Mr. Joseph Henry “Joe” Mangogna age 97, of Benton, died at Saline Memorial Hospice in Bryant, Arkansas, Sunday night, March 11, 2018, following an extended illness. He was transferred to Saline Memorial Hospice when it became apparent that he had no chance in his long fight to regain his health and return to his home in Benton, Arkansas. Joe was a member of Trinity Baptist Church of Benton and was a former member and deacon of Brookwood Baptist Church in Shreveport, LA. He was born January 1, 1921 in Shreveport, Louisiana and was raised and educated in public schools in Caddo Parish. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Joe enlisted in the US Navy and after basic training and expedited technical training he was stationed at Pearl Harbor. He spent the next 2 ½ years at Pearl Harbor, achieving the rank as Gunner’s Mate First Class. Having earned sufficient points to return state-side in July 1945, Joe was assigned to Washington, DC. Stopping, en route to Washington, DC, he returned to Shreveport and asked his former sweetheart Mildred Oberle to marry him. Mildred had 13 days to prepare for her wedding as they were married July 19, 1945. After World War II, Joe returned to Shreveport and lived with his wife Mildred for 70 years. He worked as a diesel engine mechanic Cummings Diesel and Waukesha Pierce. In 1954 he went to work for the KCS railroad, working on their over-the-road trucks, reefer cars and other equipment as needed. He retired from the KCS railroad in 1984. Joe enjoyed fishing and golf in his younger days and anything outdoors. He served as a Louisiana Notary Public and as associate volunteer police officer. In later years he learned to repair clocks and fold paper (Origami). He made paper boxes, birds, frogs by the dozens just to give to anyone who came by. He enjoyed the smiles he received when he was able to give someone an Origami creation.” Following Joe and Mildred’s 70th wedding anniversary in 2015, they moved to Benton, Arkansas to live next to their daughter and son-in-law JoAnn M. and Robert Edwards. Joe was preceded in death by his parents Henry Mangogna (1876-1928) and his wife Viola Mary Saradett (1876-1941); a sister Pauline Mangogna Weeks and brother-in-law Tom Milton Weeks. Surviving him are his wife of 72 years, Mildred Oberle Mangogna, their daughter and son-in-law JoAnn and Robert Edwards of Benton and their son and daughter-in-law G. Andrew and Marjorie Lane Mangogna of Nipomo, California; two grandchildren, Alecia Edwards Hamilton (Richard) of North Little Rock and Benjamin J. (Ashley) Edwards of Bella Vista, Arkansas; and six great-grandchildren, Anna Rose Hamilton, Andrew Richard Hamilton, Cora Jane Edwards, Oberlee Edwards, Robert August Edwards, and Eliza Edwards. Interment will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 16th in Centuries Memorial Park in Shreveport. The family will receive family and friends at the Centuries Funeral Home from 1:00-2:00 p.m. prior to the graveside services. Services will be in the charge of the Rev. Mike Titsworth of Benton, pastor of Trinity Baptist Church and Crawford Williams of Shreveport, retired pastor of Ingleside Baptist church and Ashby Funeral Home of Benton, AR. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the building fund of Trinity Baptist Church in Benton.
