Joe Claude Wishard, 68, of Benton entered the gates of Heaven Sunday, January 14, 2018. He was born August 19, 1949 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Joe worked at St. Vincent’s Infirmary in Little Rock for 42 years. He was active in his community serving on the Bryant Chamber of Commerce. Joe, affectionately known as Mr. Hornet, was a proud supporter of the Bryant School District where he served as a dedicated school board member for 10 years. He is preceded in death by his parents, Neely Elton “Jack” Wishard and Lollie Florida Cayce Wishard; two sons, Joe Michael Wishard and Joe Daniel Wishard. He is survived by his wife, Kathryn Wishard of Benton; one son, Paul (Summer) Wishard of Bauxite; two daughters, Kassie Wishard of Benton, Angela (Steven) Wages of Mabelvale; one sister, Carol Rountree of Bryant; and two grandchildren, Makala and Joshua Wishard of Bauxite. Visitation will be Thursday, January 18, 2018, 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Sharon Missionary Baptist Church 500 Shenandoah Rd Benton, Arkansas. Funeral services will be 10:00 am Friday at Sharon Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Reese officiating. Graveside services will be 2:00 pm Friday at Oakland Cemetery in Fordyce, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Joe Wishard Memorial Scholarship Fund at First Security Bank. Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visitwww.bentonfuneralhome.net.
Leo Craig Drennan, 58, Paron, died Thursday. He was born May 29, 1959 to Kenneth and Leatha Dunn Drennan Survivors, parents, brother, Robert (Shara), children, Clayton (Kristen), Kourtney (Kevin), Seth, Ryan and grandson, Braxton, several nieces, nephews. Cremation was entrusted to Ashby Funeral Home. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
On January 10, 2018, Marion Riley Gatlin, Jr., 79, passed away at his home in Bauxite, Arkansas. Marion was born June 10, 1938, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, the son of Marion and Verna Gatlin. After serving six years in the Army, Marion had a successful career as a CPA with Alcoa Aluminum in Bauxite. Marion was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Gatlin, an infant son, and a brother. He is survived by three sons-Tony, Michael, and Chuck Gatlin-eleven grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. Cremation was entrusted to Ashby Funeral Home. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Sally Schuck, 71, of Hot Springs Village, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 11, 2018. Sally was born on September 7, 1946 in Pontiac, Michigan to Edith and Kenneth Schuck. A graduate of Iowa Wesleyan College, she taught, and loved teaching, mathematics for 36 years at Glen Crest Middle School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. She moved to Hot Springs Village in 2008. Her retirement here was full. Many new friends, travel, music and church. She was an active and dedicated member of the Village United Methodist Church, a tireless volunteer, a member of Morning Connection and Red Hat Society, the queen of organizing anything and anyone, bridge player, hand and foot enthusiast, and had an ear perfectly attuned to the sound of a French horn. Sally is preceded in death by her parents and a brother-in-law, Bob Hale. She is survived by her sisters, Keni Johnson and her husband, Warren, and Nancy Hale; one niece, four nephews, and their children. Sally will be deeply missed by her family, a wealth of friends, which includes four special life-long friends, Ruth Hamm of Hot Springs Village, Craig Hofmann of Wheaton, Illinois, Lynn Rogala, of Downers Grove, Illinois and Tracy Jennings of Gold River, British Columbia. We thank Saline Memorial Hospital, Benton and Saline Hospice House in Bryant for their kind, gentle care. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Sally’s name to Village United Methodist Church or Samaritan Ministries of Hot Springs. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at Village United Methodist Church.
Lucille “Lou” Klingensmith Schinnerer, age 91, of Hot Springs Village, passed away Friday, January 12, 2018 in her home. She was born in Somerset, Ohio on March 20, 1926 to Elmer and Katherine Tischler Klingensmith. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Walter Schinnerer; her son, David Michael Schinnerer; and her sister, Eleanor Feldt. Lou is survived by her daughter, Lori Schinnerer and her wife, Kim, and other extended family members and friends. Lou and Walt raised their children in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and loved spending time fishing at their vacation retreat on Manitoulin Island in Ontario. She was an avid bowler and enjoyed singing soprano in the church choir. She was loved by and blessed with so many good friends and neighbors. Her father, who was a Lutheran minister, performed her marriage ceremony and was a large influence in her love for the Lutheran church. Her spirit of giving, volunteering, and her happy personality drew many to her. Her legacy will be carried on through those who loved her so much. A visitation will be Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, with a funeral service to begin at 11:00 a.m. A private family burial will follow. The family requests memorials be sent in Lou’s name to Christ Lutheran Church; 103 Ponferrada Way, Hot Springs Village, or Hospice Home Care; 4332 Central Ave., Suite J, Hot Springs.
