Obituaries
Winnona Brewer
WICKES — Mrs. Winnona Ruth McCauley Davis Brewer, of Wickes, went to her heavenly home on May 19, 2019.
She was born to Henry and Pearl McCauley in Umpire, Howard County, on Feb. 17, 1926. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Royle C. Davis and Garry Brewer; and granddaughter, Amber Davis Morris.
Winnona, Nona, was an avid basketball fan, enthusiastically supporting her children and grandchildren, as well as participating in the sport in her high school days. After graduation from Wickes School, she left the farm and log cabin and attended a Western Union School in Springfield, Mo.
Later she was transferred to Washington, D.C., where she finished her business training and was employed by the Civil Service as a secretary. She was there at the end of World War II. Upon the return to Arkansas, she then attended Henderson State Teachers College, where she earned a BSE in English Speech and Drama. She attended Drake University in Iowa and completed a Master’s Degree in English from HSTC in 1966.
Winnona began her teaching career in Umpire in 1955. She continued her career in Grannis, Grand Junction, Iowa, Hatfield, Horatio and retired from DeQueen High in 1992. During her 37 years of contributing to education, she also was adjunct instructor in English composition and speech for then Rich Mountain Community College and Cossatot Community College. She was always interested in reading, which the love of books led her to heading many libraries in her career.
Her love of life and work and service to others allowed her to work for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tri Lakes, from 1977-2012. She was greatly admired and loved by so many and will be dearly missed.
She is survived by Randal Davis (Sherry Lynn), of Wickes, Larry Davis (Sherry), Hot Springs, and LaJuana Mooney (Michael), Hot Springs. Grandchildren, Andi Davis, Wickes, Mikka Mooney, Broken Arrow, Okla., Matthew Davis, Alameda, Calif.; and five great-grandchildren.
Her family extends their appreciation to her caregivers in her home and in Hot Springs. Pallbearers are Preston Sirmon, Victor Kuykendall, James Pickett, Mike Richardson, Alan Smith and Scott Corbitt.
Visitation is 4-6 p.m. today, May 22, Chandler Funeral Home, DeQueen. Services, 2 p.m. Thursday, Wickes Pentecostal Church of God with Brother Chris Burke officiating. Interment at Daniel Cemetery, Wickes. Online sympathy message at http://www.chandlerfuneral.com.
Grady H. Cathey Jr.
Grady Hillman Cathey Jr., of Hot Springs, Ark., formerly of Rison, died May 12, 2019, at age 89.
Graveside services were May 15, 2019, at the Greenwood Cemetery in Rison.
Memorials may be made for the Grady H. Cathey Memorial Scholarship Fund. Make checks payable to Kelley Smith at FBT Bank and Mortgage in Rison.
Arrangements by Buie Funeral Home of Rison, http:// www.buiefuneralhome.com.
Paul N. Fletcher Sr.
Paul N. Fletcher Sr., 74, of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away May 20, 2019.
He was born Oct. 9, 1944, in Pine Bluff, to Thomas Orr Fletcher Jr. and Keturah (Neely) Fletcher.
Paul was a graduate of Pine Bluff High School and attended the University of Arkansas and the University of Central Arkansas. He served in the Army Reserves for 11 years and later worked in human resources for Tyson Foods for 31 years. Afterwards, Paul worked as the Human Resource director for McFarland Eye Care for 11 years before retiring in 2016.
Paul served on the Board of Directors of the Pine Bluff Chamber of Commerce and the Pine Bluff Port Authority. He was a member of Piney Grove United Methodist Church.
Paul loved living on the lake and enjoyed boating and all water activities. Gathering with his family and friends was a great joy in his life. Paul will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend to many. He was a man of character and had the respect of everyone who knew him.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Keturah Fletcher; sister, Virginia Sadler; brother, Tommy Fletcher; and son, Paul N. Fletcher Jr.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Joan Avant Fletcher; daughter, Ginger Fletcher Serpas; grandchildren, Stewart Serpas Jr., Sierra Serpas, Jackson Ruiz; sister, Margaret Fletcher Kresse; many loving nieces and nephews; and a host of loving extended family and friends.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. today at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home.
