SCOTT COUNTY ARKANSAS OBITUARIES, January - March 2003 Contributed by Delaine Edwards USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Files may be printed or copied for personal use only. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. ================================================================== Scott County Times 1 January 2003 NEDRA BEATY Nedra Beaty, 89, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Thursday December 26, 2002 in a Mena hospital. She was a retired school bus driver for twenty six years with the Waldron Public Schools. She was also a teacher and substitute in the school system. During the depression she worked at Douglas Aircraft. She owned and operated the downtown Speed Wash in Waldron for seven years. Graveside services were held on Saturday, December 28, 2002 at 1:00 pm at Johnson Cemetery in Nella, Arkansas under the direction of Martin Funeral Home. She was preceded in death by her husband, Grady Beaty, one son, Dennis Beaty and one grandson, Billy Beaty. She is survived by one daughter, Marilyn and husband William Hook of Blackfork, Arkansas; one daughter-in-law, Jackie Beaty of Mena, Arkansas; ten grandchildren, Sherrie and husband Todd Moore of Mena, Steven and wife Lavella Hooks of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, Jessie and wife Vickie Hooks of Mena, Rhonda Jones of Waldron, Roger and wife Rennena Beaty of Bossier City, Louisiana, Dennis and wife Lisa Beaty of Eureka, California, Denise and husband Sidney Burden of Mena, Weldon and wife Kathy Beaty of Mena, Shannon and husband Brian Kamm of Mena, and Louise Beaty of Mena; forty two great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren. Pallbearers were Steve Cox, Todd Moore, Keith Wright, Buddy Benson, Ricky McCravens and Shannon Burden. ================================================================== Scott County Times 1 January 2003 ROY BLACKWELL Roy Lee Blackwell, 81, of Waldron, Arkansas died on Friday December 27 in a Ft. Smith hospital. He was a retired construction worker, veteran of WWII and attended Winfield Baptist Church. Arrangements were under the direction of Martin Funeral Home of Waldron. He is survived by one daughter, Gail Vaughn of Waldron, Arkansas; three sons, Ray Blackwell and Jerry Blackwell both of Oklahoma and Roy Blackwell of California. ================================================================== Scott County Times 1 January 2003 ESTHER WAGONER A memorial service for Esther Wagoner of Ukiah, California was held December 23 at Ukiah Grace Lutheran Church. Inurnment will be at Ukiah Cemetery. She died at home December 20, 2002. Mrs. Wagoner was born August 19, 1921 in Scott County, Arkansas. She had been a resident of the area for 44 years. She was a homemaker, wife and mother. Her accomplishments she was most proud of was being a seamstress making beautiful garments for friends and family. She was a Charter member of the Grace Lutheran Church. She will be remembered as being a very loving, kind and caring mother and person. She is survived by her daughters: Elizabeth and Jim Ward of Oakridge, Oregon; Sandra and Rick Petty of Ukiah, California. Sister: Louise Burr of Windsor, California. Grandchildren: Mike and Jolena Ward of Grants Pass, Oregon. Shannon and Noel Loza of Rohnert Park, California. Stephanie and Ted Kovack of Willows, California. She is also survived by 10 great grandchildren. Mrs. was preceded by her husband John in 1999. Arrangements and care are under the direction of Eversole Mortuary. ============================================================== The Waldron News 1 January 2003 LOYD WILLIAM MAUGHN Loyd William Maughn, age 63, of Danville died Friday, December 27, 2002 at Chambers Memorial Hospital in Danville. Mr. Maughn was born March 16, 1939 in Danville to the late George Maughn and Marie Power Wehunt. He graduated from Mountain View High School in Mountain View, California where he was a High School All-American. Mr. Maughn was the Police Chief for the City of Danville from 1999 to present, he was the Yell County Sheriff from 1993 to 