Pamela Sue Payne, age 70 of Mabelvale, passed away on January 3, 2018. She was born on November 7, 1947 in Des Moines, Iowa to the late, Nellie Irene and Thomas R. Kritchard. She was a member of New Hope Church of the Nazarene. Mrs. Payne is preceded in death by her parents. She leaves behind her husband of 28 years, James M. Payne, three children, two step-children, fourteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held at New Hope Church of the Nazarene on Friday, January 12, 2018 at 2:00PM. To sign online guestbook, visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com
Frank Martin Thompson, 62 of Mabelvale, Arkansas passed away January 6, 2018. He was born to the late, Edgar and Doris Thompson on October 23, 1955 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He loved camping, traveling, and spending time with his family. He worked for AT&T and Medrad for many years. He loved his pets, Milo, Jake, Halo, and Dixie. He is preceded in death by his loving parents; first wife, Angela Thompson. He is survived by his loving wife, Teresa Thompson; four children, Brandy Thompson-Holt (Tommy), Scotty Thompson, Austin Carter, and Anthony Carter; seven grandchildren, Alexis, Jordyn, Chris, Little Logan, Lance, Big Logan, and Cylee; brother, Charles Thompson (Ann); sister, Shirley Gotherman; nieces, Colby Thompson and Jessica Lance; nephew, Michael Thompson; great niece, Anna Otts; special friends, Gary and Cynthia Anderson and Roger and Cathy Nivens; a host of family and friends who love and miss him dearly. A celebration of life will be held at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 11:00 AM with a visitation one hour prior. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com
Mary Alice Loetscher, age 66 of Hensley, passed away on January 9, 2018. She was born to the late, Pete and Cindy Miller in Holly Grove, Arkansas on November 25, 1951. She loved to fish and she truly loved her grand kids! She had a passion to cook for her beloved family. She enjoyed the music of Elvis Presley and watching old-time movies. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Judy Miller; a niece, Cindy Parker; an aunt, Mariah Cotton and her grandma, Mammy, who raised her. Mrs. Loetscher leaves behind her loving husband of 40 years, Charles H. Loetscher JR.; four children, Christa Thompson (Jamey), Michael “Josh” Miller (Miranda), Lisa Rodgers (Jason) and Charles ”Chuckie” Loetscher (Tiffanie); 10 grandchildren, Aaliyah, Payton and Dylan Loetscher, Austin and Kadence Miller, Karlee, Earnest, Annalise and Fischer Thompson, Mason Parker and Toby Mendina; one great-grandchild, Gunner Miller; and brother, Wayne Miller, as well as a host of family and friends who all love and miss her dearly. A celebration of life will be held at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home on Monday, January 15, 2018 at 2:00 PM with the visitation one hour prior at the funeral home. To sign online guestbook, visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
Dorothy Jean Toric, age 69 of Little Rock, passed away on January 12, 2018. She was born on November 2, 1948 to the late, Robert and Leona Lester in Little Rock. She enjoyed watching Gunsmoke and Big Bonanza. Dorothy could never pass up a sale and often shopped and visited yard sales. Most of all, she treasured loving and taking care of her family, especially her grandbabies. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Louis Toric; her parents; two brothers, Robert and Johnny Lester; and a son, Roy Edward Higgins. Mrs. Toric leaves behind four children, Terry Guthrie (Kelly), Martha Higgins, William Higgins and George Higgins (Aleshia), as well as a host of family and friends who all love and miss her dearly. A celebration of life will be held at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home at 12:00PM on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 with visitation one hour prior at the funeral home. Interment will be at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas. To sign online guest book, visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
Marilyn Ann Katz, 82, of Bryant, passed away Sunday, January 7, 2018. She was born September 9, 1935 in Brooklyn, New York to the late Margaret and Milton Nearenberg. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her daughter, Susan Bissell; brother, Martin Nearenberg; and sister, Lucille Nearenberg. Survivors include her son, Allen Katz (Dianne) of Charleston, SC; two daughters, Julie Ferrell (Tim) of Benton, AR and Michelle Katz of Phoenix, AZ; sister, Sandra Jones of Kansas; brother, Sidney Nearenberg of New York; son-in-law, Will Bissell of Omaha, NE; eighteen grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other loved ones. A Remembrance Gathering will be held Saturday, January 13, 2018 from 1:00-4:00 PM at the address of 3811 South 202nd Street Omaha, NE 61830. In Lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association in Marilyn’s name at P.O. Box 96011 Washington, D.C. 20090-6011, condolence cards for the family may be sent to 504 Edison Benton, AR 72015.
