Columbus Mahan

Columbus Mahan, age 86, of Hot Springs, was escorted by angels on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017, with his family by his side. He lived his entire life on the same piece of property.

He was born in Hot Springs, the son of Alexander Cam Mahan and Jeffie Maye Richardson Mahan. On Sept. 30, 1951, he married Vesta Wright, the mother of his children, who preceded him in death in 2000. He was also preceded in death by one daughter, Brenda Ault; one great-grandson, Deandre’ Johnson; one brother, Tilman Mahan; and four sisters, Alta Lauderbach, Lucille Miller, Merlyne Winkle and one infant sister.

Columbus was a hardworking man, always putting God and family first. He walked many a mile in his life, whether reading meters for AP&L for 26 years, plowing a garden behind his mule, Kate, coon hunting, deer hunting and running dogs. He also loved to be in his boat on the lake fishing. He pastored several churches in this area and surrounding areas. He never met a stranger, always helping those in need. He met everybody with a smile and it wasn’t hard to quickly become his friend. If he didn’t know you at first, it was guaranteed he would before you left and he would know who your relatives were. He enjoyed being out in the sunshine and fresh air while riding around in the golf cart with his brother, Roland.

He became the community grandpa to his grandkids friends, always happy to see them, listen to them, guide them and would fix them breakfast after a long night chasing coon. He guided those who were lost, not only physically, but also spiritually. He was our Google, our GPS, our fish finder and our winter road checker. He didn’t intentionally impress people, but left an impression by the way he lived his life. He is a legend in his own right and was one of the most special family men that God ever created. We were blessed to call him Daddy, Grandpa, Pa and friend.

His legacy will live on in the lives of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We are all honored to have not only known him, but to have loved and to have been loved by him. His words of wisdom, “well hun …,” “keep your head on straight …,” “life is uncertain, but death is for sure …,” “don’t worry about tomorrow, because I know who holds my hand …,” will always be cherished and remembered by those who knew and loved him. Daddy, your rooster and chicks will carry on and make you proud.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, David and Gail Mahan, of Hot Springs; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Terrie Spurlin, Sandra and Mack Scrimshire and Rita and Rick Cole, all of Hot Springs; 19 grandchildren, Kevin and Rebecca Ault, Roger and Erin Ault, Lee Mahan, Clint Mahan, Ericka and Caleb Nance, Rebecca and Sam Campbell, Rodney and Tonya Spurlin, Josh and Joni Scrimshire, Courtnee Mahan, Mica (Scott) Vincent, Mandi Vincent, Mason (Morgan) Vincent, Nathan Cole, Beka Cole, Ryle Cole, Levi Lawson, Jon Harris, Jake Fisher and Tyler Vincent;

25 great-grandchildren, Ashlin and Fen Ault, Hope Ault, Brittney Bair, Hannah, Bayle, Bryer and Jayden Mahan, Alexis Berry, Brayden Griffith, Nazaraethe, Heather, Gabriel and Josiah Campbell, Abigail, Arabella and Alyssa Spurlin, Destiny, Sierrra, Darrin and Jaelyn Scrimshire, Aniyah Mahan, Kannon and Kaeson Sigman and Dre’vyon Johnson; one brother, Roland Mahan, of Hot Springs; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Louise Pyron, Bertie and Herman Mullings and Jack Lauderbach, all of Hot Springs; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and a host of wonderful friends.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Center Fork Missionary Baptist Church with Brother Teddy Hill Jr. and Brother Lennon Hill officiating.

Interment will be held in Pleasant Hill Cemetery under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Hot Springs.

Visitation will be held from

6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons.

Honorary pallbearers will be Fred Winfrey, Bill and Connie Terry, Tam Parker, Dale Fitzhugh, Rosie Perry, Johnny Robbins, Dr. Troy Oxner, Dr. Jeffery Tauth, Dr. Edward Warren, Arkansas Hospice nurses Diane and Erica, Mel’s Diner Coffee Club and the members of Cedar Tree Hunting Club.

Guest registry is at http:// www.davis-smith.com.