1998, the chief deputy under Yell County sheriff Denver Dennis for nine years. He began his law enforcement career in 1964 with the Russellville City Police Department and then moved to Little Rock and served on the Little Rock Police Department for 12 years. He was a member of the Danville First Baptist Church, Fraternal Order of Police, Arkansas Sheriff Association, Arkansas Municipal Police Association, National Police Association and Yell County Cops for Kids. He delivered meals on wheels for the Yell County Senior Citizens for 12 years. He was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Delena Robinson Knight. Survivors include his wife, Hellen Robinson Maughn; daughter and son-in-law, Christy and Tommy Papason of Danville; two sons and daughters-in-law, Buddy and Beth Maughn of Belleville, Mark and Joy Maughn of Danville; brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Yvonne Maughn of San Jose, California; sister, Mary Hograve of Wilson, North Carolina; two brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Sam Knight of Dardanelle, and Harold and Patsy Robinson of Danville; step-father, Vernon Wehunt of Danville; aunt, Dovie Hefner of Danville; uncle, Jesse Maughn of Verdale, Washington; seven grandchildren, Brent, Matt, Drew Papasan, Dusty Catlett all of Danville, Jessica Catlett of Fayetteville, Anthony Maughn of Ft. Smith, David Cupp of Bigelow. Services were Sunday, December 29, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Danville with Rev. David Hawkins and Rev. Bobby Walker officiating. Interment was in Earl Ladd Cemetery by Cornwell Funeral Home of Danville. Pallbearers were Brett Papasan, Matt Papasan, Drew Papasan, Anthony Maughn, Johnny Chambers, Steve Pfeifer, Carroll Ramey, Jim Lloyd, A.D. Morris, Dr. L. Compton George. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Danville, Dardanelle, Ola, Plainview and Yell County Police Department, Arkansas State Police, County Sheriffs and the Danville City Council and employees. ======================================================= Scott County Times 8 January 2003 RAYMOND SHANK Raymond Harry Shank, 79, of Waldron, Arkansas died Monday, December 30, 2002 in a Waldron hospital. He was a retired auto mechanic and veteran of WWII and a member of Waldron First Baptist Church. Funeral services were held at 2:00 pm on Friday, January 3, 2003 at Martin Funeral Home Chapel with burial at Lamb Cemetery neary Waldron, Arkansas under the direction of Martin Funeral Home of Waldron, Arkansas. He is survived by two daughters, Joyce Barnett of Fort Smith, Arkansas and Sharon Hickman of Alamogordo, Arkansas; one son, Don Shank of Waldron, Arkansas; one sister, Ruby Lemarr of Owasso, Oklahoma; three grand- children and two great-grandchildren. ======================================================= Scott County Times 8 January 2003 MERVIE HALE Mervie Dilly Bayrd Hale, 90, of Waldron, Arkansas died Monday, December 30, 2002 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was a homemaker and a member of the Mt. Moriah church and widow of Loyd Hale. Funeral services were held at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 2, 2003 at Mt. Moriah Church with burial at Union Hill Cemetery at Union Hill, Arkansas under the direction of Martin Funeral Home of Waldron, Arkansas. She is survived by two daughters, Eheln June Mitchell and Janet Etah Charvat of Tulsa, Oklahoma; one sister, Ruby Morgan of Waldron, Arkansas; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Pallbearers were Tom McCord, Patrick McCord, Cary Charvat, Jack Charvat, Ron Roach and Butch Morgan. Honorary pallbearers were Elmo Morgan, Ellis Hall, William P. Shunkey and Mel Kenner. ======================================================= Scott County Times 8 January 2003 JERLENE "JERRY" AMMONS THOMPSON Waldron--Funeral services for Jerlene "Jerry" Ammons Thompson, 73, of Waldron, were held Tuesday, January 7, 2003 at 10:30 am at Martin Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron. Burial followed at Pilot Prairie Cemetery in Waldron. Mrs. Thompson died Saturday, January 