A celebration of Paul’s life will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Graceland Cemetery in Pine Bluff.
Pallbearers include Eric Kresse, Steve Fletcher, Andy Sadler, Dave Sadler, Phillip Blunk and Stewart Serpas Sr.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Arkansas Methodist Children’s Home or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences at http://www.caruth-hale.com.
Nancy S. Fowler
BONNERDALE — Nancy Silver Fowler, age 78, of Bonnerdale, passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2019.
She was born on Aug. 11, 1940, the daughter of Kimble Woodruff and Regina Kalinowski Woodruff. On Dec. 31, 1993, she was married to Carl Fowler.
Professionally known as Nancy Silver, she was a talented musician who played the fiddle, mandolin, guitar and musical saw, which was manufactured in Sweden. She had played many venues across the state, such as the Arkansas Reparatory Theater and Peabody Hotel. Nancy was an accomplished artist, painter and seamstress. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.
She is survived by her husband, Carl Fowler, of Bonnerdale; her twin daughters, Deanne Minery, of Arizona, and Leanne Provost, of California; her grandson, Airman 1st Class Grant Provost, of California; her stepdaughter, Kija Mitchell, of Virginia; and two stepgrandchildren, John Harold Mitchell and Sierra Mitchell, both of Russellville.
Cremation arrangements were under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, Glenwood.
Guest registry is at http:// www.davis-smith.com.
Don C. Fox
Don Carl Fox, age 75, of Hot Springs, died Saturday, May 18, 2019.
Services will be at 10 a.m. today in Davis-Smith Funeral Home chapel, Hot Springs, with visitation from 9-10 a.m. today.
Interment with military honors will be 2:45 p.m. today in Memorial Park Cemetery, Pine Bluff.
Guest registry is at http:// www.davis-smith.com.
Patricia Y. Garverick
Patricia Yvonne Garverick, age 75, of Hot Springs, passed away Monday, May 20, 2019.
Guest registry is at http:// www.carriganmemorial.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.
Earlene Harris
RUSSELLVILLE — Earlene Harris, 87, of Russellville, formerly of Stuttgart and Hot Springs, died Saturday, May 18, 2019, at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Russellville.
The daughter of Earl and Ernestine (Odom) Kinder, she was born Jan. 23, 1932, in Stuttgart. She was a homemaker and was always willing to help others in need. She was a member of the Hot Springs Emblem Club 194 and Newcomers Club in Russellville. She also worked as a substitute teacher at First United Methodist, TLC. She enjoyed spending time with family, especially grandchildren, and traveling. She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil Eugene Harris; her parents; and a granddaughter, Leslie Marlin.
Survivors include a daughter, Debbie Harris Marlin; son, Michael Eugene Harris and wife Deborah; grandchildren, Robert Riddle, Rachael Winfield and husband Rick, Abigail Crow and husband Bradley, and Dillon Harris; great-grandchildren, Blake Riddle, Paige Winfield, Ben Winfield, Zoe Winfield, Oliver Crow and Adler Crow; and a brother, Lynn Kinder and Carolyn “Nunny.”
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Homes For Our Troops at https://www.hfotusa.org/. Internet obituary and online guestbook are available at http://www.humphreyfuneral.com.
Gary Hogsett
Gary “Boss Hog” Hogsett,
75, of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away May 16, 2019.
He was born Sept. 6, 1943, in Imperial, Neb., to Clyde and Bonnie Hogsett. Gary served in the U.S. Navy, serving six tours in Vietnam. He also served in law enforcement for
10 years within Colorado and Nebraska.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Gwen Hogsett; brother, Arlan Hogsett; sister, Janice Keiser; and sister-in-law, Barb Hogsett.
