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. BENTONVILLE — Billy J.

McClane, 98, of Bentonville, Ark., passed away May 10, 2018, in Rogers, Ark. He was born May 1, 1920, in Stanton, Texas, the son of William Carr McClane and Almira Viola Williams McClane.

He was a corporal in the Army Air Force during WWII. He worked as a carpenter for Los Angeles County, Calif., and retired to Bentonville in 1979. He was a member in the Wood Carvers and Wood Turners Clubs. Billy was a 75-year Mason, a member of both Bentonville Masonic Lodge and Hazel Velley Lodge, he was a member of the Scottish Rite, Valley Fort Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Hazel McClane; four brothers, James Zeddic Linebarger, Ervin McClane, Capt. Brunson McClane, and Noble Truman McClane; three sisters, Crystal Webb, Cloma Walsh, and Vestal McClane; and one grandchild, Tom Shamy Jr.

He is survived by his children, William C. McClane and wife Judy of Pineville, Mo., Curtis A. McClane of Bentonville, Ark., Brien D. McClane and wife Tommie of Odessa, Texas, and Ronald G. McClane and wife Paula of Elkins, Ark.; his grandchildren, Brad McClane, Kari Harris, Sandy Evans, Paul Svacina, Becky Hankel, Tom Svacina, Katy Brunson, Molly Rodenberg, Cord McClane, Jennifer Faulkner, Samson McClane, Paul Shamy, Van McClane, and Ike McClane, 25 great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Services will be held at Oakley Chapel United Methodist Church in Rogers under direction of Benton County Funeral Home with Sara Pair officiating on Saturday, May 19 at 10 a.m.

Online condolences can be sent to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.

BENTONVILLE —

Genevieve Rodden, 89, of Bentonville passed away Tuesday, May 15, 2018. She was born July 9, 1928, in Lavaca to the late Jetter Claiborne Weaver and Bertha Mae Caveness Weaver.

She was also preceded by her brothers and sisters, Eloise, Anna Lee, Joe and David.

For nearly 72 years she was the loving wife of Glenn Rodden, who survives. Genevieve retired from a career with Walmart distribution center. She was also a longtime and deeply involved member of First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Bentonville.

Survivors include her daughter, Glenda Lovell (Butch) of Bentonville; her son, Ross Rodden (Donna) of Rogers; three grandchildren, Michele Yarber (Jim) of Clifty, Trae Lovell (Angela) of Bella Vista and Shonda Wolfinbarger (Rick) of Gravette; four great-grandchildren, Trent, Dakota, Tyler and Zachary; and two great-great-grandchildren, Paisley and Elley Lou; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

Her services will be held at First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Bentonville with visitation Thursday, May 17, from 5-7 p.m. and her funeral will be Friday, May 18, at 10 a.m. with interment to follow in Bentonville Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care of Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers. www.Rollins Funeral.com.

FARMINGTON — Danny

Ray Key, 73, of Farmington, Ark., passed away Friday, May 11, 2018. He was born in Hope, Ark., to James Lawrence and Mattie Lou Key, and raised from the age of 2 by stepmom, Thelma Mae Key.

Danny managed the parts department for several Arkansas Ford dealerships. He was a member of Trinity Fellowship and very active with Kids’ Ark International ministry for children in Honduras.

He was an avid Razorback fan and worked with Landmark Security for many Razorback events. He loved growing and harvesting two large gardens.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Melody; a son, Johnny Key and wife Shannon of Little Rock, Ark.; a daughter, Meredith Johnson and husband Clay of Rogers, Ark.; a sister, Sarah Lupold of Auburn, Ala.; a brother, Harold Key of El Dorado, Ark.; five grandchildren, Whitney McCulley, Ryan Key, Logan Bolt, Rachel Key, Adeline Johnson; and one great-granddaughter, Brynnley McCulley.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 19, at Trinity Fellowship, 1100 Rolling Hills Drive, in Fayetteville with Rev. Darren Rogers officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Key Honduras Missions Fund, c/o Trinity Fellowship. To sign the online guest book, please visit www. nelsonberna.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Emily

Marie Davis, 5, of Fayetteville passed away May 9 at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock. She was born Nov. 1, 2012, the daughter of Christy Smith and Chad Davis.