4, 2003 at her home. She was a homemaker and a member of the Waldron First United Methodist Church. Survivors include her husband, Ben of the home; a daughter, Mechelle and husband Jeff Bailey of Fayetteville; two sisters, Mevalene Ashford and Evelyn Ammons both of Waldron; and a granddaughter, Madysen Bailey of Fayetteville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Methodist Children's Home, Scott County Library and Pilot Prairie Cemetery in care of Martin Funeral Home, PO Box 786, Waldron, AR 72958. ======================================================= The Waldron News 8 January 2003 JAMES M. AUDAS James Monroe Audas, 78, of Hilmar, California died of natural causes on Saturday, December 28, 2002 at Emanuel Medical Center in Turlock, CA. Mr. Audas was a native of Waldron, Arkansas. He had lived in Hilmar since 1983. He was a mechanic for Pittsburg Ford. He was a member of the Free Will Baptist Church in Turlock and he also belonged to the Free & Accepted Masons in Arkansas. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Audas of Hilmar; children, Louie Audas of Concord, CA and Jackie Audas of Cloverdale, CA; sister, Etta Fae Foster of Fort Smith, AR; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A funeral service was at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 2, at Allen Mortuary in Turlock. Burial was at Oakmont Cemetery in Concord. ======================================================= The Waldron News 8 January 2003 ROBERT DOTSON COWARD Robert Dotson Coward, 79, of Fort Smith, Arkansas died Friday, December 27, 2002 in his home. He was a retired public works employee and veteran of World War II. Graveside service was at 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 30 at Pine Log Cemetery near Booneville, Ark. with burial under the direction of Martin Funeral Home of Mansfield, Ark. He is survived by one niece, Mary Jo Jones of Booneville, AR and two nephews, Lee Austin and Thomas Austin, Jr., both of Booneville, AR. ======================================================== Scott County Times 15 January 2003 MILLIE WATTS Millie Jane Watts, 94, of Stephensville, Virginia died January 10, 2003, Friday in Front Royal, Virginia. She was a member of Haw Creek Baptist Church and a homemaker. Graveside services were held at 11:00 am Monday, January 13, 2003 at Pilot Prairie Cemetery under the direction of Martin Funeral Home of Waldron, Arkansas. She is survived by one daughter, Naoma Kelley of Stephensville, Virginia; three grandchildren; six great- grandchildren. ======================================================== Scott County Times 15 January 2003 BURL RAY GIBSON Greenwood--Funeral services for Burl Ray Gibson, 84, of Greenwood were held Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at 2 pm at Martin Funeral Home Chapel in Mansfield. Burial followed at Pleasant Grove #2 Cemetery at Abbott under the direction of Martin Funeral Home of Mansfield. Mr. Gibson died Saturday, January 11, 2003 at a Greenwood nursing home. He attended Abbott Baptist Church. Survivors include his brother, Harold Gibson of Mansfield and three nieces, Shirley Moore of Huntington, Kathy Stevenson of Avinger, Texas and Vicie Stinson of Waldron. Pallbearers were Paul Moore, Jack Livingston, Shawn Stinson, Forrest Livingston, Jerry Carter and Coy Butler. ======================================================== Scott County Times 15 January 2003 FRANKLIN ALLEN Franklin Delano Allen, 61, of Mulberry died Saturday, January 11, 2003 in Mulberry. Frank was a very Godly man, devoted to his wife of 40 years, his children and his grandchildren. He was also an avid hunter and outdoorsman. A retired ironworker, he served 25 years with the 148th Evac Unit of the National Guard. While in the guards, he achieved the rank of staff sergeant, serving as a medic and cook. Frank was a 32nd Degree Mason in Lodge No. 232 in Waldron and a member of the First Baptist Church of Mulberry. Funeral services were held at 10 am Tuesday at First Baptist Church of Mulberry under the direction of Shaffer Funeral Home of Mulberry. Masonic