Jonathan Clark Long, 47 of Benton passed away January, 29 2021 in Little Rock from complications from hemochromatosis. He was born October 20, 1973 in Newport, AR to Paul and Shirley Clark Long. Jonathan graduated from Greene County Tech High School and then earned his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Arkansas State University and later earned his Master’s from UALR. He was a Licensed Professional Engineer and previously served on the Bryant Planning Commission and the Bryant City Council. Jonathan was a Christian who enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing guitar, listening to music, target shooting, and driving around in his Jeep. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Barry Long. Jonathan is survived by his sister, Terri Long; daughter, Lauren Long; son, Caleb Long, and many other loved ones and close friends who will miss him dearly. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Cremation Services of Arkansas (501)313-5431.
John “Booner” Newell, Jr., 36, Benton, passed away Thursday, January 28, 2021 at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock. He was born March 26, 1984 to John and Kelly (Mitchell) Newell. He married Diane Tyler on February 29, 2008. John served in the Army National Guard from 2007-2010, and was deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom. John enjoyed being outside for any reason, and building and fixing things. If he didn’t know how to fix it, he made it his mission to figure it out. John wasn’t just the life of the party, he was the party. He made sure everyone was having a good time. John leaves behind his wife; Diane (Tyler) Newell, three children; Austin, Hunter, and Brooklyn Newell; his parents, Kelly and David Jones; his sisters, Kathy Burks, Jessica Newell, Kelsie Bennett, and Kaylee Hinson; his nieces and nephews, and host of other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his father; John Benjamin Newell, and his grandmother; Ellen Lockard Newell. Family, friends, and others whose lives John touched are invited to his service at Ashby Funeral Home, Benton, AR, Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to his children’s college funds.
Gary Lee Thornberry, age 73, of Malvern, passed away Thursday, January 28, 2021. He was born June 29, 1947 in Twist, Arkansas. Gary was a U. S. Army Vietnam Veteran. He was retired from Reynolds Metal and a retired logger. Gary was a member of T&T Fox Pen and of the Pentecostal faith. He was preceded in death by his parents, J. T. and Jessie Mae Thornberry; brother, Billy Joe Thornberry and a sister, Brenda Louise Pettus. Gary is survived by his wife, Sarah Thornberry; three daughters, Lisa Hill (Marty), Jessilyn Wilson (Jim Barksdale) and Shellie Romero (Phillip); two step-children, Tammia McCarty (Rusty) and Dion McCarty; brother, Junior Thornberry (Angie); nine grandchildren, Cory Lee Hodge, Ariana Crews (David), Ashley Meyer (Daniel), Kaylie Johnson (Conan), Kirsten Hodge, Sebastian Romero, Hannah McCarty, Emily Romero and Brandon Wilson; and four great-grandchildren, Olivia Johnson, Greyson Wilson, Aubrey Johnson and Thatcher Crews. Visitation will be 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 1 at Ashby Funeral Home with services beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Fairplay Cemetery. Jason Keisler will be officiating.
Frances S. Bear, age 81, of Benton, went to be with the Lord Friday, January 29, 2021. She was born October 1, 1939 in Arkadelphia. Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert; as well as her parents and siblings. She is survived by her children, Randy Bear and Melinda Davis (Stanley); her granddaughters, Michelle Simpson (David) and Melissa Porter (Keith); a great-granddaughter, Rose Simpson; and a special caregiver, Tonya Neal. Private memorial services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the New Life Baptist Church Building Fund @ 10765 Samples Rd, Alexander, Ar 72002.
Kenneth Richard Young, 73 of Malvern, went to be with the Lord on January 27, 2021. He was born on April 9, 1947 in Petosky, Michigan to the late James Garland Young and Flora Jane Northern Varner. Kenneth was a mechanic for many years. He loved his Lord and was a member of Benton Four Square Church. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Calvin and Frank Varner and Jim Young. Kenneth is survived by his wife, Deidre Young, sons, Tommy (Destiny) Young of Benton, Kevin Osburn of Flint, Michigan, daughters, Sara Rivera of Hot Springs, Daisha Colony of Benton and Jeannie Brown of Hot Springs County, five grandchildren and one great grandchild. A memorial service will be held on February 6 at 3:00 p.m. at Benton Four Square Church with Bro. David Brewer and Larry Kyle officiating. Family comments: Kenneth was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He never turned any child away and raised dozens of children in need over the years. He will be greatly missed.
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Shelia Beckwith of Alexander, Arkansas, born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, who passed away on January 26, 2021, at the age of 84, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Shelia Beckwith to show support. She was loved and cherished by many people including : her parents, Louis Denver and Jessie Cornelius Hecke (Sloan). She was also cherished by three children. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, February 3rd 2021 at 10:00 AM at the Pinecrest Memorial Park (7401 AR-5, Alexander, AR 72002). State of Arkansas COVID-19 Directives: masks are required (not provided) and social distancing will be maintained.