Cleta Willis Gullion of Saline County, AR passed on to her new home on January 9, 2018. She was just shy of 86 years old. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sherdie Piper Willis and Ita Huddleston Willis of Hamlin, TX; her husband, Melvin Douglas Gullion; her three sisters, Edna Gaynell Willis Cooper, Alta Orene Willis Brown, and Shirley Ann Willis Suarez, and her grandson, Blake Douglas Gullion. She is survived by her three children, O Douglas Gullion and daughter-in-law Kathy Sullivan of Benton, Nancy Gullion Morris Metrailer and son-in-law Richard of Baton Rouge, LA, Bruce Gullion and daughter-in-law Becky of Umatilla, FL; three grandchildren, Melissa Delaney Gullion McNeil, Zachary Alan Morris, and Hadassah Metrailer, and five great grandchildren, Kairi Faith Gullion, Hunter Eugene Gullion, Zechariah Alan Morris, Ethan Bryan Morris, and Rowen Blakely McNeil. Cleta was born January 15, 1932 in Fisher County, TX. She graduated from Hamlin high in 1950. She was a member of Women’s Army Corps for three years after high school and met and married Melvin Douglas Gullion in July, 1953. After her husband’s retirement from the Air Force they settled in Saline County, halfway between her home state and his – Kentucky. Cleta worked for the Benton Police Department as their first meter maid. She then had a career with the US Post Office and retired in 1992 as postmaster of Lonsdale, AR. Graveside service will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, January 13th at Ten Mile Cemetery off Highway 70 at 17511 Church Rd. near Lonsdale, AR. Visitation will be held Friday, January 12th from 6 to 8 PM at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home of Benton (501) 315-4047. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her name to Help Heal Veterans National Processing Center, P.O. Box 98088, Washington, DC 20090 or make a book donation in her name to your favorite library.
Opal Gregory Featherston, 92, of Hot Springs Village passed away Thursday, January 11, 2018. She was born April 8, 1925 to the late William Gregory and Pearl Chaffin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James F. Featherston. Survivors include her daughter, Margaret Buford (Tom) of Hot Springs Village; son, Jim Featherston (Stacy) of Searcy; grandchildren, Franklin Featherston of Bryant, Anna Katherine Featherston of Searcy, and Sarah Grace Featherston of Birmingham, AL; grandson, Thomas Buford (Laura) of Seattle, WA; granddaughter, Erin Puryear (Jerry) of Little Rock; great-grandchildren, Thomas, Cora, and Hazel Puryear; and brother, Frank Gregory of Kansas City, MO. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Sunshine School at P.O. Box 831 Searcy, AR 72145
Betty Mae Hickman, 79, of Benton, AR passed away December 24, 2017. She was born August 13, 1938 in Scottsdale, GA to Commie Mae and John William Hardeman. She is preceded in death by one daughter, Debra Kivlen; and two brothers. Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Russell (Tamara)Ragan, Richard(Merlinda)Ragan; five special grandchildren, Russell Thomas Ragan JR., Jenifer and Belinda Ragan, Lindsey and Emily Sexton; three other grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. Memorial Service: January 4, 2018, 6:00 pm, Calvary Baptist Church, Benton, AR. Online Registration: rosewoodcremation.com
In loving memory of Carroll Wayne Johnson Sr. who was 83 years old when our family’s new guardian angel got his wings. Carroll Sr. was Born on March 3rd 1934 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He resided in Alexander, Arkansas for most of his life. Carroll Sr. was preceded in death by Dewell Johnson Sr. (his father), Alice Johnson (his mother), and two brothers Reloy and Dewell Johnson Jr. Carroll Johnson Sr. was a Chemist at Reynolds Metals for 19 years. Carroll Sr. leaves behind his loving wife of 64 years, Lucille Johnson (of Saline County). In his departure he leaves behind three children who reside in Saline County and their families, his two sons Carroll Jr. (Wife- Linda) Johnson, Russell (Wife-Deanna) Johnson, and his only daughter Diane (Partner-Dan) Fields-Folmar. In his passing he leaves behind seven grandchildren in total, from his son Carroll Jr. he is leaving behind Aaron and Ashlyn; from Russell he is leaving behind Adam and Austin; from Diane he is leaving behind Amanda, Amber and Aleas. From his grandchildren who are remaining behind he has nine great-grandchildren who he loved dearly. Carroll Wayne Johnson Sr. was a great man, a loving and sweet husband, and an amazing father; as such he will be missed by many friends and family alike. An Interesting fact about Carroll Sr.’s father Dewell Johnson Sr. was that he had a twin brother named Gann Johnson. Dewell and Gann Johnson were delivered by renowned Dr. Dewell Gann of Benton Arkansas for which they were named. The memorial will be held at a later date for close family and friends. We (the family) would like to say thank you to Saline Memorial Hospice, as well as a special thanks to two amazing women Sandie and Beth for going above and beyond the call of duty and taking wonderful care of Carroll Wayne Johnson Sr. in his final days. Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Wendle “Wayne” Watkins, 84, of Benton, Arkansas passed away January 6, 2018. He was born December 26, 1933 in Faulkner County, Arkansas to the late Therin Woodrow and Elzie Belle Bradford Watkins. Wayne was a well-loved father of eight children, who refer to him as the “fixer of all problems.” He was a hard worker in the HVAC industry for many years and founded the Little Rock branch of National HVAC Service in 1994 and retired as General Manager at the age of seventy-eight. Wayne was fun-loving and easy-going. He always had a hopeful, positive outlook on life and never complained-even in the midst of great pain and sickness. Wayne enjoyed deer hunting and was an avid Dallas Cowboys and Razorback football fan. Preceding Wayne in death are his parents; sister, Shirley McCall; and brother, Travis Watkins. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of forty-two years, Donita Watkins of Benton, Arkansas; brother, Dan T. Watkins of Alaska; children: Kathy Watkins Hooks and husband Jerry of Clinton, Arkansas, Patty Walden and husband James of North Little Rock, Arkansas, Phyllis Whitcomb and fiancé Gary Robbins of Benton, Arkansas, Charlotte Watkins of North Little Rock, Phillip Watkins and wife Diana of Benton, Arkansas, Jon Aldrich and wife Debbie of Alexander, Arkansas, Jeanine Tullos and husband Alan of Alexander, Arkansas, and Jeff Aldrich and wife Anita of Benton, Arkansas; grandchildren: Nick Hefley, Blake Rogers, Stephanie Heath and husband Justin, Jamie Walden and wife Lisa, Alyssa Walden, Hilary McAlister, Amelia McAlister, Therin Watkins, Mason Watkins, Andrea Coker and husband Greg, Jeff Alrich, Jr., and Joey Aldrich and wife Stevie; great-grandchildren: Logan Hefley, Kaitlyn Hefley, Hailey Hefley, Johnathan Rogers, Paige Matlock, Emma McAlister, Sawyer Faught, Stella Rae Aldrich, Alden Coker, Addalynn Coker, and Dylan Sheridan; special niece and nephew, Sheila Watkins Leach and Danny Richard Watkins; and and a host of family and friends who love Wayne and will miss him always. Reception visitation will be held from 6:00-7:00 PM, Friday, January 12, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Memorial service will follow at 7:00 PM. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook:www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Johnny Bob Goss, Sr., 81, of Benton, Arkansas passed away January 10, 2018. He was born November 14, 1936 in Little Rock to the late John Calvin and Callie Mae Cochran Goss. Johnny was a gifted artist and furniture maker. He lived to ride on the open road on his Goldwing motorcycle. In his earlier years, he enjoyed sailing on his sailboat. He was a member of the Rock Rider Chapter of the Christian Motorcycle Association and the Goldwing Road Riders. Preceding Johnny in death are his parents; two sisters; and six brothers. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of fifty-eight years, Margaret Goss of Benton, Arkansas; children: Pamela Anderson of Little Rock, Arkansas, Johnny Bob Goss, Jr. of Benton, Arkansas, and Anthony Scott Goss of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters: Mary Bush of Florida and Cheryl Ball and husband Larry of Mabelvale, Arkansas; three brothers: Gerald Goss and wife Kathy of Alexander, Arkansas, Harold Goss and wife Sue of Alexander, Arkansas, and Greg Goss of Mabelvale, Arkansas; his two “fur-babies” who never left his side, Cody and Lacy; and a host of family and friends who love Johnny and will miss him always. Reception Visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 PM, Wednesday, January 17 with memorial service, officiated by members of the Rock Rider Chapter of the Christian Motorcycle Association, following at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, January 17, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook:www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Steven Diaz Garcia, infant son of Rubio Diaz and Oneyda Garcia passed away January 11, 2018. He was born September 5, 2017. He was dearly loved and cherished by his parents, sister, Jennifer Diaz, grandparents, and friends of the family. Family will hold private burial service at Smith-Rosemont Cemetery. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Beulah Ruth Lanier January 27, 1923 – January 7, 2018 Arrangements under the direction of Pinecrest Funeral Home, ALEXANDER, AR.
Frances N Radford July 8, 1932 – January 8, 2018 Arrangements under the direction of Pinecrest Funeral Home, ALEXANDER, AR.
Joe Vernon Arnold, age 68 of Mabelvale, Arkansas passed away, Monday, January 8, 2018 at UAMS in Little Rock. He was born on October 30, 1949 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. On May 31, 1970, he married Debbie Alder in Little rock. Joe was employed as a truck driver for Affiliated Foods until retiring in 2001. He is survived by his wife, Debbie Arnold and a son, Blair Arnold, both of Mabelvale. A memorial service for Joe will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Cremation Services of Arkansas. (501) 313-5431.