graveside services were held at 1 pm Tuesday at Lamb Cemetery in Waldron. He is survived by his wife, Greta Sherrill Allen; a daughter, Sherrilleta Foster and husband Seth of Fort Smith; a son, Sean Allen and wife Marsha of Van Buren; two brothers, Dan Allen of Harvey and Kennith Allen of Holbrook, Arizona; and three grandchildren, Cole and Caly Allen and Sydney Foster. Pallbearers were Fred Moon, Johnny Crocket, John Moody, Jeff and David Marvin and Ray Jackson. Honorary pallbearers were David Moody, Mark Newmnan, John Noggle, Jimmy Moore, Larry Goodnoh and William Toby. ======================================================== Scott County Times 22 January 2003 MARY ANN BROUSSARD Waldron--A memorial service for Mary Ann Broussard, 45, of Waldron was held Thursday, January 16, 2003 at Martin Funeral Home Chapel under the direction of Martin Funeral Home of Waldron. Mrs. Broussard died Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at a Fort Smith hospital. She was an employee of Tyson Foods. Survivors include her husband, Gary; a daughter, Misty Roseberry of Waldron; a step-daughter, Bonnie Broussard of Waldron; a step-son, Bobby Broussard of Waldron; seven sisters, Louise Nelson, Regine Newman and Shirley Gwin all of Waldron, Sandy Latham of Madison- ville, Kentucky, June Woodard and Brenda Hayes both of Fort Smith and Betty Campbell of Greenwood; a grandson, Benjamin Roseberry of Waldron; and several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncle. ======================================================== Scott County Times 22 January 2003 THONGLIENE MINGBOUPHA Waldron--Mrs. Thongliene Mingboupha of Waldron was born September 6, 1937 in Vientiane, Laos. She passed away peacefully on January 13, 2003 surrounded by her family and friends. She is survived by her mother, Mrs. Tou Xayavongas; husband, Bounthan; sons, Luckier, Ramsey and Souvanny all of Fort Smith, Pon of Dallas and Saysamone of Tucson. Other survivors include eight grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and a host of siblings and relatives to the Xayavongsa families. She was a beloved and dedicated daughter, wife and mother, grandmother and matriarch of the Xayavongsa family. She will be greatly missed but treasured in all of our hearts. Visitation was held at Martin Funeral Home in Waldron on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Funeral service was held Saturday, January 18, 2003 at 2 pm at the Lewis Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Smith. ======================================================== Scott County Times 22 January 2003 JAMES BAILEY Texas--James Michael Bailey, 53, of Lewisville, Texas died January 13, 2003 in a Lewisville hospital. He was an INS agent and a member of the Catholic Church. Funeral services were held at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 18, 2003 at St. Jude Catholic Church with burial at Pilot Prairie Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas under the direction of Martin Funeral Home of Waldron, Arkansas. He is survived by his wife, Belynda Bailey of the home; mother Mary Bailey of Independence, Missouri; two brothers, Jerry Bailey of Independence, Missouri and William Bailey of Buckner, Missouri; one granddaughter, Andrea Bailey of the home; three nephews, Justin and Jarred Bailey of Independence, Missouri, and Jimmy Bailey of Buckner, Missouri. Pallbearers were INS agents. ======================================================== Scott County Times 22 January 2003 RILLA BESHEARS Rilla Beshears, 95, of Waldron, Arkansas died Saturday, January 18, 2003 in a Ft. Smith hospital. She was a homemaker and a member of the Bates Pentecostal Church of God. Funeral services were held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at the Bates Pentecostal Church of God with burial at Pilot Prairie Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas under the direction of Martin Funeral Home of Waldron, Arkansas. She is survived by four daughters, Manda Jane Collins of Rock Island, Washington, Fern McDaniel of Hon, Arkansas, Jo Beshears and