Billy Ray McDanel, age 83, of Benton, passed away Wednesday, March 14, 2018. He was born January 11, 1935 in Duncan, Oklahoma to the late James Henry McDanel and Lena Mae Goforth McDanel. Billy was a Korean War Army Veteran and a printer for McMillan Bloedel. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Salem Fire Department, served on the State Board of Directors for the Firefighters Association and a member of Spring Creek Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Barbara N. McDanel; great-grandson, Brycen Green and six siblings. He is survived by two daughters, Suewonna Robbins (Steve) and Ladonna Clark (Mike) all of Benton; brother, J.D. McDanel (Sue) of Garland, Texas; sister, Doris Thomas (Jerry) of Bridgeport, Texas; Brother-in-law, Alvin Lievsay (Rhonda) of Huntsville; seven grandchildren, Chase Barnes (Rachel), Ross Green (Michelle), Kate Huggins (Jordan), Rachael Hayden (Tyler), Madison Belew, Lindsey Clark and Duncan Robbins; seven great-grandchildren, Jace, Aubrie, Gage, Paxton, Jax, Oliver and Baby Layton; as well as numerous nieces & nephews. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 15 at Ashby Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 16 at Ashby Funeral Home with burial at Pine Crest Memorial Park. Bro. Terry Parrish will be officiating. The family would like to give a special thanks to Arkansas Hospice. Memorials may be made in honor of Billy Ray McDanel to the Salem Fire Department, Spring Creek Building Fund or Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
Billie Sue Rea, 83 of Benton, left this world to be with Jesus on March 14, 2018. She was born January 2, 1935 in Arkadelphia to the late Rudolph and Irene Rowland Clements. She is survived by her son, William (Kara) Barlow, daughter, Susan (Michael) Holmes, two brothers, two sisters, eight grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. Per her request, no services will be held. Donations may be made to your choice of charity or the Family Church of Redfield. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
James Wesley Mills, 79 of Haskell, passed away on March 15, 2018. He was born in Saline County to the late Arvin and Eunice Carridine Mills. Wesley was of the Church of Christ Faith and was retired from Reynolds Metal Corp. He enjoyed the outdoors and Trail rides, fishing and hunting. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Glenn, Arvin, Jr. and George Mills, sister, Elaine Arrowood. Wesley is survived by his sons, Rodney Mills of Fort Smith and Brian (Amiee) Mills of Carlisle, brothers, Jackie and Jerry Mills, sisters, Martha Wright, Mary Ann Smith, Naomi Mansfield, Wilma Shoppach and Diana French , grandchildren, Emily Mills, Joseph Mills, Turner Moody, Hanna Beth Moody and Sawyer Moody. Memorial services will be held Saturday, March 31st at Ashby Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the American Brain Tumor Association 8550 West Bryn Mawr Avenue Suite 550, Chicago, Illinois 60631. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Amy Foster, 47 of Haskell, passed away on March 14, 2018. She was born in Hope, Arkansas to the late William and Jeanette Daugherty Foster. Amy had her education in the medical field with Ultrasound and MRI. Her hobbies were Genealogy and photography, but most of all her passion was her son, whom she loved dearly. She loved to video tape all of his games and being a part of the Cardinal Family. She is survived by her son, Hayden W. Foster, sisters, Sheila (John) Uekman of Little Rock and Lisa (Randy) Mills of Bauxite, nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on March 20, Tuesday at Ashby Funeral Home, 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p .m. Cremation was entrusted to Ashby Funeral Home.
Sara Beth Morris, age 88, died on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in Little Rock at Hospice Home Care, an exceptional facility filled with caring people providing love and support in a very difficult time. She was born in Beebe, AR to Henry Boggan “HB” Fryar and Alice Marie Abington. She was the oldest of three girls, all of whom were teachers. Sara Beth was born to be a teacher and made a difference in children’s lives. She graduated from State Teachers College then continued her education graduating with a master’s degree in Education from Peabody. She taught in several schools around the state. One of her proudest accomplishments was being chosen for Arkansas Teacher of the Year in 1979. She finished her career in Saline County retiring in 1987 from Caldwell Elementary after impacting numerous children’s lives. She continued to give back to the community, volunteering in Harrison as well as Benton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Brooks H. Morris, her son Mike Morris, her two sisters, Carolyn Tomlinson and Mary Ann Owen, a