David Paul Wagner, 50, of Alexander, passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2019. He was born on May 29, 1969 in Ft. Smith to Bob and Jackie Gaddis Wagner. David worked 16 years at Little Rock Medical Associates in the maintenace department. He loved NASCAR racing, riding motorcycles, loved the Buffalo Bills, drag racing and sports cars. David had a love for his animals, but most of all, he loved visiting with family & friends. Those left to cherish his memory, wife, Michelle Wagner; sister, Barbara Wagner; parents, Bob and Jackie Wagner; sister-in-law, Marsha Carter; brothers-in-law, John Dyson (Tina) and Jay Dyson (Lyndy) and a host of nieces, nephews & cousins. Visitation will be 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 20 at Ashby Funeral Home with services beginning at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery. Bro. Jim Wagner will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society and the Saline County Humane Society. Ashby Funeral Home of Benton
Glenda Carol Roberts 76, of Benton passed away on Wednesday December 18, 2019 at her home in Benton. She was born May 11, 1943 in Memphis, Tennessee. Glenda was retired from the Hilton Hotels Corp. and a Deacon of the First Presbyterian Church in Benton. She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Bertha Melton Chambers, husband Billy Fred Roberts, one brother, and two sisters. Survivors, daughters and son-in-law, Robin Richelle Schneider, Benton; Lynette Christine (Christy) Davison and husband Delmar, Benton; sister, Mary Ethel, nine grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 21st at First Presbyterian Church. Ashby Funeral Home of Benton
Diana Sue McWilliams, 69, Benton, died peacefully at home on December 20th, surrounded by her family. She was born in Benton to Maxey and Inez Pyle, and graduated from Benton High School in 1968, where she was voted “Most Courteous” her senior year. She received a math degree from the State College of Arkansas in 1972. Diana was married to John McWilliams for 40 years and is survived by him and their children, Margaret (Lake; step-grandson Owen) of Durham, NC; John (Meredith, grandsons, Soren and Otto) of Houston, TX; and Laura (Mikel) of Sacramento, CA; her step-daughter, Elizabeth (step-grandson Alexis) of London, England. Diana is survived by her mother, brother and sister-in-law, David and Charlotte Pyle, and their children and grandchildren. Diana also leaves behind her fellow childhood troublemakers, “The Crew,” as well as many other cherished friends. Diana was a devoted math teacher at Bauxite High School for 36 years. She was twice named Teacher of the Year and served as longtime sponsor of Student Council. She loved seeing the “light bulb” coming on for her students. She was deeply committed to her teacher sorority, Delta Kappa Gamma, serving as president even while undergoing cancer treatment. Diana loved her Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority, and her time spent traveling to chapters around the country after college. She had an incredible faith and inner strength and was a longtime member of First Baptist Church. Diana lived fully and joyfully, sharing her kindness, compassion, and generous spirit with everyone. Visitation will be December 26th from 12-2 pm at Ashby Funeral Home of Benton, with services immediately following. She will be buried at Pine Crest Memorial Park. Diana will be loved, cherished, and missed forever. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CARTI of Little Rock or Delta Kappa Gamma-Mu Chapter. Ashby Funeral Home of Benton
Betty Jo Adams, 88, of Benton, (formerly of Ashdown) passed away Thursday, December 26, 2019. She was born August 22, 1931, in Stuttgart, Arkansas, to Jessie and Millie (Yarbrough) Davis. Betty worked until she was 78 and retired after 40 years in the banking industry. She was a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Ashdown, and served as a pastor’s wife for 50 years. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband of 55 years, Jackie Adams; son, Cary Adams; and sister, Emma Lois Smith. Betty is survived by daughters, Sherri Fite (Lanny) of Benton and Lisa Fatherree of Ashdown; five grandchildren, Kellie Fite Turner (Joel) of Southeast Asia; Nikki Adams Rader (Curt) of Adair, OK; Adam Fite (Heather) of Fayetteville; Christopher Jones and Seth Fatherree (Heather) of Ashdown; eight great-grandchildren, Kayla Lee (Trey); Gunnar Rader; Jack, Max & Ariana Turner; Caroline & Collins Fite; and Lorelai Fatherree; two great-great-grandchildren, Nova & Phoenix Lee; and siblings, Charlena Peters, Jesse Davis, and Anne Shockley all of West Memphis. Pallbearers will be Lanny Fite, Adam Fite, Curt Rader, Gunnar Rader, Christopher Jones, and Seth Fatherree. Jay Jacobs will officiate. A private family service will be held at Holland Chapel Baptist Church followed by burial at Pine Crest Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Missionary Baptist Seminary in Little Rock. Ashby Funeral Home of Benton