Retha Page of Bates, Arkansas; two sons, Glen of Bates, Arkansas and O.B. of Hon, Arkansas; one sister, Hetta Mae Wilson of Paris, Arkansas; 21 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great grandchildren. ======================================================== Scott County Times 22 January 2003 CLARENCE DOUGLAS BENGE Clarence Douglas Benge, 60, of Parks, Arkansas died January 18, 2003. He was born July 7, 1942 at Booneville, the son of Clarence Ray and Cornelia Christine Langham Benge. He was a computer programmer analyst for L.T.V. Vought Corp. in Grand Prairie, Texas. He was a licensed minister for over 35 years and a member of the Parks Southern Baptist Church. He was a member of the Radio Club. Survivors include his wife, Betty Benge of the home to whom he married December 1, 1963; two sons, Clarence "C.J." Benge Jr. and wife Sherry of Arlington, Texas, and Phillip Benge of Arlington, Texas; his mother, Christine Miller of Fort Smith; four brothers, Otis Goff and wife Roberta of Dardanelle, David Benge and wife Carol of Booneville, Sanford Goff and wife Linda of San Diego, California and Dalen Goff and wife Rochelle of Lowell; two sisters, June Goff and Darlene Jackson and Jeff all of Ft. Smith; and three grandchildren. Services will be held at 2 pm Wednesday, January 22 at Parks Southern Baptist Church with the Rev. Pat Ray Frost officiating. Burial is pending. Pallbearers will be Don Ellis, Ray Lees, Harvey Combs and Dalen Goff. ====================================================== The Waldron News 22 January 2003 LESTER H. GRAHAM Lester H. Graham, age 85, of Arizona City, Arizona, formerly of Waldron died Monday, January 13, 2003 in an Arizona hospital. He was a licensed pilot, owner of a RV and used car lot, truck driver, and served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was also a Mason. He is survived by his wife, Vera of the home; two sons, Ronnie of Iowa and Jerry Dan of Dyer, Arkansas; one daughter, Janell Lamb of Hemit, CA; two sisters, Evelyn Horne of Ft. Smith, AR and Bevie Moore of Van Buren, AR; one brother, Odean Graham of Waldron, AR; and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. ======================================================= Scott County Times 5 February 2003 BILL DENTON Bill Lee Denton, 76, of Waldron, Arkansas died Wednesday, January 29, 2003 in a Ft. Smith hospital. He was a disabled Army veteran of the Korean War and a Baptist. Funeral services were held at 2:00 pm Saturday, February 1, 2003 at Martin Funeral Home Chapel with burial at Duncan Cemetery under the direction of Martin Funeral Home of Waldron. He is survived by his wife Helen; one son, Rickey Denton of Lonoke, Arkansas; one sister, Emma Perez of Clear Lake, California; one brother, George Denton of Macon, Missouri; two grandchildren, Cody and Ashley Denton of Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. Pallbearers were Clinton Graham, Carlton Graham, Robert Blackmon, Dewayne Blackmon, Eddie Swisher and Wayne Henry. ======================================================= Scott County Times 5 February 2003 GEORGIA HUNT Georgia Mae Hunt, 103, of Waldron died Thursday, January 30, 2003 in a Waldron nursing home. She was a homemaker and a Baptist. She was preceded in death by one son, Arthur Hunt. Funeral services were held at 2 pm Monday, February 3, 2003 at the Martin Funeral Home Chapel with burial following at Duncan Cemetery. She is survived by three daughters, Opal Hunt of Fort Smith, Beatrice Hanna of Lakeside, Oregon and Flindy Cockburn of Springfield, Oregon; 4 sons, Clarence Hunt, Charles Hunt, Reed O. Hunt all of Waldron and Earl Hunt of Sufolk, Virginia; one sister, Beulah Crump of Waldron; 35 grandchildren and several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Pallbearers were Al Hunt, Eddie Hunt, Billy C. Hunt, Sid Hunt, Kelley Hunt, Roger Hunt and George Owens. Honorary pallbearers were Tony Reed, Robert Hunt, Jamie Hunt, James Cox, Otto Hunt, Gordon Hanna, Joey Hanna, Charles Cockburn, Tommy Cockburn and Jerry Hunt. ======================================================= Scott