Karon Louise Zimmerman, 72, died at 6:15 a.m. on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Willow Rose in Jerseyville. She was born September 29, 1948 in Benton, AR the daughter of the late Eugene Edgar Elrod and Patricia Louise Goff. She worked for many years for Merrill Lynch Brokerage Firm. On July 12, 1986 in Wood River, she married Richard E. Zimmerman and he survives. Also surviving are one son, David Elrod (Chrissy) of Godfrey, IL, three grandchildren, Jeffrey, Garrett and Camden, one brother, Terry Elrod (Candice) of Edwardsville, IL and one sister-in-law Betsy Shewmake (Jack) of Godfrey and one sister-in-law, Carol Taulbee of Gray, GA. She was preceded in death by one brother-in-law, Jack Taulbee. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Reverend Alex Melton will officiate. Burial will be at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto. Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Additional information and online guest book may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
Bryant AR – Tanner Jordan Melton, 23, born October 22,1997 passed away peacefully on January 22nd 2021 at home. He was proceeded in death by his mother Ronda EzzEldin and his grandmother Elaine Banks. He is survived by his stepparents Ahmed and Jackie EzzEldin, brother Strody Melton, grandparents Tommy Banks and Steve and Barbara Melton, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and an endless number of friends. Pallbearer are Grant Kidd, Chris Gjestvang, Rocky Thornberry, Paul Bullard, James Whitley, and Robert Tackett. Tanner was a rockstar and enjoyed playing shows at most of the local venues with his band. He tried his hand at almost every position including vocals, bass, electric guitar, and even the drums. Though his main talent was behind a microphone or strumming the chords on a guitar. He was known for being the life of every room he entered. He gave the best bear hugs, for his height and overall stature would seemingly consume you in the most blissful hug you have ever experienced. The cherry on top was his personality. His quick wit and ability to pull references from his favorite TV shows “The Office”, “Letterkenny”, “Family Guy”, and a plethora of others made him such a joy to talk to. Funeral services will be by Dial & Dudley Funeral Home with visitation being held on Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 from 5p.m. to 7p.m. and funeral services on Thursday, at 10a.m. followed by a graveside service at Bolin Cemetery.
Thomas Charles “Chuck” Surles, Jr. 53 of Benton, passed away on January 24, 2021. He was born on February 24, 1967 in Tennessee to Thomas Charles Surles, Sr. and Diane Hanson Toth. Chuck was preceded in death by his mother, Diane Toth ; wife, Tanya Surles and grandparents. He is survived by his father, Thomas Charles Surles, Sr., daughter, Stephanie (Jamie) Rossini, sons, Trey (Katlin) Surles, Nathan Surles and step son, Austin Kitchens and sister, Audra (Marty) Mills. Cremation was entrusted to Ashby Funeral Home. Online guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Glen David “Boss” Wells born on September 9, 1958 was called home on January 23, 2021. David “Boss” was known in life as not only as a hardworking man but also as a trusted and loyal friend and beloved family man. He lived a full life with his loving wife Carolyn Wells. Their adventures in life led them to two daughters Sara Cook & Anna Williams. David was known as being a fun loving, wonderful Boss to his many grandchildren for which he always found time to love and harass. David is survived by his wife Carolyn Wells of Benton. Daughter & Son in law Sara & Jason Cook of Benton. Daughter Anna Williams of Benton. Son & Daughter in law Alan & Jessica Bubbus of Little Rock. Son & Daughter in law Tom & Nancy Handloser of Sardis. Son & Daughter in law Mark & Melisa Baker of Alexander; father, Glenn Wells, Little Rock; brother, Jeff Wells, Cabot; sister and brother-in-law, Debbie (Ron) Anderson, Little Rock. Grandchildren JD Wells, Simone Legere, Rhys Cook, Conner Cook & Darrien Cook. Mary Jane Baker & Gracie Baker. Evan Bubbus, Ethan Bubbus, David Bubbus, Abraham Bubbus, Moses Bubbus & JP Bubbus. Joseph Handloser. Amie Attaway. More numerous friends that can’t be named here. Cremation services are by Ashby Funeral Home. Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please contact your local school and make a donation to send children on field trips who can’t afford it. This was something that was very close to David’s heart. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Terry L. Lancaster, age 79, of Benton passed away on Thursday, January 21, 2021. He was born on August 1, 1941 in Bemis, Tennessee. Terry was preceded in death by his mother and father. He was a Process Server for Pulaski County and a member of New Prospect Baptist Church in Benton. Survivors, wife, Gail Lancaster, sons, Matthew A. Smith, Alan Lancaster, and Mark Lancaster, daughter, Samantha Smith. There will be an open visitation at Ashby Funeral Home. Graveside services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday at Pine Crest Cemetery. