansas and also for the Arkansas Razorback drill team. She loved to read and did beautiful cross stitch angels for all of her loved ones.
She was a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church choir and dedicated many volunteer hours to the church. She was an Oklahoma tennis champion in her high school years at Lawton, Okla., and later learned to play racquetball and loved bowling.
Elsie is predeceased by her husband, Raymond and son, John David Rinn. She is survived by her four daughters: Rae Jene and her husband, James; Patricia Susan; Janice Gail and her husband, Brad; and Lisa Marie and her husband, Randall; nine grandchildren: Katherine, Eric, Clay, Dawn, Michael, Lindsay, Jessica, Paige and Mitchell; eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Memorial gifts may be made to Peterson Hospice of Kerrville, 1420 Water St, Kerrville, Texas 78028 or Visiting Angels, 1491 S Main St, Boerne, Texas 78006.
A memorial graveside service will be 11 a.m., Monday, March 28, 2016, at the Fayetteville National Cemetery.
Condolences at www. beardsfuneralchapel.com.