Lee Michelle Hurt January 02, 1973 – December 23, 2019 Memorial Service Saturday, December 28, 2019 2:00 PM Ashby Funeral Home 108 W. Narroway Benton, Arkansas 72015
Reagan Marie Roberts went to be with the Lord on Tuesday December 17, 2019 with her family by her side. She was born on December 17, 2019 to Nathan and Megan Roberts. She is preceded in death by her maternal great-grandfather, Bobby Earl Goshien; and paternal great-grandfather, Jimmy Stinson. Reagan is survived by her parents; grandmother Tammy Goshien; grandfather Randy Roberts; grandmother Angela Roberts; great grandparents Marie Goshien, Mary Stinson, Tony and Donna Roberts; aunt and uncle Natalie and Andrew McMillan (Jolie); and a very big, loving family of many uncles, aunts, cousins, and a host of other friends who all loved her dearly. Celebration of life will be Friday December 20, 2019 at 10:30 AM at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant, Arkansas. To sign guestbook, please visit www.dialdudleyfuneralhome.com.
Susan Torres 64, passed away on December 20, 2019 with her family by her side. She was born on September 17, 1955 to Betty and the late Tom Caton in Yakima, Washington. Susan loved her grandkids and antique shopping. She took special interest in watching the birds, going to the beach and collecting seashells, and knitting. She was also a retired bank teller with over 20 years service to Regions Bank. She is preceded in death by her father. Susan is survived by her loving husband, Ron Torres; her mother; one daughter Kim Nordin “Jason”; one son Ronnie Torres “Christy”; nine grandchildren Ryan, Taylor, Andrew, Ava, Reese, Logan, Braden, Abrianna, and Mila; two sisters Debra Derden and Cindy Caton; two brothers James Caton and Wayne Caton; and a host of other family and friends who loved her dearly and will miss her very much. Visitation will be Monday December 23, 2019 from 6-8 PM at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant, Arkansas. There will be a graveside service on Tuesday December 24, 2019 at 10:00 AM at Forest Hills Cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas. To sign guestbook, please visit www.dialdudleyfuneralhome.com.
Vanessa Steves 65, passed away on December 23, 2019 with her family by her side. She was born on October 20, 1954 to the late R.A. and Virginia Muse in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was a disaster relief volunteer for the Red Cross for many years. Vanessa also loved raising her grandchildren, family, and animals. She worked at Baptist BRI as an I.A. and was devout in her faith. She is preceded in death by her parents; and stepmother Wanda Muse. Vanessa is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Michael Steves; son Gregory Dane Shaw; grandchildren Lydia, Tyson, Ella, Addison, and Beckett; sister Dorothy Ann Daniels “Howard”; brother Don Muse “Lynn”; beloved dog Xenia; numerous cats; and a host of other family and friends who all loved her dearly and will miss her very much. Celebration of life will Tuesday December 31, 2019 at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Lung Association. To sign guestbook, please visit www.dialdudleyfuneralhome.com.
Yong Suk Park 69, of Benton, Arkansas passed away on December 25, 2019 with her family by her side. She was born on August 6, 1950 to the late Kum Yi and Chong Hui Yi in Seoul, South Korea. Yong loved singing, dancing, cooking, going to the casino, playing Korean card games, and making people laugh. She was a member of Loving Church of Korea for many years. She is preceded in death by her parents. Yong is survived by her loving husband of 25 years, Eddie Park; four children, Tom Johnson “Karen”, Jenny Johnson “Matt”, Jimmy Olds “Rica”, and Jessica Price; six grandchildren; one sister, Hyun Sook; one brother, Hung Bom; two stepsons, Brian and Michael Park; and a host of other family and friends who all loved her dearly and will miss her very much. Celebration of life will be at 12:00PM Saturday December 28, 2019 at Loving Church of Korea in Little Rock, Arkansas with visitation one hour prior to the service. To sign online guestbook, please visit www.dialdudleyfuneralhome.com.