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Mark Duane Morell, 73, of Benton, Arkansas passed away in the comfort of his home January 22, 2021 from injuries received while driving his Polaris Slingshot in an accident that occurred on January 8th. He was born September 15, 1947 in Alpine, Texas to the late John Edmund and Thelma June (Evans) Morell. Mark worked at St. Vincent for several years as a master electrician. He loved his motorcycles, dogs, and horses. Preceding Mark in death are his parents; and brother, David Morell. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of thirty-four years, Kristy Morell; son, Mike; daughter, Terri; several grandchildren; two sisters: Donna and Ann; two brothers: Ted and Joe; and many family members and friends who love Mark and will miss him always. Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Stanley Clark Wilson, 73, of Benton, Arkansas passed away January 21, 2020. He was born April 8, 1947 in Orange, Texas to Earnest and Faye (Stripling) Wilson. Stanley worked for the State of Arkansas as an ADEQ Supervisor for many years. He was an Elder at Highway Church of Christ. Stanley was a member of the Benton Gun Club. He loved politics and engaging in discussions revolving around the current events in our nation. Stanley loved his family, especially his grandchildren and two special fur babies, Gracie and Belle. Photography was a favorite hobby and Stanley worked with Eastman Kodak for many years. Preceding Stanley in death are his wife, Debbie Wilson; and parents, Earnest and Faye (Stripling) Wilson. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Mary Ann Wilson of Benton, Arkansas; two sons: Adam Wilson of Benton and James Wilson and wife Becky of Bryant, Arkansas; grandchildren: Oliver, Victor, Stormy, and Oakley (soon to arrive); sister, Dana Pullion and husband Cliff; step-daughter, Trish Jones and husband Ron; step-son, David Smith and wife Marlo of Benton; ten step-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; and many family members and friends who love Stanley and will miss him always. Family to hold memorial at a later date. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Mrs. Fabena Lois Burroughs Chaney, 91, died on January 22, 2021 of a long illness of Alzheimer’s and a short bout with Covid. She was born August 21, 1929 in Hot Springs, AR to the late Oscar D.& Lois Bridges Burroughs. She was a 1947graduate of Hot Springs High School and went on to attend Henderson State Teachers College where she was a member of Alpha Sigma Tau (AΣT). On June 23, 1951, she married Wayne T. Chaney, Sr. and they were united for 62 years until Wayne’s death in 2013. They made their homes in Dallas, Hot Springs, Little Rock, and finally Bryant, AR. She is survived by her children, Wayne (Tarrie) Chaney and Gaye (Jerry) Swaim. Her world revolved around her four grandsons, Daniel Swaim, Chris Swaim, John (Amanda) Chaney and Mike (Jenn) Chaney and six precious great grandchildren, Clark, Daphne, Nikki, Jackie, James and Katherine. She is also survived by her dear step son Tom (Dana) Chaney. She loved having Tom and his family as part of her life and felt fortunate to have more grandchildren, Tom (Krissy) Chaney and Jimmy Chaney, Marla Hampton (Chuck Sebarino) and April Thomas. Four great grandchildren, Amanda, Juliet, Patrick, Andrew and two great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by nieces Jane (Jack) Barrett, Barbara Sue and Debbie Bridges and nephews Jody (Charlynn) Howington, Wayne and David Smith. She was predeceased by her husband, Wayne T. Chaney Sr., parents Oscar D. & Lois Bridges Burroughs, In-laws Sherman & Minnie M. McNabb Chaney, Jody & Syble Howington, Tiny & Joel Smith and Uncle and Aunt, Norman & Gerri Bridges. Fabena will be remembered for her love and pride of family. Any family member could share multiple stories of her kindness, support, and unbridled love. She was also known for her humor and wit from wearing a brown paper sack over her head to “un-embarrass” her teenage son as she dropped him off at school to playing the role of Grinch at the Christmas party! Anyone who knew her also knew she loved pugs. Even in the last stages of Alzheimer’s she kept her toy pug by her side. To her extended family at UMFC, you will never know how important you were to her. Even in the early stages of her disease, her church was always in the forefront. No matter what time of day or day of week it was important that she get to the church! A warm and deep thank you to her Sunday School Group, Exercise Group and her close-knit friends that kept her happy and safe! Fabena loved being around young people – she thoroughly enjoyed any contact and said it always made her feel “young again!” Thank you to all our extended young family that always made her feel loved – she had a special place in her heart for all of you! The family extends heartfelt thanks to Fox Ridge – Bryant, Alcoa Pines and Kindred Hospice for their support and care of Fabena during her long illness.