David ‘Dave’ Ray Broadbooks
David “Dave” Ray Broadbooks, 74, died Jan. 14, 2021, after many years of battling Alzheimer’s. He was born Nov. 5, 1946, in McPherson, Kan., to Byron “Bus” and Darda Broadbooks.
His younger years were spent in McPherson and Salina, Kan., before moving to Wichita, Kan., where he met his soul mate, Gloria Swinger. They were married on July 22, 1967.
In 1969, they were blessed with a daughter, Jerilyn, and in 1974 with a son, Travis. In 1969, Dave relocated his family to Topeka, Kan., with his job at Hilt’s Janitorial Supply, to open a new store. During his time in Topeka, Dave worked various jobs and owned his own Skelly Gas Station for several years before moving to Garfield in 1981.
He worked for Lost Bridge Village Association and, in 1983, was in a bad road grader accident that nearly took his life. He rededicated his life to the Lord during the healing process. Dave loved the Lord and lived his life accordingly. He was always ready to lend a hand.
He worked at Fellowship Bible Church of NWA for 20 years before retiring in 2010. After retiring, he and Gloria traveled around the U.S. visiting as many national parks as they could and going on multiple cruises, the highlight being a trip to Alaska. Dave’s hobbies included being a grandpa/papa to his grandkids and great grandkids, building furniture and working in his shop building street rods. He built a 1939 Chevy and two 1933 Ford Coupes and enjoyed driving them to car shows near and far away. He was a member of several street rod groups over the years: Christian Rodders Association, Rollin’ Relics, NSRA and Goodguys.
He was a member of Fellowship Bible Church since 1989.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Byron & Darda Broadbooks; two brothers, Joel and Peter; and grandson, Brenden Poe.
Survivors are his wife, Gloria of 53 years; his children, Jerilyn Poe (Perry Goodall) and Travis (Lori) Broadbooks, both of Rogers; grandchildren, Shalese (Coty) Cheshire of Pea Ridge, Shane (Jessica) Poe of Rogers, Shay (Shae) Poe of Proctor, Okla., Laila, Reese and Bailey Broadbooks of Rogers, Joe (BreeAnn) Goodall of Bella Vista and Jessica Goodall of Mount Hope, Kan.; great-grandchildren, Landon and Zoey Cheshire, Elizabeth and Ryker Poe and Felix Black; sisters, Janna (Bill) Worden of Utica, N.Y. and Susan Eardley of Berryville; many cousins, nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Roscoe.
The family wishes to extend a “special thank you” to the staff at Magnolia Place Alzheimer’s Special Care Center for their dedication, care, and compassion they have shown us over the last two years. Also, a “special thank you” to the Elite Hospice staff for their care and compassion.
The family held a private memorial service. The service was made available to watch on youtube at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021.
Cremation arrangements were by Benton County Memorial Park, Rogers.
Burial was in Bayless Cemetery, Gateway.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to honor the staff at his last home for their loving care for the past two years. Donations may be made to Magnolia Place Alzheimer’s Special Care Center Associate Fund, C/O Andrea Kintner, 2000 S. Hampton Place, Rogers, AR 72758.