She will be dearly missed as she brought joy into so many people’s lives. Emily’s parents are honored to have been her parents. “Charge on!”

She is survived by her parents; three brothers, Wayne, CJ, Ethan; three sisters, Ashley, Jessy, Kailey; and many loving family and friends.

A celebration of Emily’s life will be held at 2 p. m., May 19, at Goshen Baptist Church. Arrangements: Epting Funeral Home.

Condolences: www.epting funeralhome.webs.com.

HUNTSVILLE — Tyler

Leon Smith, 18, of Huntsville, passed away May 13, 2018. Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Friday, May 18, at Sky High Arena in Huntsville. Interment will immediately follow at Bohannan Mountain Cemetery. Services are in care of Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory of Huntsville.

LITTLE ROCK—

Kennith A. Kinsey, 56, of Little Rock died May 13, at home.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with his granddaughter, Jordin. Kennith leaves to cherish his memory, son, Josh Kinsey, granddaughter, Jordin Kinsey and sister, Karna Kinsey, from Newcastle, Okla.

In lieu of flowers, all donations can be made payable to son, Josh Kinsey, 6404 The Divide Parkway, Apt 102, Little Rock, Ark., 72223, (501) 581-2049.

There will be no service held for Kennith. D.L. Boyd Funeral Home. “Helping Families Honor The Lives of Those They Love,” 10600 Trainstation Drive, Mabelvale, Ark., 72103, (501) 2465913.

Please visit our website atwww.dl boyd funeral home. com to sign the online guestbook or leave a comment for the family of Kennith.

LOWELL — Albert

“Glenn” Cupp was born Aug. 9, 1929, near Litt l e Rock, Ark . , the son of Albert and Eugenia Cupp. He passed away May 10, 2018, in Rogers, Ark.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Nita Ryan, and survived by his sisters, Louise Kirby, Hester Schwarzer, and Linnie Maxwell. Glenn was a brick mason by trade but later worked as a masonry department foreman for Lone Star Steel Company (East Texas).

He married Helen Bernice Roberts. Together they had one son, Robert (and wife, Carolyn). This month would have marked Glenn and Bernice’s 70th wedding anniversary. Glenn had two grandchildren, Chris ( and wife, Wendi) and Mindi. He also had three great- grandchildren (Cole, Hallie and Ethan Cupp). To his grandchildren and their friends, he was affectionately known as Gdad.

He loved Razorback sports, especially Arkansas baseball. He, with his wife, Bernice, were members of Fellowship Bible Church of

Northwest Arkansas.

The memorial service for Mr. Cupp will be held Saturday, May 19, at 11 a.m. at the BiLD Training Center Chapel at Fellowship Bible Church of Northwest Arkansas, Rogers. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Fellowship Bible Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services of Rogers. Stockdale-moodyfs. com.

ROGERS — Marthelle

Brewer Harman of Rogers, 100, passed away on May 13, 2018, in Bella Vista. She was born Jan. 9, 1918, in Baxter Springs, Kan., to the late Hayden D. and Mary E. (Mitchelson) Brewer.

She was the widow of the late jurist, Judge Jerome Harman who preceded her in death. She was a retired elementary teacher having graduated from Pittsburg State University.

She was a Methodist and a member of PEO; a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and American Association of University Women and a certified compositor. She was interested in antiques and also presented many book reviews for various organizations. She loved people and was concerned for the care and wellbeing of her host of friends and family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Marian Choate and Wilma Gordon. She is survived by her niece, Mary Margaret Harris and family of Gravette; two nephews and their families, Gerald Lynn Gordon, of Moscow, Idaho, and William Hayden Choate, of Quapaw, Okla.

Private services will be held following cremation with burial at Fayetteville National Cemetery, beside her husband.

Arrangements are in the care of Rollins Funeral Home, in Rogers, Ark. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice.