baby brother William H. Fryar, and grandson-in-law Tray Moody. Left to honor her is a daughter Carol Fikes (Mark), 5 granddaughters: Julie Fite (Jake), Leslie Stephens (Scott), Carolyn Moody, Micha Morris Halpin (Chris) and Kara Morris, 8 great-grandkids: Will Haynie, Henry Fite, Austin Haynie, Elliot Fite, Alyssa Fite, Liam Stephens, Gabby Stephens, and Hannah Halpin, 1 neice Gail Tomlinson Swain (Bill), 3 nephews John Owen, David Owen and Keith Tomlinson (Amy) who are like her own children and her brother-in-law Hays Tomlinson. Honorary Pall Bearers are Jim Holland, John Weir, Arthur B. Holiman and Jim Crawford. Visitation is Monday March 19 at 10:00 a.m. The memorial service will follow at 11:00 am at Ashby Funeral Home. A private family burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saline County Humane Society or a charity of your choice. Saline County Humane Society 7600 Bauxite Hwy Bauxite, AR 72011 On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Ruth Dodson Beam, 97 of Benton, passed away on Thursday, March 15, 2018. She was a loving devoted wife and mother and member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Benton. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Lottie Wilson Dodson, husband, E. W. “Dub” Beam, son, Jesse Daniel Beam and daughter, Phyllis Rickard. She is survived by a sister, Margaret (Sam) Herod, son, Bob (Clara) Beam, daughter, Shirley (Maurice) Eidson and a foster daughter, Sherry Lynn Polzin, ten grandchildren, numerous great and great great grandchildren. Chapel services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 2:00 p.m. on Monday with Pastor Michael Wolford officiating. Burial will follow at Ten Mile Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday at Ashbys, 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. The family will be at 1917 S. Neeley Street in Benton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Seventh Day Adventist Church Food Pantry. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Emma Louise Burton of Benton, passed peacefully on March 18, 2018. She was born in Grubbs, Arkansas on February 25, 1926 to A.A. Wimberly and Myrtis Pauline Wimberly. Louise was raised in Star City, Arkansas, where she graduated from high school in 1944. She then moved to Benton, where she met John Ralph Burton. They were married in 1945 and began their 58 year journey together, raising two daughters. Louise was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church. She was employed by the Benton School District as secretary to the Principal for over 30 years. She worked for several years at the State Capital as secretary to the Chief Clerk in the House of Representatives. After her retirement, she spent several years as a receptionist at the Union Bank of Benton. Louise was a member of the Talisman club and a board member of the Gann Museum. Most importantly, Louise was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She shared her wonderful sense of humor with every one and loved a good laugh. Louise enjoyed her years of work and being surrounded by others. Generosity was her byword, it shone from her with every smile and gesture. She will be remembered for the smile and giving heart. Mother always said: “I love my girls and would do anything for them.” And she did! She gave of her time, her faith, her happiness and never made it seem like an effort on her part. Louise was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings, Wesley Wimberly, Walter Wimberly, Harold Wimberly, Lavonne Cook and Bobby Atherly. She is survived by her daughters, Barbara Burton Richardson of Benton, Beverly Burton Griffin and husband, Len of Little Rock, three adoring grandchildren, Wendy Kelly (Nick) of Arlington, Texas, Leah Griffin Henson (Sam) of Benton, Jacob Burton Griffin (Rachel) of Wisconsin Dells, WI., six great grandchildren, Leah’s children, Ashton Griffin, Zachary Griffin, William Griffin and Emma Griffin. Jacob’s children, Kathryn Griffin and Josephine Griffin, along with many nieces and nephews. Louise is also survived by her beloved and trusting caregiver, Bobbie Freeman of Benton. A Celebration of Life will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Benton on Thursday, March 22nd at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Smith New Rosemont Cemetery. Visitation will be at Ashby’s, Wednesday, 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Benton, 200 North Market Street, Benton, Arkansas 72015 or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 320 Executive Ct., Suite 302, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, to support great granddaughter, Josie Griffin. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Estellene Green Bragg, 91 of Benton, passed away on Monday, March 19, 2018. She was born on August 14, 1926 in Bauxite, Arkansas to the late H.R. Green and Ada James Green. Estellene graduated from Bauxite High School in 1944 as class Salutorian and taught there several years upon graduation. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Bryant for more than 60 years and a member of the Dutch Craft Club in Benton. She spent many years watching her children and grandchildren play sports and loved camping at Lake Catherine with family and friends. One of her biggest joys was listening to her children sing. Estellene was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 59 years, Calvin Wayne Bragg and eight siblings. She is survived by daughters, Patricia (Roger) Rowland and Diane Jones of Bryant, five sons, DeWayne (Donna) Bragg of Hot Springs Village, Ronnie (Verna) Bragg , Johnny (Angela) Bragg and Allen Bragg all of Bryant, Dennis (Marcia) Bragg and daughter in law, Shirley Bragg, all of Benton, eighteen grandchildren, twenty eight great grandchildren, two sisters in law, Faye Green of Bauxite and Larene Bragg Burks of Benton. Pallbearers will be Steven Bragg, Scott Rowland, Michael Bragg, John Bragg, Allen Bragg, Jr., Houston Clifton, Denny Hutchins and Kobe Ray. Chapel services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 1:00 p.m. on Friday with Rev. Phillip Miller and Rev. John Owens officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery Visitation will be at Ashby Funeral Home on Thursday, 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A very special thanks to Heartland Rehab and Nursing Facility and to Saline Memorial Hospice for the excellent care and compassion they showed our mother during her last weeks of life. Also to her neighbors, David and Kathy, for all the assistance and aid they gave her over the years. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the James Cemetery Fund c/o Terry Henthorne at 117 E. Cross Street in Benton, Arkansas 72015 or to the First Baptist Church in Bryant, Arkansas. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Karen S. Worley of Hot Springs Village, AR passed away on March 13, 2018. She was born August 5, 1944 in Reading, Pennsylvania to Paul and Helen Smeltzer. Karen is preceded in death by her husband, David W. Worley, son, David Paul Worley and her parents. Karen is survived by her brother, Paul Smeltzer (Lola), one son, Mitch Worley (Debi), grandchildren, Sherri Worley, Danny Worley, Amie Farmer (Ross) and Casey Worley and three great-grandchildren. Karen‘s passions were socializing, talking with and caring for her dear friends. Her strong faith and love of God sustained her through many heart breaking hardships and medical challenges. Karen’s warm smile and tender touch will be missed by all, especially Annebelle, her constant canine companion. A scattering service will be held at 3 PM and a Memorial service at 3:30 PM at the Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church, Hot Springs Village, AR. on Thursday, March 22, 2018. Memorials can be made to the Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church, Good Samaritan Campus or the Boy Scouts of America. Arrangements have been entrusted to CedarVale – The Hot Springs Village Funeral Home. For online condolences please visit www.cedarvalefuneralhome.com.
Jerry Phillip Hanna, 80 of Bryant, Arkansas passed away on March 12, 2018. He was born to the late, Gilmer and Alva Hanna on June 10, 1937 in Mansfield, Arkansas. He loved spending his time outdoors by hunting, fishing, and camping. He was an avid reader. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, George and Pat Hanna. His is survived by his loving wife of 61 ½ years, Patsy Hanna; sons, Shane Hanna of Bryant, Brian Hanna (Sandra) of Bryant, and Brett Hanna of Bryant; daughter, Sheila Hanna Britt (Russ) of Bryant; grandchildren, Shane Hanna, Alex Ferguson, Zach Hanna, Amelia McGill, Reid Hanna, and Lauren Britt; five great grandchildren; two brothers, Dan and Mike Hanna; sister, Jane Syzmanski; a host of family and friends who love and miss him dearly. A celebration of life will be held at Hurricane Lake Baptist Church in Bryant on Springhill Road on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at 1:00PM. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com