Loving survivors include his daughter, Sonja Hogsett; sons, Don Denham, Erik Denham, Bobby Denham, Allen Denham; grandchildren, Nikki Williams, Cierra Burks, Stoney Burks, Ronni Denham, Amber Denham, Craig Denham, Chris Denham; great-grandchildren, Kyle, Austin and Ayden Denham, Braxton Breckenridge; and a host of friends and extended family from Boss Hogs.
A celebration of life will take place 4 p.m. Saturday at Boss Hogs.
Online condolences at http://www.caruth-hale.com.
A. Rankin Kennedy Jr.
Dr. A. “Doc” Rankin Kennedy Jr., 90, of Hot Springs, passed away May 17, 2019.
Rankin was born in San Antonio, Texas, to the late A. Rankin and Beulah Townsend Kennedy. A gifted scholar, he graduated from high school and began college at the University of Texas at 15. At the age when most were getting their high school diplomas, Rankin joined the armed forces with a psychology degree, serving as a psych medic and earning a Bronze Star for meritorious service during his time in Korea.
Rankin started graduate studies at Texas A&M after returning stateside, eventually obtaining his doctorate in veterinary medicine. For many years, he had a veterinary practice in Austin, Texas. Later he began work for the USDA, from which he would retire.
A voracious reader his entire life, Rankin would begin research on a subject and soon it would become an obsessive hobby. In his lifetime, he showed chickens and several breeds of dogs (naming them was one of his joys); he solved numerous puzzles, crosswords and word searches (stumped only by the April Fool’s Word Search given by staff at CCV — none of the words listed were contained in the letter square, but a determined Rankin searched most of the day); he was a Master Gardener who grew over 150 types of day lilies; and Rankin was a prolific quilt piecer, whose goal was to eventually make a quilt for each of his great-grandchildren.
However, it was his family Rankin most loved and enjoyed. He married Dorothy Manning in 1952 and shared more than 66 years of friendship, family and faith. They were blessed with daughters Nella (Lionel) Spanke and Jane Douglas; sons Russell (Karen) and George (Elizabeth) Kennedy, as well as 10 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
A visitation will be at Gross Funeral Home chapel from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 23.
A memorial service will be at Country Club Village at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 26.
Burial will be June 22 at Fort Douglas Cemetery in Hagarville, Ark.
The family would like to thank Arkansas Heart Hospital, Dr. Andrew Henry, Dr. Ted Faro, Dr. Manjusha Kota, Hospice Home Care, Rankin’s caregiver Sheila Pier, and his First Baptist Church of Hot Springs family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in honor of Rankin Kennedy to the Arkansas Children’s Allergy and Asthma Research Fund, c/o Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation, 11 Children’s Way, Little Rock, AR 72202.
Online guestbook and tributes available at http://www. GrossFuneralHome.com.
Mary C.R. King
Mary Callis Roberts King, age 83, of Hot Springs, passed away Saturday, May 18, 2019, at her home.
She was born June 14, 1935, in Lepanto, the daughter of Joe Oliver Roberts and Callis Anges Reagan Roberts. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Junior King, in 1994; son, David King; parents; one brother; and three sisters.
Mary was loved and adored by many family members and friends, especially her husband of 42 years, Kenneth, who truly cherished her.
She is survived by five children and their spouses, Kenneth King, of South Carolina, Billy and Judy King, of North Carolina, Lora and Rick Kostelaz, Donna and Mark Engebretson and Eddie and Sheri King, all of Hot Springs; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one greatgreat-grandchild; two brothers, Bob Roberts and David Roberts, both of Hot Springs; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members; and a host of wonderful friends.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Davis-Smith Funeral Home chapel, Hot Springs.
Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Friday.
Interment will be in the Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Joseph Allen Roberts, Rick Kastelaz, Aaron Haralson, Michael Jones, Asher Oliver King and Alex Oliver King.
Honorary pallbearers will be David Roberts and Bob Roberts.
Guest registry is at http:// www.davis-smith.com.
