James William “Jim” Arnold, age 78, of Benton, departed this world on January 22, 2023 to be reunited with his parents, Herbert and Elizabeth Arnold; step-mother, Leonice Arnold; and sister, Judy Arnold Sweet who predeceased him.
James was born on October 19, 1944 in Hope, Arkansas. He received his early education in Hope and graduated from Walnut Ridge High School after his father was transferred to Walnut Ridge to be the Soil Conservation Agent. After attending Arkansas State University for 2 years, he transferred to Henderson State University and received his BA in Business Administration.
His military service included 4 years in the USAF, serving in Thailand during the Vietnam War, 10 years with the 212 Signal Battalion in Benton, AR. During these years, he was the Office Manager of the Employment Security Division in Benton for 9 years before choosing to extend his military career by joining the Arkansas National Guard at Camp Joe T. Robinson in NLR, AR. He was a Battle Skills Instructor and Test Coordinator for 16 years. James retired in 2000 as a SFC and was a Disabled Veteran.
He is survived by his wife, Donna; three step-children, Leah Graddy (Rob), Kirk Welch (Betsy), and Matthew Welch (Susan); and six step-grandchildren, Zachary and Emma Graddy, Sunny and Evan Welch, and Brennan and Maddie Welch all of Benton.
James will be remembered best for his witty sense of humor, generous spirit, and his love of playing cards, Rummikub, and Yahtzee with family and friends. After retirement, his hobby became woodworking and he enjoyed making trays, wooden keepsake boxes, and cardholders to give to family and friends.
Visitation will be 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, January 28 at Ashby Funeral Home. At his request, there will be no formal services. Cremation by Ashby’s.
Per family request, memorials may be sent to Arkansas Children’s Hospital or Saline Memorial Hospice.
Diana Sue Gatlin, age 77, of Traskwood, Arkansas passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends on Saturday, January 21, 2023. She was born May the 13th of 1945 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to William Vaughn Needham and Willie Agnes (Moore) Needham
Diana was a devoted daughter, wife, and mother. Diana married her longtime friend and love, John “Darrell” Gatlin in September of 1983, who preceded her in death in 2020. Diana was a loving mother of two children William “Bill” Oppelt and Twana Gatlin.
Besides spending time with her family and friends, Diana enjoyed singing, flower gardens, and cooking while watching her red birds and blue birds out of her kitchen window. Diana loved the Lord and read her Bible daily, she will be remembered by her beautiful voice and her love for the Lord.
Preceded by her husband, Darrell; her parents; as well as her brothers and sisters, Bill Needham, Louise Vincent, Locilla Walton, Mary Jane Steal, Eugene Needham, Jerry Needham, And Betty Berryhill.
She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Bill Oppelt and his wife Kim of Tulsa, Oklahoma; her daughter, Twana Gatlin (Travis Nofzinger) of Hunter, Arkansas; grandchildren: Billy “Bubba” Oppelt, Danielle Oppelt (Brandon Lamere), Kyle Fox (Haileigh Cruse), Ryan Fox (Bryanna Hurst); and her great- grandchildren, Drake, Brentley, Ethan, Kegan, Brycen, Elsie, Hayden, Tiffany, and Thomas ;And her two best friends, her aunt in-law Theda Gatlin of Traskwood, and the greatest sister in-law Moya Needham, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and numerous others who will forever love and cherish her memory. Visitation will be held 11am-Noon, Thursday, January 26, followed by funeral service at Noon . Burial following at Traskwood Cemetery .
Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.smithfamilycares.com .
Danny Davis Hurst, 64, of Benton, Arkansas passed away January 23, 2023. Danny was born January 18, 1959, to the late Madison Hurst and Gouilda (Dunkerson) Hurst.
Danny has been married for 44 and half years to the love of his life, Judy. He was extremely stubborn and a jokester, always trying to make people laugh. Danny loved his family and fur baby, Bailey more than anything and was an amazing grandfather. He could never be still. Danny enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a lawn guru, always spiffing up the neighbors’ yards. Danny was an honest, trustworthy, and loyal friend and was loved by everyone that he met.
Danny is preceded in death by his father. Madison Hurst; two precious mothers: Gouilda (Dunkerson) Hurst and Mildred Hurst; and brother, Gary Don Hurst.
Danny is survived by his loving wife of 44 and a half years, Judie; daughters: Sheresa (Brian), Ashley (James), Mindy (Charles),and Allison (Austin); grandchildren: Alex (Brittany), Madison, Jimmy Blain, Hunter, Elizabeth, Daniel, Arabella, Lilee, Gordan, Mason, Kinsley, Faith, and Danielle; and a host of other family members and friends who all love and will miss him forever.
Memorial Service will be Saturday, January 28, at 1:00 PM, at Northside Church of Christ, 917 N East St, Benton, AR 72015.
Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Odis C. Lawrence, 79, of Mabelvale, Arkansas passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2023. He was born to the late, Odis and Eva (Tate) Lawrence, on Friday, October 22, 1943, in Willow, Arkansas. One thing we know about Odis, he was a talker and spent most of his time talking on the phone.
He is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and three sisters.
He is survived by his loving wife, three boys, eight grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.
The family will be holding a private service at a later date.
Robert Crenshaw, 84, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2023. He was born to the late, Harvey and Paralee (Petty) Crenshaw, on Sunday, March 20, 1938, in Jones, Louisiana.
He is preceded in death by the mother of his children, Ella ae Crenshaw Baugh, and his parents.
He is survived by his two sons, Dewayne Crenshaw and Tommy Crenshaw; one daughter Myra Britton; eight brothers and sisters; three grandchildren; two great grandchildren; along with numerous family and friends who all love him and will miss him dearly.
No services will be scheduled at this time.
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