Dorothy Lee Watson, 84 of Bryant, Arkansas passed away on March 13, 2018. She was born to the late, Jeff and Irene Smith on June 10, 1933 in Little Rock, Arkansas. She loved to travel. She has visited every state and many foreign countries. She has been a member of Iron Springs Eastern Star for 50 years and a lifetime member of Ivy Chapel Christian Church. In high school, she was the valedictorian of her class. She was very involved with school activities with being in many different clubs to being a cheerleader. She was the “All-Star.” She is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, 15 days short of 64, Wade Watson; daughter, Sharon Sipe (Karl) of Alexander; son, Brent Watson (Penny) of Redfield; five grandchildren, Shane Totten, Heather Hill, Tracey Gustaveson, Holly Tomlinson, and Aaron Mask; 8 great grandchildren; brother, Jeffery Smith; a host of friends and family who love and miss her dearly. A celebration of life will be held at Ivy Chapel Christian Church in Little Rock on Friday, March 16, 2018 at 11:00AM with the visitation the evening prior from 5-7PM at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home. Monetary donations can be made to Ivy Chapel Christian Church. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com
Penny June McKenna, 70 of Bryant, Arkansas passed away on March 14, 2018. She was born to the late George and Dorothy Sloan on April 19, 1947 in Cincinnati, Ohio. She retired from the Bryant Public School System where she worked in the food service. She loved cooking and baking. She was a devoted Christian and loved going to church. She is preceded in death by her loving parents; husband, Jim McKenna; a sister. She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Simmons and her husband, Matthew, of Bryant; three grandchildren, Lindzae Fisher, Nicklaus Fisher, and Justin Simmons; great grandchildren, Matthew Hunter Simmons and 8 siblings; a host of friends and family who love and miss her dearly. A celebration of life will be held at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home on Monday, March 19, 2018 at 2:00PM with the visitation one hour prior. Brother Ryan Ingold from Cross Point Church will be officiating the service. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com
John W Garrett, 70 of Bryant, Arkansas passed away March 15, 2018. He was born to the late, Carroll and Hazel Garrett on May 23, 1947 in Conway, Arkansas. He loved fishing, NASCAR, and racing with his son. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Tammy Garrett; infant sister. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Dee Garrett; son, John W. Garrett, Jr. (Tonya) of Bryant; three grandchildren, Matthew Garrett, Blake Garrett and Victoria Lockhart; two sisters; two brothers; his little dog, Rosco; a host of friends and family who love and miss him dearly. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. To sign the online guestbook, www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com
James Oliver Hampton Jr., 68 of Alexander, Arkansas passed away March 19, 2018. He was born to the late, James and Opal Hampton on February 16, 1950 in LaFayette, Georgia. He was a referee for professional wrestling with the name “J.J. Rivers.” He loved sports and spending time with his family. He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Jennifer Ann Hampton; granddaughter, Tiahni Lavette Shuman. He is survived by his loving wife, Anita Hampton; sons, James Oliver Hampton III and Christopher Bartlett of Georgia; daughters, Karen Newton (Lamar) and Susan Hampton of Georgia and Casey Hampton and Caroline Hampton of Alexander; twelve grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; brother, Henry Hampton; four sisters, Joyce Spears, Linda Naso, Flo Mae Jackson, and Mary JoAnne Bias; a host of family and friends who love and miss him dearly. A celebration of life will be held on Monday, March 26, 2018 at 12:00PM with the visitation one hour prior at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home. The burial will be Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at 10:00AM at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.
Margaret Ann Evans, 84, of Benton passed away Sunday, March 11, 2018. She was born November 6, 1933 to the late Isaac and Laura Harvey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Evans. Survivors include sons, David Evans of Troy, Missouri, Jeffrey Evans of Cabot, and Matthew Evans of Traskwood; daughters, Susan Henley of Alexander and Cynthia Lovell of Hermitage, Tennessee; sister, Helen Miller of Rogers; eleven grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren. A time of visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in the chapel of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home (315-4047).
Morris Sanford Pelton, 64, of Benton passed away Friday, March 16, 2018. He was born February 28, 1954. Morris is preceded in death by his father, Robert Marion Pelton. Survivors include his parents, Carrie Belle Pelton of Mayflower and Colleen Pelton of Benton; sisters, Lisa Sterling of Nixa, Missouri and Whitney Buck of Benton; brother, Robert Pelton of Mayflower; uncle, Morris James; nephews, Caleb Pelton, JT Pelton, Scott Sterling; and great-niece, Jillian Pelton. Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 19, 2018 at Arkansas Health Center with Bro. Allan Eakin officiating. Interment will follow at Pipkin Cemetery in Salem Community.