Bonnie Jo (Rice) Finch 91, of Bryant, Arkansas passed away on Christmas Day, December 25, 2019. She was the widow of Clarence Dee Finch and was born March 9, 1928 in New Boston, Texas. She is preceded in death by her parents, Hattie and John L Rice; her siblings; two daughters, Sharon and Annella (Nellie); and great grandson, Kenneth Crafton. Mrs. Finch was employed by Woolworth’s for several years and at K-Mart until her retirement. She was a resident of Collegeville and Bryant since the late 50’s and was a long time member of Heritage Baptist Temple in Little Rock. She was known for her sweet nature, giving spirit, and always gracious smile. She is survived by two daughters, Barbara Lundquist “Rex” and Deborah (Debbie) Sikes “Bobby”; her grandchildren, Jan Bailey (the late Brett Bailey), Bronwen Seeman, Elsja Hancock, Lewis McBride, Brian McBride, Brandy Crafton, Kris Sikes, Andrea Brown, Angela Bearden, and Bill Bearden; great grandchildren, Cole and Carter Bailey, Preston and Emma Seeman, Max and Ashton Hancock, Caitlyn McBride, Peyton Sikes, Parker Sikes, Nelson Sikes, Emerson Sikes, Erica Bearden, Billy Bearden, Jessee Bearden, Justin Bearden, Kinley Bearden, Nikki and Brittany Lea; several great-great grandchildren; very special friend Mary Brown; and a host of other family and friends who all loved her very much and will miss her dearly. Celebration of life will be a graveside service on December 31, 2019 at 3:00 PM at Forest Hills Cemetery with Dial and Dudley in charge of all arrangements. To sign guestbook, please visit www.dialdudleyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dial and Dudley Funeral Home at 501-847-9099.
Patricia Lee Ann Box passed away peacefully on December 26, 2019. She was born in Benton, Arkansas to the late Franklin Lee and Violet Vianna Cordelia Clark Box on December 27, 1940. Patricia retired after thirty-one years from Westside Pharmacy in Benton, Arkansas. There she managed the front of the store selecting merchandise that added class and style to the gifts, jewelry and toy departments. She liked making things look nice. This extended from her job and home and to her own personal sense of style in the way she dressed. While she was never married and had no children, she did add to the lives of her nieces, their children and a host of others who were distantly related, worked during the stores busy seasons or were the friends of the family. All of them called her Aunt Pat. She is survived by her sisters Wanda Carter (Bob) and, Laurie Carter (Travis), her nieces Kelly Steed (Walt), Carla Cox (Paul), Lisa Way (Emery) and Gaylynn Griffin (Otto). Her great nieces and nephews David Steed, Cole Drye, Casey Hensley, Cody Curry, Lane Curry, Hesston Cox, Mackenzie Reese Hensley, and Shelby Foster. The family thanks Greenbrier Nursing Home and Arkansas Hospice for their care. Funeral services will be officiated by Hurston Cook on Monday at 2:00 p.m, December 30, 2019 at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home, 306 S. Main Street, Benton, Arkansas 72015. Visitation will begin at the funeral home at 1:00 pm.
Rodney Mel Mathews, 69, of Benton went to be with the Lord on Monday, December 23, 2019. He was born September 2, 1950 in Pine Bluff to Merle Ann Mullican and Julius Thurston “J.T.” Mathews. He was one of the most easy-going and friendly guys you would ever have the privilege of knowing. He was especially known for his sense of humor in just about any situation and having the talent of being able to play piano and guitar by ear. His knack for design and creativity were exemplified in many aspects of his life and he never ceased to impress those who had the honor of visualizing his works. Rodney is preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Carl Lee Mathews. He is survived by the love of his life, Robin Mathews; his sons, John Thomas Mathews and his wife, Sunni, of Fordyce, Robert Justin Mathews and his girlfriend, Laura Hettman, both of Conway; one daughter, Stacy Mathews-Savage and her husband, Jonathan, of Arkadelphia; two step-daughters, Randi Roseberry, of Alexander, and Kelly Otwell and her husband, Jason of Alexander; his sister, Connie Mathews Gill and her husband, Lawrence, of Fordyce; six grandchildren, and many other extended family members and friends. He will be greatly missed but his memory will be cherished and his legacy will continue on through those who loved and cared for him. The family would like to extend their most gracious thanks to the staff at Alcoa Pines for their love and care they showed to Rodney. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.