Ethan M. Laperche
Ethan Michael Laperche, beautiful baby boy of Mycethia Thirdgill and Paul Laperche, brother to Jayden Henderson, Corbin and Anthony Laperche, spent his moments held in love before returning to the arms of angels on May 15, 2019.
Arrangements are with Gross Funeral Home.
Phillip Moffatt
MOUNTAIN PINE — Phillip “Ray” Moffatt, 55, of Mountain Pine, passed away on May 19, 2019.
He was born on April 8, 1964, in Little Rock, to Claude and Edna Ritchey Moffatt.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert and Sherman Moffatt.
Ray is survived by his parents; sons, Kyle (Kourtney Stallings) Moffatt, of Hot Springs, and Brent Moffatt, of Hawaii; grandchildren, Kylee Moffatt and Michael Rice.
Graveside memorial services by Ashby Funeral Home will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 25, at Roselawn Cemetery in Little Rock.
On line guestbook at http:// www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
Charlie Raines
MALVERN — Charlie Raines, 76, of Malvern, passed away May 20, 2019.
Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. today, May 22, at Regency Funeral Home.
Funeral service is 10 a.m. Thursday May 23, in Regency Funeral Home chapel.
Arrangements by Regency Funeral Home. Sign the guestbook at http://regencyfuneralhome.com.
Charles R. Rasnic
Maj. Charles Richard (Dick) Rasnic moved on to his eternal home on Sunday, May 19, 2019.
Dick was born on Aug. 4, 1935, in Pittsburg, Kan., to Charles H. (Hoot) and Irene Rasnic. He graduated from Pittsburg High School and joined the U.S. Air Force when he was 19 as an enlisted man. After basic training, he was accepted to Officer Candidate School and became a highly decorated pilot, serving four tours in Vietnam and logging nearly 300 combat sorties. His first tour was in B-57 Canberra light attack bombers for the 8th bombardment liberty squadron out of Hill AFB, Utah. He flew 240 night, low-level attack missions, including several as Chuck Yeager’s wingman (the first man to exceed the speed of sound). Dick was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, as well as numerous Air Medals and other awards for extraordinary achievement and valor in combat. He was elevated to test pilot and instructor pilot in
B-57s before he was transferred to B-52s.
Vietnam tours 2 – 4 were with the 340th bomb squadron out of Eaker AFB in Blytheville, Ark., where he commanded an additional 57 combat missions over the North and Hanoi. He was also elevated to instructor pilot in B-52s, and awarded the USAF’s highest aeronautical rating of command pilot. He served as an alert mission pilot during the Cold War. Following Vietnam, he was accepted to the Air Force Institute of Technology, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, and was subsequently assigned to the 1840th Civil Engineering Squadron at Richards-Gebaur AFB in Kansas City, Mo., where he eventually retired after over
22 years of service. He worked as an electrical engineer, plant manager and corporate pilot as a civilian until his second retirement, and then became a contractor at the tender age of 55.
He was an active member of Piney Grove United Methodist Church. His exceptional wit and intelligence was surpassed only by his faith in God, inspiring all of those with whom he came into contact. Dick would have considered his numerous accomplishments negligible in the absence of leaving a legacy of faith and service for his family. He was a model husband, father, grandpa, leader and friend, who touched many with his kindness, humor and generosity.
In addition to his military service, he was a two-time regional heavyweight, golden gloves boxing champion and competed for the Air Force championship, losing only one fight. He won the National Master’s Judo Championship in 1977 in the unlimited division.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marlene; children, Russ (Marisa) Rasnic and Caylene (Jay) Reinsma; grandchildren, Kelli Ray and Lexi Rasnic; and great-grandchildren, Ella Parker, Jaxon Ray and Marryn Ray.
Visitation will be at 9 a.m. Thursday, May 23, 2019, at Piney Grove United Methodist Church, followed by a celebration of life service at 10 a.m.
Interment will be in the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, at 11 a.m. Friday, under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Hot Springs.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be sent to the building fund at Piney Grove United Methodist Church or your favorite charity.
