Paul Edward Shepard Sr., age 83, of Benton, passed away March 14, 2022. He was born January 24, 1939 in Garland County, Arkansas to Clarence and Effie Burks Shepard. Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his granddaughter, Kristen Johnson.
He was married for 52 years to Melba Cousin Shepard of Benton. The couple have two children, Paul Shepard Jr. of North Carolina and Karla Shepard of Benton. They have eight living grandchildren, Paul Shepard III, Kayce Johnson, Cody Shepard, Alisa Shepard, Tiffany Shepard, Chris Shepard, Mary Shepard and Tyler Shepard and a new great-granddaughter, Iahla Noelle Vickery.
Paul’s career began as an x-ray technician. After several years, he was involved in the sales and service of x-ray and heart monitoring equipment until his retirement in 1998. He has been active in various community activities, including President of the Board of Southwest Water Association.
A memorial service and a private burial will be conducted at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ozark Mission Project, P.O. Box 26525, Little Rock, Arkansas 72221.
Earnie Jefferson Matheson, Jr., 72, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away March 11, 2022 surrounded by his family and friends. He was born August 15, 1949 in Chickasha, Oklahoma to the late Earnie Jefferson Matheson, Sr. and Annabell (Perkins) Matheson.
Earnie was an amazing chef and floral designer. He lit up a room whenever he entered and filled it with laughter and love. He was well known by all the employees at Kroger in Benton, and never met a stranger. Earnie was of the Catholic faith. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Earnie leaves behind to cherish his memory his husband, Ricky Landers of Little Rock, Arkansas; sister, Sharon Lee of Glen Rose, Arkansas; and many family members and friends who love Earnie and will miss him always.
A celebration of Earnie’s life will be held Saturday, March 26 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 AM, with memorial service following at 11:00 AM.
Memorials may be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Denver Dual Witham, 70, of Hot Springs, Arkansas passed away March 14, 2022. He was born September 21, 1951 in Hot Springs, Arkansas to the late Walter and Gladys (Bell) Witham.
Denver was a loving husband. He enjoyed spending time gardening with his wife, Juanita. She would hand him the tools and he would do the work! Denver also liked to work on cars. He was a polished guitar player and singer. Denver never met a stranger and loved to joke and laugh.
Preceding Denver in death were his parents, Walter and Gladys Witham; and sisters, Glenda Turney and Diane Witham.
Denver leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 34 years, Juanita Witham of Hot Springs, Arkansas; daughters: Stacy Carter and husband Roger and Tonya Collins; granddaughter, Keeley and her husband Jeff; eight great-grandchildren; sisters: Joyce, Jackie, and Kathy; brother, Johnny Earl; and a host of family and friends who love Denver and will miss him always.
Services will be held at Cameron Cemetery in Benton, Arkansas, Thursday, March 17. Visitation will be held from 12:00-1:00 PM, with graveside service, officiated by Bro. Jeff Hulsizer, following at 1:00 PM.
Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Frank Everett Cheek (84) passed away March 6, 2022, at home surrounded by his wife, Shirley Shaw Cheek, and children, Bruce Cheek, Brenda Boyce, Gary Cheek, and Paula Steele. Frank was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was born September 6, 1937, to the late Jesse Joe Cheek and Lucille Belle Smith Cheek Turner in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has one brother, John “Bo” Charles Cheek.
Frank and Shirley met when they were 12 years old at Oak Grove Church of God and never looked back. They were married on August 3, 1956 (65+ years) presided by Shirley’s father, Cyrus Jennings Shaw. Their family includes:
Bruce Allen Cheek, son (1957)
*Jesse Cyrus Cheek (1990)
*Micha Ray Cheek (1993) m. Katie Sue Zimmerman Cheek (1991)
**Levi Ray Cheek (2019)
**Olivia Sue Cheek (2022)
*Sawyer Tanaka Cheek Milam (1993) m. Jeremy Kyle Milam (1990)
Brenda Kaye Cheek Boyce, daughter (1962) m. Francis Wayne Boyce (1948)
*Britni Nicole Boyce (1990)
**Haylea Kaye Cheek (2014)
**John Ryan Boyce (1971-2000)
Gary Wayne Cheek, son (1963) m. Judy Ann Baker Dozier Cheek (1963)
*Lauryn Marie Cheek Wayman (1991) m. Mitchell Charles Wayman (1990)
**Charlie Kay Wayman (2021)
*Callie Ann Cheek Lemon (1997) m. Cooper Isaac Lemon (1997)
*Amanda Lynn Dozier (1980) + Daniel Lee Bennett (1981)
**Carson Bryce Dozier (2008)
**Kirklynn Rayn Bennett (2016)
**Hunter Austin Bennett (2004)
Paula Renee Cheek Steele, daughter (1974) m. Matthew Edward Steele (1974)
*Nathanial Gunnar Steele (1998)
*Anna Elizabeth Steele (2002)
*Gabriel Barrett Steele (2012)
Frank was a Christian. Throughout his life, he attended the Oak Grove Church of God, New Hope Church of God, and the Church at Rock Creek. He supported Camp Bradford (church camp for children). He led by example through his service, testimony, and actions.
Frank was in the Naval Reserve Service for eight years (1954-1962). He graduated from Mabelvale High School in 1955. His career entailed building and installing stainless steel kitchen equipment in hospitals, schools, and restaurants.
Above all else, Frank loved his family and his extended family (related by blood or not). He enjoyed visiting and taking trips with them, attending special events such as weddings, birthday parties, sporting events, etc. He loved to water ski, make things, ride his tractor, and spend time with Shirley. He was a HUGE razorback fan.
March 26, 2022 Visitation: 2pm; Memorial Service: 3pm Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home, 6700 Alcoa Road, Benton, Arkansas. Gathering of family and friends (with refreshments) after the memorial service at New Life Baptist Church, 10765 Samples Road, Alexander, AR 72002.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Wellstone online at https://WellStone.com/support-us/ or mail at WellStone Emergency Services, Attn: Karen Petersen, 4040 Memorial Parkway Southwest, Huntsville, AL 35802.