Online memorials can be made at www.rollinsfuneral. com.

ROGERS — Carl Wayne

LaRue Jr., 57, passed away on May 12, 2018. He was born in Sapulpa, Okla., on Dec. 7, 1960, to Wayne and Sue (Harris) LaRue.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Terry LaRue.

He is survived by his wife, Angela LaRue and two sons, Carl LaRue III and John LaRue of Rogers.

Gathering of remembrance will be held at Rollins Funeral Home Chapel in Rogers on Wednesday, May 16, 2018, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 18, 2018, in Pollard Cemetery in Dover, Ark.

Arrangements are under the care of Rollins Funeral Home of Rogers. www.rollins funeral.com.

SPRINGDALE — Calvin

Glenn Perryman, 70, passed away in Springdale on May 14, 2018. He was born April 12, 1939, in Kingston, Ark., to Ernest and Dephia Slaven Perryman. No services are planned. www.siscofuneral. com.

SPRINGDALE — Bryson

“Grady” Welch, 10, of Springdale, died Sunday, May 13, 2018, at Arkansas Children’ s Hospital in Little Rock. He was born Aug. 22, 2007, in Crestview, Fla. Grady was a fourth-grader at Shaw Elementary School.

Grady was a one-of-a-kind person. He either liked you or he didn’t. If he did, his smile would melt your heart and his eyes would twinkle with love. Everyone who came in contact with him would take away the knowledge that he was something special.

Grady did things Grady’s way. He was a challenge to all the medical staff at ACH where he was a lifelong patient. He did nothing by the book. Grady always had a smile for everyone. He showed so much love through his smile and always wanted to cuddle.

He is survived by his mother, Andrea LampeWelch; his father, Kenneth Welch; one brother, Dawson Welch of the family home; one sister, Brooklyn Welch of Defuniak Springs, Florida; grandparents, Andrew and Alice Lampe, Howard and Rebecca Welch; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Grady’s celebration to Heaven will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, at Shaw Elementary School and open to all families and children. There will be games for kids including ball playing, which was Grady’s favorite thing to do, along with a balloon release at 7 p.m. and chalk painting on the sidewalk.

Final goodbyes and viewing will begin at 7: 15 p. m. Grady loved to play and the family thinks this would be a great tribute to him. A funeral service will be 9:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tontitown. A lunch reception will follow at Fellowship Bible Church in Lowell.

Memorial contributions may be made to either the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Arkansas Children’s Hospital or the Ronald McDonald House.

This is not a time of sorrow but a celebration of a special little boy that God sent down to earth to brighten and touch everyone he met. He enjoyed life to the fullest.

Arrangements are with Heritage Funeral Home, online guestbook at www. heritageofnwa.com.

LEESVILLE, La. —

William Hayden “Bill”

Sexson born Sept. 18, 1947, in Fayetteville, Ark., the son of Jack Granville and Catherine Bronson Sexson, died May 12, 2018, surrounded by loved ones in Baton Rouge, La.

On March 2, 1974, he married the love of his life Lawanda Stroud in Alexandria, La. Their love was one that was incomparable and provided a foundation for their family for years to come. Over the course of their 45 years together they paved their own fairy tale. He was proud of the accomplishments of his wife, daughters, son-in-law and grandchildren.

A 1966 graduate of Leesville High School and a 1974 graduate of Northwestern State University, Bill spent his adult life in the criminal justice field where he began his profession at the Leesville Police Department as the juvenile officer. He loved his time at the LPD, but mostly enjoyed helping the at-risk children he encountered. After his time at LPD he and his family relocated to Fayetteville, Ark., where he began his career as a U.S. Probation Officer.

During his time in Northwest Arkansas he became known as an expert in domestic terror as well as federal guideline sentencing. Upon his retirement from the federal court system as the supervisor of the Federal Probation Office in Lake Charles, La., he completed his master’s degree from Louisiana State University. Upon this completion he became a professor of criminal justice at SOWELA Technical Community College in Lake Charles. He then took on the role as associate criminal justice professor at his alma mater, Northwestern State University, where he was employed for the past 11 years.