County Times 5 February 2003 JOE DELL LYNCH A memorial service for Joe Dell Lynch, 47, of Fort Smith, Ark., formerly of Waldron, Ark. will be held Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church in Bates, Ark. Joe was born in Siloam Springs, Ark. on July 31, 1955 to William Ray and Marie Lynch and departed this life for a far better one on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003 at Sparks Hospital in Fort Smith. Joe was a disabled retiree from Tyson Foods, and was of the Baptist faith. Joe was preceded in death by his dad and an older brother, Kenneth Ray Lynch, an older sister, Betty Jeanne Lynch Stafford, and a special nephew, Spencer Keith Lynch. Left to survive his passing is his mother, Marie Lynch of Heavener, Okla; 2 brothers & sisters-in-law, Glen & Pat Lynch of Wister, Okla. and James and Jeannie Lynch of Poteau, Okla; 2 sisters and brothers-in-law, Lynda & Paul Hamlin of Howe, Okla. and Ann & Gary Pottridge of Bates, Ark; 14 nieces and nephews, Bruce, Lecretia, Troy, Travis, Karla, Penny, Charla, Jodi, Jamie, Patrick, Sheri, Kyla, Aimee & Jason. Several great nieces & nephews and 1 great great nephew. Also special friends, Terry & Schree Bryant. Memorial contributions may be made to The American Diabetic Association. ======================================================= Scott County Times 5 February 2003 WILLIAM KADOW William Kadow, 78, of Inola, Oklahoma died Wednesday, January 29, 2003 in a Tulsa hospital. He was a university professor and a veteran. Graveside service was at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2003 at Huntington City Cemetery with burial under the direction of Martin Funeral Home of Mansfield. He is survived by one sister, Emma Kadow of Inola, Oklahoma. ========================================================= Scott County Times 12 February 2003 HOYT LEE STORTS Waldron--Hoyt Lee Storts, 75, of Waldron passed away on Sunday February 2, 2003 in a Waldron hospital. He was a retired janitor. Funeral services were held at 10:00 am Wednesday, February 5, 2003 at Martin Funeral Home Chapel with burial at Duncan Cemetery, under the direction of Martin Funeral Home of Waldron. He is survived by his wife Iva; three daughters, Ola Shaddon of Waldron, Arkansas; Leona Storts of Fort Smith, Arkansas; Ladonna Storts of Danville, Arkansas; one son, Lee Storts of Fort Smith, Arkansas; two brothers, J.W. Storts of College Grove, Oregon; James Storts of Eugene, Oregon; and three grandchildren. ========================================================= Scott County Times 12 February 2003 RALPH BARNETT Ralph Barnett, 76, of Waldron, Arkansas died Wednesday, February 5, 2003 in a Ft. Smith hospital. He was retired from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission after thirty three years of service. A veteran of WWII and a member of the Fellowship Church of God. He was preceded in death by a sister, Atha Mae Starr. Funeral services were held at 2:00 pm on Friday, February 7, 2003 at Martin Funeral Home Chapel with burial at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery near Waldron under the direction of Martin Funeral Home of Waldron. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; two sons, Randall Barnett of Waldron and Rudy Barnett of Hope, AR; one sister, Clara House of Waldron; two brothers, Arthur Barnett and Junior Barnett of Waldron; four grandchildren, Roderick Barnett, Rebekah Barnett Griffith, Ryan Barnett, and Rustin Barnett; one great grandchild, Abbigail Barnett. Pallbearers were Mike House, Matt Griffith, Roderick Barnett, Ryan Barnett, Rustin Barnett, and Dr. R. Mark Bailey. ========================================================= Scott County Times 12 February 2003 BONNIE SCOTT Bonnie Evelyn Scott, 81, of Waldron died Friday, February 7, 2003 in a Waldron hospital. She was a member of the Boles Freewill Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Scott; one daughter, Thelma Johnston; one granddaughter; one grandson, and one great granddaughter. Funeral services were at 10 am Monday, February 10, 2003 at