Woodrow Rice, 101, of Benton, passed into the loving arms of his Savior on Wednesday, December 25, 2019. He was born October 10, 1918 in Blackwell, Arkansas to Floid and Tommey Rice. Woodrow was a faithful churchgoer and was a member of East End Assembly of God. He thoroughly enjoyed bowling and fishing, but you could often find him enjoying an old western movie. He was employed by Orbit Valve Company for 36 years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 71 years, Narvell Rice; daughter, Carolyn Rice; son, Learl Rice; granddaughter, Kelly Dixon; brothers, Sidney, Charles, and Floyd Rice; and sisters, Annie Swope, Cora Virden, Clara Gibson, Athelene Smith, and Etta Mae Rice. Woodrow is survived by his children Mark Rice and wife Barbara; Paul Rice, daughter Linda Sue Brown, and daughter-in law Sandra Rice; nine grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 22 great-great grandchildren, and many other extended family members and friends. He will be missed but his memory will be cherished and his legacy will continue on through those who loved and cared for him throughout his long and accomplished life. Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 4, 2020 in the Chapel of Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home, 6700 Alcoa Road, Benton. Visitation will be Friday, January 3, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Roller-Alcoa. Interment will be in Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander.
Randall Elvin Burke, 68, of Benton, Arkansas passed away December 18 at Saline Memorial Hospital. He was born February 8, 1951 in Raleigh, North Carolina to Thomas Bryant and Shirley Joan (Trump) Burke. Randall proudly served in the United States Marines Corp. He also worked as a security officer. Randall loved the Lord and was a member of Shepherd’s Chapel. He was dearly loved by his family and will be missed always. Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Robert Jacob Henry Goheen (Jake) came into this world on March 24, 1972 in Belleville, IL and left us on December 18, 2019. Those who will always mourn this loss are his parents, Richard and Patricia Goheen; brother, Christopher Goheen (Susanna) of PA; sister, Angela Goheen Thennes of Benton; and many cherished friends. He was a loving uncle to Anthony Joseph Natale (Nathalie) of TX and their son A.J. Natale; Jen Goheen-Golobic (Stephen) of VA; Michael Richard Goheen of VA; and Bethany Thennes (also his God-daughter) of Benton. He felt blessed to spend many happy times with aunts, uncles and cousins and their families. His family also included his cat-son Morgan Freeman, his companion for 15 years. His lifelong love of sports began at the age of 6 in Mobile, AL when he joined several sports teams. He could play multiple sports with ease from golf to baseball to football to basketball and excelled in all. He continued to play sports in Murraysville, PA and through high school at Benton HS. He is in the Benton HS Hall of Fame. In college, he played on area softball teams. He decided to play with the bigger guys which led to playing for the Arkansas Express (a basketball team) and then later becoming one of the oldest players with the Arkansas Rhinos semi-professional football team, as well as playing with the U.S.A. Football organization. He completed the Chicago marathon in 2007 despite record breaking heat that year. He was proud that despite his athletic asthma and smaller size he was able to do the sports he loved and enjoyed sharing this joy with his family. In a game against the St. Louis Billikins basketball team, he amazed his grandparents who lived in the area. The family shared his joy at two Hawaiian Bowl Games and other athletic events. His last game was the 25th annual Turkey Bowl with friends and family, including his “brother from another mother”, Leonard Davis. His family was unable to convince him that they were more amazed and delighted with his academic achievements including a cum laude B.A. degree from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, AR and his first job in purchasing at Birch Tree Communities. He eventually pursued a law degree at the University of Arkansas Little Rock. He practiced law in downtown Benton for many years. Anyone who knew Jake could see that he put his heart and soul into sports, but those who know him have learned he took that same approach in all areas of his life. A colleague once said that Jake was among those with both a law license and a heart. Private practice enabled him to choose how to spend his time and which clients he would represent. He was active in many Benton and Little Rock community and charitable events. His favorite charity was the September Fund he helped spearhead after 9/11, which provides scholarships for the sons and daughters of First Responders attending the University of Arkansas Little Rock. He provided pro bono legal work for this endowment fund for many years. He was well-known and well-loved by many. A memorial service will be held Friday, February 7, 2020 from 5-7 p.m. at Smith Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton. Memorials in Jake’s name may be made to the Development Office, Concussion Legacy Foundation, 361 Newbury St. 5th Floor Boston, MA 02115 or online at https://concussionfoundation.org/give-online or to the designated September Fund Endowed Scholarship at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Alumni and Development Office, 2801 S. University Ave Little Rock, AR 72204 or by calling 501-569-3194. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Michael DeWayne Arrowood, 63, of Benton, Arkansas passed away December 20, 2019 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Michael was born April 5, 1956 in DesArc, Arkansas to Albert Lester and Viona (Oxner) Arrowood. He worked many years in the Heating and Air industry. Michael was dearly loved by his family and will be missed always. Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Carlos Calvin Beavers, Jr., 66, of Benton, Arkansas passed away December 21, 2019. He was born February 21, 1953 in Morgan City, Louisiana to Carlos Calvin Beavers, Sr., and Mary Rebecca Higgenbotham-Beavers. Carlos spent many miles on the highway driving big rigs. He was dearly loved by his family and will be missed always. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Shirley Faye Flynn, age 76, of Benton, Arkansas passed away December 22, 2019. She was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on October 12, 1943 to the late Walter and Voneda Rice. Funeral service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 27, 2019 at Smith Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton, Arkansas. Visitation will be one hour prior to service time beginning at 1:00 p.m. Please visit www.SmithFamilyCares.com for online condolences.