Guest registry is at http:// www.davis-smith.com.
Joan Swenson
Joan Swenson, of Hot Springs, passed away May 20, 2019.
Arrangements are to be announced by Hot Springs Funeral Home.
Online condolences at http://www.hotspringsfh.com.
Michael J. Wells
Michael Jeffrey Wells, 54, of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away May 19, 2019.
He was born June 30, 1964, in Hot Springs, to Earl Ray and Lynita Rae (Lindsey) Wells.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents and mother-inlaw, Sharon Davis Combs.
Survivors include wife of 35 years, Kim Wells; son, Zachary Wells (Ashley); daughters, Lauren Wells, Sarah Wachendorf (Grant); sisters, Missy Rickard and her daughter, Mackenzie, Angel Bridgewater (Darrell); father-in-law, Robert C. Combs and his wife, Glynda Greer Combs; brothers-in-law, Clay Combs (Brittany), Chris Combs (LaDonna); sister-in-law, Karen Wright (Mika); and many nieces and nephews, who played a special part in his life.
During the past four years, Mike received the best care from so many. They became friends who will always hold a special place in our hearts. A special thank you and love to Dr. J.D. Day, chairman of the Neurosurgery Department at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and his entire neurosurgery team. Dr. Shirley Ong, neuro-oncologist at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and the entire Neuro-Oncology Department. Dr. Jeffrey Bordelon of Hospice at Home, Mike’s hospice nurses Ruth Ann and Donna, along with the entire staff at In Home Hospice. Care IV Home Health and all occupational therapists, physical therapists and speech therapists that had a part of Mike’s treatment. Dr. Scott Anderson and his staff. A special thank you, also, to Mike’s caregiver at home, Linda Evans.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at 2 p.m. today at City Life Church in Hot Springs with Brother Ben Wiles and Brother Lance Arguello officiating.
Burial will follow at Morning Star Cemetery.
Pallbearers include Robert Arguello, Paul Graves, Dr. Bobbie (Skip) Fine, Derek Hatcher, Gary Beckwith, Darin Beckwith, Chris “Boogie” Cook and Darrell Kennedy.
Honorary pallbearers are Michel Gutman, Devin Rohr and Todd Thompson. Honorary “Paw Bearers” are his granddogs, Bryant, Penny and Kane.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made as part of a scholarship in Mike’s name at his alma mater, Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla. Information on how contributions can be donated will be made available for those who are interested.
Online condolences at http://www.caruth-hale.com.
Dennis W. Woodward
Dennis Wilson Woodward, of Hot Springs, Ark., was born in Henderson, Tenn., on Jan. 12, 1947. He went to be with his Lord and Savior May 14, 2019. He looked forward to being reunited with his loving wife of 44 years, Helen Woodward, and eldest son, Kelly Woodward.
He was proceeded in death by both of his parents, as well as two sisters and two brothers.
He was survived by a son, Kevin Woodward; grandchildren, Kaley Smith, Krista Woodward, Caleb Woodward, Brandon Sales, Kaylynn Riggins and Kayte Ortigara. His greatest joys, his great-grandchildren, Emma Jean, T.L. Smith, baby girl Adriana Smith and Braelon Jones. As well as one set of lifelong friends, Jerry and Elaine Moore.
Dennis was a decorated Army veteran of the Vietnam War. A faithful Christian with a kind and helping soul. He was always there when you needed him and normally even if you didn’t, especially when food was involved. If anyone could be called dependable, it was Dennis. If you knew Dennis, he was always up to something, rather it was lending a helping hand or being mischievous, he always found the humor in life. They say the only measure of a man’s worth will be by the love he leaves behind when he’s gone. Dennis left an abundance of love and great memories for a lot of people and will be deeply loved and missed.
A memorial service to honor Dennis will be held 10 a.m. Saturday in Gross Funeral Home chapel with Brother Horace Gray officiating.
Guests may register at http://www.grossfuneralhome.com.