Prior to his illustrious law enforcement career and his collegiate life, he served his country in the U.S. Army after being drafted. He attended basic training at Fort Polk, La., where he had the privilege of receiving his first paycheck from his mother who worked in the finance office. After basic, he was stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1975.

He was an avid sports fan. His love for sports knew no bounds but he was particularly fond of his hometown Leesville Wampus Cats, the Arkansas Razorbacks, his alma mater’s Northwestern State and Louisiana State Universities, as well as the Houston Astros. At any time one entered his home there was a guarantee you would talk sports as well as watch a game on the television.

Of all of his life accomplishments, his most important title was being a dad, husband and pawpaw. He was the foundation to his family and instilled in his girls strength, dignity, and self respect. As a father, he encouraged each of his daughters to be the best version of themselves and to never settle for anything short of what they deserved. As a pawpaw he always brought laughter to a situation whatever it was through the quintessential “dad” joke or making up silly songs.

He provided bedtime stories and words of encouragement every night while tucking his girls in. As a husband, he embodied the idea to love, honor and protect his beloved Lawanda. She was his entire world and every hour of every day his love for her grew stronger. They held hands everywhere they went and their love will never end.

He was preceded in death by his father ( Jack), mother ( Catherine), father- in- law, (Theodore), mother-in-law, (Dorothy), nephew, Jeremy, his Aunt Milma, and an infant child.

He is survived by his “superchick” of 45 years, Lawanda; his beloved girls, Jacquelyn, Susan, Amanda and Summer; his amazing sonsin-law, Butch Millet, Aaron Arnold, Kenny Hughes and Trevor Peters; and his cherished grandchildren, William Burt, Jack Burt, Madison Burt, Mackenzie Millet, Cooper Hughes, Caden Peters, Greysen Millet and Hudson Arnold; his brother, Byron Sexson; cousins; brothers-inlaw; sisters-in law; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to Leesville High School in his name but most importantly to appreciate loved ones and to give them a hug and a kiss every night.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville, La. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 15, 2018, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral. Burial will be at the Fayetteville National Cemetery in Fayetteville, Ark., on Friday, May 18, 2018, at 1 p.m., under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville, La.

Words of comfort may be expressed to the Sexson Family at www.labbymemorial. com.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — James L. Amidon, 82, of Tallahassee, Fla., passed away Friday, May 11, 2018, at Big Bend Hospice. He was one of three children born in Greenville, Mich., to Harvey A. and Evelyn Kraft Amidon, who predeceased him, as did his sister, Eleanor, and brother, Allen.

He attended Kalamazoo College and served two years in the U.S. Army, 1958-60, with the Army Corps of Engineers in Germany. He spent his 40-year career working in a variety of safety, engineering, and environmental positions in Georgia, Indiana, and Arkansas with Central Soya and Tyson Foods, from which he retired. His work took him to at least 35 states and several foreign countries. At various times, he was an active member of Moose and Elks lodges.

He married Jo Ann Clark on July 1, 1961, and they celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2011 in Sanibel, Fla., before she passed away in 2014. Together they raised four sons: William (Laurie) of Chugiak, Alaska; Steven ( Dixi) of Big Lake, Alaska; James, Jr. (Christine) of Crawfordsville, Ind.; and Frank of Tallahassee, Fla. He is survived by his sons, daughtersin-law, and six grandchildren.

Jo and Jim were fabulous entertainers known for throwing day-long parties for friends, families, and people they knew from their daily interactions. They never met a stranger, and some of their fondest friendships were made when meeting people at Costco, a bank, or at the table next to them at a restaurant. They enjoyed traveling to Alaska, Indiana, and wherever their grandchildren played sports, sang in musicals, or fished in streams.

A private celebration of his life will be held at a later time. The family extends its sincere gratitude, love, and respect to the caring and compassionate staff at Big Bend Hospice, and asks that memorial donations be made to it in Mr. Amidon’s name, www.bigbendhospice.org/donate.

Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements, www. bevisfh. com, (850) 385-2193.