Morris Morgan, age 84, of Bryant passed away December 22, 2019. He was born June 2, 1935 in Merigold, Mississippi to the late Marion Council Morgan and Mary Lula Morgan. He was raised in Lake Village, Arkansas. Morris served in the US Army and worked as a pharmacist in Bryant for thirty-nine years. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Bryant. He was preceded in death by his brothers: Mike, Mat, John, Jim, Joe, and Will Morgan; two sisters: Sara Algood and Rena Morgan. Morris is survived by his wife, Juniata Nichols Morgan; son, Robert Morgan of Bryant; daughter, Susan Hill (David) of Benton; grandchildren: Jeffery Morgan, Angela Morgan, Christopher Morgan, Aaron Hill, Carrie Hill; great-granddaughter, Baily Morgan; two brothers: Jud Morgan of Greenbrier and Ike Morgan of Mabelvale. Funeral services will be Friday, December 27 at First Baptist Church of Bryant. Visitation held from 10:00-11:00 AM followed by funeral service at 11:00 AM. Burial following at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Services by Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
George Marvin McKinnie, 80, of Benton, Arkansas went to be with the Lord December 23, 2019. He was born May 21, 1939 in Hampton, Arkansas to the late George Hayes and Alice (Johnston) McKinnie. George was an active member of Park Place Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. He worked for years at the Arkansas Gazette as a page layout supervisor and at Little Rock Waste Water as a purchasing agent. George loved gardening. He liked to stay busy tending to his garden and doing yardwork. Family was so important to George. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and helping out with family cookouts. George was an avid Razorback Basketball fan. Preceding George in death are his parents; and two brothers: James McKinnie and Donnie McKinnie. He is survived by his loving wife of sixty years, Linda McKinnie; son, Steve McKinnie; two daughters: Gina McKinnie and Debbie Clay and her husband Jeff; four grandchildren: Justin Brown and wife Margie, Nathan McKinnie, Nikki Clay, and Dakota Clay; great-grandchild, Marlie Brown; sister, Dianne Nethken and husband William; and many family members and friends who love George and will miss him always. Visitation held 10:00-11:00 AM, Saturday, December 28, at Park Place Baptist Church, 22208 Interstate 30N, Bryant, Arkansas. Funeral service, officiated by Bro. Gary Lambright and Bro. Zane Clark, will follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at New Hope Cemetery in Calhoun County, Arkansas. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Cora Mae (Owens) Raper, 61, of Benton, Arkansas passed away December 24, 2019. She was born February 17, 1958 in Ozark, Arkansas to the late John Henry and Ruth (Robertson) Owens. Cora loved the Lord and was of the Assembly of God faith. She was an amazing cook and worked in many food establishments including the Ozark Café, Rivendell, and Joseph Phifer Kiwanis Camp. When she wasn’t cooking, Cora enjoyed making arts and crafts and listening to music from the 60’s era. Cora leaves to cherish her memory her husband of twenty-five years, Jerry Raper; two daughters: Andrea Masters and Stacey Alford; two grandchildren: Sydney Butler and Logan Butler; a host of nieces and nephews; and many family members and friends who love Cora and will miss her always. Family to hold private services. Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Tara Easterling, 47, of Bryant, passed away December 17, 2019. She was born September 25, 1972 in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Anyone that knew Tara knew that her boys, Jimi and Noah, were her world. There was never any doubt of her love for them. Loving her children, included loving their friends and she was always ready to provide a “Taxi Service” for their adventures. She was a proud Mother, supporting her boys, whether it was Academic Activities or their Sports teams. The love and support Tara showered on Jimi and Noah, especially during their early years, helped provide a foundation for the wonderful Young Men they have become today. She is preceded in death by her mother: Debbie Waller; grandparents: Samuel “Pappy” Chamberlain and Cleo and Charlie Waller. She is survived by her husband: Jamie Easterling of Bryant; two sons: Jimi (Charlie) Easterling of Nashville, AR and Noah Easterling of Bryant; father: Bill Waller of Cabot, AR; brother: Donnie (Tina) Moser of East End, AR; and grandmother: Barbara Chamberlain of Slatedale, PA; aunts: Donna Bonney of Bethlehem, PA and Tina Chamberlain of Palmerton, PA; uncles: Sam Chamberlain of Austin, AR and Scott Chamberlain of The Villages, FL; one niece, many cousins and friends, who she loved dearly. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 28th, 2019 at 10:00 am at South City Church,10710 I-30, Little Rock, AR. Pinecrest Funeral Home Obituaries Online