Lawrence Franklin Shields, 96, of Benton passed away Monday, March 19, 2018. He was born April 25, 1921 in Palestine, Arkansas to the late Joe and Cora Shields. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Stella Faye Shields; brother, Marvin Shields; sister-in-law, Marcella Shields; and daughter-in-law, Shirley Shields. Survivors include sons, Frank Shields of Benton and Reggie Shields of Benton; four grandchildren, Clay Shields, Chris Shields, Clint Shields, and Kristi Shields; and six great-grandchildren, Cayley Shields, Cara Peel, Nicole Shields, Noah Shields, Tate Shields, and Kaedan Cantrell. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March, 23 in the chapel of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home(315-4047). Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 22 at the funeral home.
Charles Edward Bellott, 84, of Benton, Arkansas went to be with our Lord March 11, 2018. He was born April 7, 1933 in Warren, Arkansas to the late Finley and Pebble (Thompson) Bellott. Charles proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1952-1956 during which he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He was a member at Benton First Church of the Nazarene and enjoyed attending the Joy Sunday School class. Charles was also a member of the Gideon’s and shared the mission of providing Bibles to everyone around the world. Preceding Charles in death are his parents; brother, Fred Bellott; infant daughter; and step-son, Daniel Henley. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of over thirty years, Barbara Bellott of Benton; three sons: Lynn Bellott, Taylor Bellott and wife Brenda, and Steve Bellott all of Benton; step-children: Carla Baggett and husband Sam of North Little Rock, Sheila Henley of Little Rock, and Mike Henley and wife Sheryl of Cedarville, Arkansas; eighteen grandchildren; thirty-two great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Helen Snipan of Conway, Arkansas; and a host of family and friends who love Charles and will miss him always. Reception visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Wednesday, March 14, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Funeral service, officiated by Rev. Brady Lane and Rev. Shannon Rae Dupree, will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, March 15 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Smith-Rosemont Cemetery with Lynn Bellott, Taylor Bellott, Steve Bellott, Jacob Bellott, Eric Bellott, TJ Bellott, Brian Bellott, Michael Laing, Randy Bowen, Norman Stewart, Roger Frazier, Darrell Dupree, and Don Carman assisting as pallbearers. Memorials may be made to The Gideons International. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook:www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Merle M. Newcomb, 97, of Benton went home to her Lord and Savior on Tuesday March 20, 2018. Merle was born on January 12, 1921 to the late Robert E. and Margaret B. (Watt) West in Fordyce, Arkansas. Merle loved Jesus with all she had and was a proud charter member of First Baptist Church of Benton for over seventy years and was very involved in WMU, Sunday School and children’s Missions. Merle is preceded by the loved of her life and husband for over sixty-two years Robert W. Newcomb, Sr. She is survived by her three children: Tanai Starrs of Aspin, CO; Jerene Newcomb of Fort Mill, SC and Robert W. Newcomb, Jr. and wife Teresa of Benton, Arkansas; seven grandchildren: Chris Gayle and wife Brandi, Andrea Maxwell and husband Peter, Craig Hogan, Robert Newcomb III “Trey” and wife Jenny, Trevor Newcomb, Britney and Sara Sidebottom; two great-grandchildren: Cora Gayle and Elijah Maxwell and a host of church family and friends who will all miss her greatly. Visitation will be held Thursday from 5-7 PM at Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Funeral service will be on Friday at 10:00 AM at Smith-Benton Funeral Home with burial following at old Rosemont Cemetery with Dr. Rick Grant officiating. The family would like to thank Mt Carmel’s dedicated staff, Saline in -home Hospice (Peggy) and Smith -Benton Funeral Home for all their support and loving of Merle and her family during this season of her life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to First Baptist Church of Benton, 211 S. Market St. Benton, AR 72015; website: www.fbcbenton.org, or Baptist Children’s Home in Monticello at 222 W. Pope St, Monticello, AR 71655. Services are entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Guests on-line registry atwww.smithfamilycares.com.
Van Earl Dyer, 75, of Bryant, entered his heavenly home Saturday, March 10, 2018, in Little Rock. He was born June 13, 1942, in Nashville, Arkansas, to Lyle and Lue Powell Dyer. Van grew up in Nashville and graduated from Nashville High School in 1960. He attended Henderson State Teacher’s College in Arkadelphia from 1960 to 1963, where he competed in track and field. He was a sergeant with the Plano City Police Department from 1963 to 1968. Van married Deborah Leah Baldwin on July 5, 1969, in Mount Ida. He spent 33 years in law enforcement. He served with the Arkansas State Police beginning in July 1968 as a highway patrol officer in Montgomery and Pike counties. He then transferred to public information and educational services in Little Rock where he was a trooper/sergeant in charge of Arkansas State Police Educational Services. He was instrumental in the passage of the “Arkansas Seat Belt Law.” Upon retirement from Arkansas State Police in June 1995, he spent four years with the Arkansas State Police Association. From 1999 to 2000 he served as chief of police in Bryant. He concluded his professional career at the Criminal Justice Institute with the University of Arkansas as Law Enforcement Liaison Specialist from February 2001 to January 2008. Van was awarded “Outstanding Young Law Enforcement Officer” in 1975 and “Trooper of the Year” in 1976. He was a 32nd degree Mason, active with Special OlympicsArkansas, and numerous other organizations. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Bryant and loved his church family dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Bonnie Allred and Dorthea Clark, both of Texarkana. He is survived by his wife of 48 years Deb; two sons, Jeff Dyer (Robin), of Benton, and Patrick Dyer, of Little Rock; four grandchildren, Maggie, Drew, Caroline, and Abby Dyer; and a number of nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 15, 2018, at Pinecrest Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 16, 2018, at Pinecrest Funeral Home with burial following at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Bryant First Baptist Church, Special Olympics Arkansas or the . Online guest book: www.pinecrestfuneralservice.com. Published in The Saline Courier on Mar. 13, 2018
Lois S. “Nannie” Henry NOVEMBER 13, 1925 – MARCH 13, 2018 Funeral Home Services are being provided by Pinecrest Funeral Home of Alexander, AR.
Martha Eulalia Speers was born on September 5, 1935 and passed away on March 14, 2018 in Houston, Texas.
Jeffrey Edward Heinley, age 58 of East End, gained his wings and entered into Heaven surrounded by his family at his home on March 14, 2018. He was born into this life on September 10, 1959 to JoAnn and John Heinley in El Dorado, Arkansas. He went on to join the United States Air Force at age 17, then a few years later he went on to meet the love of his life, Pam; they married on June 19, 1982 at the Old Mill in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Together they built an amazing life and family. Although they would face difficult challenges and difficult decisions through the years, their love for each other only grew stronger each day. Jeffrey enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, NASCAR and most of all, spending time with his grandchildren. His greatest accomplishment above all was his family. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy and has only passed the torch to keep his memory alive. He leaves behind to cherish his memories, his beloved wife of thirty-five years, Pamela Ann Heinley; his daughter, Tahmika Nichole Bertrand (Anthony) of East End; his son, Dustin Patrick Heinley (Jennifer) of East End; his sister, Becky Hizer (Tom) of Maryville, Tennessee; his brother, Paul Heinley (Renita) of Benton; his sister -in-law, Olivia Heinley of Bauxite; his grandchildren, Brianna Bertrand, Ethan Lines, Peyton Bertrand, Blake Heinley, and a host of nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters, cousins, adopted children and friends. Jeffrey is preceded in death by his mother, JoAnn Heinley; his father, John Heinley; brothers Mike and Tracy Heinley; his mother -in- law , Charlotte Bradford; and several other friends and family. At his request, Jeffrey was cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at Lower Lake Pavilion at DeGray Lake State Park at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, March 24, 2018. Take I-30 to Exit 78, Caddo Valley and take an immediate left to Lower Lake Pavilion. Honorary Pallbearers include Whit Norman, Johnny Brumett, Mike Naidoff, David Russell, Johnny Whitehead, and Jim Reynolds. Please join us after the service for fellowship, food, and fishing. Come as you are, dress as you please, and bring a chair to pull up if you can. A big thank you to all the staff at Veterans’ Hospital at Little Rock and Arkansas Hospice for the nurturing care of both Jeff and our family. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American cancer Society in Jeffrey’s name or to the Go Fund Me page set up for him.
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