Florence Kroll was born on February 14, 1932 and passed away on December 22, 2019. Pinecrest Funeral Home Obituaries Online
Jimmie Charles Brown was born on August 23, 1932 and passed away on December 23, 2019. Pinecrest Funeral Home Obituaries Online
Geraldine (Gerry) Maurine Wright of Hot Springs Village passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2019. Born on July 30, 1929 in Joplin, Missouri, she was the daughter of Hugh and Maurine Cannon. She is preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Darold Cannon, a step-father, Ray Wright, and her husband, Leo J. Wright. Survivors include a daughter and son in law, Tracy and Craig Keaton of Hot Springs; son and daughter in law, Mark and Stephanie Wright of Watercolor, Florida; four grandchildren, Ashlye Keaton of New Orleans, Louisiana; Mandy and Michael Piechocki of Little Rock, Rachael and Blake Jones and Ryan and Courtney Wright of Inlet Beach, Florida. Mrs. Wright also had five great-grandchildren: Madeline and Anna Beth Piechocki, Parker and Presley Jones and Avery Wright. Mrs. Wright was a fiery spirit among the “Greatest Generation” that took pride in her country and core family values. She retired with the Missouri State Division of employment, however her most valued position was that of homemaker for her family. She married her life-long love, Leo Wright on June 23, 1950 and celebrated 59 years of marriage before his passing in 2009. Mr. and Mrs. Wright raised their family in Joplin, Missouri. Many family trips were enjoyed, with some of the most memorable ones being annual trips to Florida, as well as to many other states, most including camping trips. From serving as homeroom mother, Girl and Boy Scout Leader, and officer in numerous civic groups, she was always enthusiastic in her dedication to family and the community. After retirement, the couple moved to Hot Springs Village to be closer to their daughter and son’s families. Their grandchildren and activities were the highlight of their lives. Mrs. Wright was an avid golfer and enjoyed many years of bridge games spanning from couples and single groups in Joplin to later years in Hot Springs Village. She loved her church family and was a member of the Kirk of the Pines Presbyterian Church. This past summer, Mrs. Wright celebrated her 90th birthday with a surprise party given by the entire family in her beloved Florida. A memorial service will be held at the Hot Springs Village Kirk in the Pines Presbyterian Church Saturday, December 21 at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. A private family gathering for interment will take place following the reception. Memorials may be given in Mrs. Wright’s name to Kirk in the Pines Presbyterian Church, 275 Asturias Drive, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909. https://www.caruth-hale.com/obituaries
Frank “Bill” Avery, age 83 of Hot Springs Village passed away on December 22, 2019. He was born in Berkley, CA on June 23, 1936 to Frank William and Mona (Agard) Avery. Bill served in the United States Navy and Naval Reserve and was a retired manager of forty years with State Farm Insurance. He was a member of Village United Methodist Church in Hot Springs Village, an avid golfer and NASCAR fan. Bill loved the mountains, trees, and lakes of Hot Springs Village. He is preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his loving wife of nearly fifty years, Sue Avery of Hot Springs Village; sons, Terry Avery of California, and Bill R. Avery (Mary) of Minnesota; daughter, Cindy Ann Sanborn (Tim) of Minnesota; sister, Judy Crossman (Ron) of Nevada; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Celebration of Bill’s life will be scheduled at a later date. https://www.caruth-hale.com/obituaries
Carlon D. Cowan, age 74 of Hot Springs Village, AR passed away on December 22, 2019. He was born in Wewoka, OK on February 23, 1945 to Stephen and Edna (Wiley) Cowan. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Milam Cowan, and Stephen Cowan; and sister, Colleen Courtney. Survivors include his loving wife of 23 years, Dawn Cowan, son, Ian Davenport (Meghan); daughters; Amy Gay, Deanna Cowan, Chaney Cowan, and Brenna Cowan; Ashley Stromberg (Michael), Megan Ramos (Trey), Emalie West (Christopher); and eleven grandchildren. Visitation will be held 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Friday at Caruth Village Funeral Home Chapel in Hot Springs Village. Celebration of Carlon’s life will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday with Ralph Edds officiating. https://www.caruth-hale.com/obituaries
John Graper passed away Monday evening, December 23d. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Mark and Melinda Graper. He is predeceased by his first wife Doris Graper, eldest son John R. Graper, and second wife Olethia Matthews. John was born May 16, 1923 to Leslie and Pauline Graper in Mayville, New York, the second of two boys. His family moved to Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, when he was in grammar school and then to Chicago, Illinois, where he completed high school. John began university studies at the University of Illinois. During WWII he served our country as a lieutenant in the US Marine Corps. Following the war, he completed his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Purdue University. John began his engineering career in the oil and gas industry at Standard Oil of Indiana headquarters in Chicago. There he met and married his wife Doris. They moved to Houston, Texas, and had their two boys John and Mark. The family subsequently moved to San Francisco where John worked for Bechtel Corporation as a mechanical engineer specializing in petroleum pipeline design. He earned his Registered Professional Engineer certification and worked on projects in South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa as well as in the United States and Canada. John’s tenure at Bechtel included family moves to Germany and Belgium. John concluded his career in Houston, where he met his second wife Olethia Matthews. John and Olethia relocated to Hot Springs Village after their retirement from the business world. John moved to Garrett Woods in 2009 about the time of Olethia’s passing. There he became an active member of the community; his pursuits included Bible study, Kiwanis, calling bingo, card games and taking walks off the property of sufficient length to worry staff and family alike! The highlights of John’s recent years were spending time with his sweetheart Alice Moll, whose love and kindness brought joy to his heart. He also enjoyed visits from Mark and Melinda wherever they were in the world. Alice’s encouragement along with calls and visits from Mark and Melinda kept him young at heart. We are thankful for the residents and staff at Garrett Woods; they became his friends and family and their kindness and care made his life full and fun. John was a dear man and father whose life made ours rich by his kindness and love. We will celebrate John’s life with a memorial service at Garrett Woods Assisted Living at 3:45 pm on Thursday, 26 December. Pastor Scott Mercer of Gospel Light Baptist Church will preside. The family requests donations be made to the Arkansas Hospice Foundation in lieu of flowers. https://www.caruth-hale.com/obituarieshttps://www.caruth-hale.com/obituaries
Joy L. Cooper, 84, of Alexander, passed away December 26, 2019. She is survived by her children, Bruce Cooper (Vickie) of Little Rock, Richard Cooper (Kandy) of Arizona and Greg Cooper of Saline County; sister, Doris Fry of Texas; grandchildren, Tammy Stillman, Amber Biggs, Laura Johnson, Chris Merritt, Shauna Benson, Sam Cooper, Talena, Justin and Shane; and a host of great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leroy and Veva Barnard Davis, husband, Richard Cooper, daughter, Donita Crosley, and siblings, Naomi Tomek, Earl Davis, Max Davis, Raymond Davis and Wayne Davis. Visitation will be Sunday, December 29 from 2-4 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). Graveside services will be Monday, December 30 at 12:00 Noon at the Little Rock National Cemetery, officiated by Pastor Greg Kirksey. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Mrs. Cooper’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.