the Martin Funeral Home Chapel with burial following at Buffalo Cemetery in Boles, Arkansas under the direction of Martin Funeral Home. She is survived by 5 daughters, Edna Piles of Parks, Arkansas; Aldena Tinder of Waldron; Geneva Piper of Mena, Arkansas; Linda Hill of Nashville, Arkansas and Teresa Rodebush of Austin, Texas; one son, Aaron Scott of Boles, Arkansas; two sisters, Juanita Sutton of Medford, Oregon and Mary Cox of Mena, Arkansas; 4 brothers, Dale, Junior, J.V. and Darrell Wilhite all of Mena, Arkansas; 15 grand- children; 25 great grandchildren. Pallbearers were her grandsons. ========================================================= Scott County Times 12 February 2003 MIDGE HELMS Annie Midge Helms, 79, of Hon, Arkansas died Sunday, February 8, 2003 in a Ft. Smith hospital. She was a homemaker and member of Hon Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Helms and a daughter, Wanda Deboer. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, February 12, 2003 at the Hon Baptist Church with burial at Lower Center Point Cemetery in Hon under the direction of Martin Funeral Home. She is survived by two daughters, Georgia Coatney and Wilma Sanderfer both of Greenwood; two sons, J.C. Helms and J.T. Helms both of Hon; two sisters, Jewel Looper of Fort Smith and Ruby Harris of Waldron; 13 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Pallbearers will be her grandsons. Honoray pallbearers will be grandchildren. ========================================================= Scott County Times 12 February 2003 ALPHA SMITH Alpha June Smith, 63, of Joplin, Missouri died Sunday, February 9, 2003 in her home. She was the widow of J.L. Smith and preceded in death by a sister, Gail Beran. Funeral services will be at 2 pm Wednesday, February 12, 2003 at the Waldron Pentecostal Church of God with burial at Freedom Cemetery in Waldron under the direction of Martin Funeral Home. She is survived by three daughters, Cindy Christians of Joplin, Missouri, Cathy Barnett of Bentonville, Arkansas and Christy Smith of Rogers, Arkansas; one son, Andrew Smith of Bentonville, Arkansas; one brother, John Raymond Shumaker of Huntington, Arkansas; 6 grandchildren, Emmad Freihat, Jonah Christians, Amber Smith, Zachary Smith, Dakota Smith and Trinity Smith. Pallbearers will be Ray Christians, Monty Frazier, Tommy Shumaker, Rodney Shumaker, Eddie Shumaker and Scott Shumaker. Honorary pallbearers will be Zachary Smith, Dakota Smith, Jonah Christians and Emmad Freihat. ========================================================= Scott County Times 12 February 2003 WILNA LEWIS Wilna Lewis, 94, of Greenwood, Arkansas died Sunday, February 9, 2003 in a Greenwood nursing home. She was a retired retail clerk. Graveside services were held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 at Pleasant Grove Cemetery with burial at Pleasant Grove Cemetery near Abbott, Arkansas under the direction of Martin Funeral Home of Mansfield, Arkansas. She is survived by one sister, Lorrayne Jones of Harker, Texas; one nephew, Charles Dan Varner of Huntington, Arkansas; four nieces, Becky Handy of Harker, Texas, Norma Loyd of Oregon, Dottie Maxwell and Joyce Woodhull of California and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were great nephews. ========================================================= The Waldron News 12 February 2003 MICHAEL ROSS DOWNIE Michael Ross Downie, a long time resident of the Bates, Arkansas community, passed away on December 11, 2002 in San Antonio, Texas after a brief battle with cancer. He was born July 29, 1945 to Lt. Wilbur Ross and Willie Mae Downie at Las Vegas, Nevada. After moving to San Antonio, Mike gave up his work in heavy equipment to pursue a long standing interest in gems and jewelry. He spent the last two years of his life designing and creating custom made jewelry. At the time of his death he was employed as chief jeweler and appraiser for the twelve Money Mart Pawn and Jewelry stores in the San Antonio area. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Nettye M. Casey and his father, W. Ross Downie, Lt. Col. USAF. Survivors includ his wife, Darlene; sons Michael A. Downie, Henry W. Taylor and wife Cheryl; brothers, David R. Downie, Patrick A. Downie and wife Lori; mother Willie Mae "Billie" Downie and three grandchildren. ========================================================= The Waldron News 12 February 2003 COLLEEN HERRIN Former Welch, Oklahoma resident Colleen Herrin, 73, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2003 at Eastwood Manor in Commerce, after a long illness. Mrs. Herrin was born on July 29, 1929 in Gravelly, Ark., to Samuel J. and Emma Mae Thornton Jones. She grew up and attended school in Nola. In 1945 she became the wife of Benjamin Herrin. Their union lasted until Mr. Herrin passed away in September 1999. Mrs. Herrin devoted her life to her husband, children, and home. She was a wonderful friend and neighbor. Throughout her life she enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening. In later years she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She was of the Baptist faith. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, five brothers and one sister. Survivors include two sons, Tom Herrin and wife, Vickie of Bluejacket, and Troy Herrin of Clarkson, Idaho; two brothers, Bill and Wendell Jones, both of Waldron, Ark; two sisters, Willene Hutchens of Waldron, Ark., and Roberta Ormsby of Moses Lake, Wash; two granddaughters, Melissa Stogsdill of Commerce and Cheryl Hurt of Beecher, Minn; and six great grandchildren. Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, in the Thomas Chapel in Welch. Serving as pallbearers were Clarence Fair, Denny McCord, Jim Thomas, Joe Mayfield, David Packer and Lonnie Stogsdill. Interment was in the Rogers Cemetery, west of Welch. The services were under the direction of the Thomas Funeral Home of Welch. ======================================================= The Waldron News 19 February 2003 BENJAMIN F. KILLION, JR. Benjamin F. Killion, Jr., 67, of Fayetteville, died Monday, February 10, 2003 at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville. He was born November 26, 1935 in Waldron, Arkansas, the son of Benjamin F. Killion, Sr. and May Hicks Killion. He was retired from the University of Arkansas as a System Computer Programmer III after 40+ years of service. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Mildred Karnes Killion; a daughter, Lucrecia Ann Byford and her husband, Quincey Byford of Springdale; a brother, Roy Killion of Green Forest, AR; a sister, Esther Wagner of Waldron, AR and several nieces and nephews. Service was at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13 at Moore's Chapel in Fayetteville. Burial was at Karnes Cemetery in West Fork. Memorials may be made to Karnes Cemetery Association, 14925 Woolsey Rd., West Fork, AR 72774. ======================================================= The Waldron News 19 February 2003 HAROLD TUCKER Bossier City, LA--CMSgt. Sam W. Tucker (USAF, ret.) passed away at Willis Knighton Medical Center Tuesday, February 11, 2003 after a brief illness and was buried with military honors at the Old Sarepta Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Sarepta, LA on Thursday. He graduated from Waldron High School in 1941 and entered the Army Air Corps. During WWII, he served in England, Italy, North Africa and Burma, India. As a Crew Chief on the C-47 aircraft, he was awarded the Air Medal for his contributions during the resupply of Allied troops by air from India over the Himalyana Mountains to China, often called "Flying the Hump." He retired from the Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant with 23 years of service. He retired from LSU- Shreveport n 1981. He loved Bluegrass Music and returned to many of the Turkey Track music festivals. His mother was Gertrude Brigance Tucker and he enjoyed participating in the Brigance reunions held in Waldron. He was always thankful for Jack Brigance and the help he gave to his family when Sam was a barefoot boy growing up in Arkansas. As a Christian, his motto was, "Be kind to somebody today." He loved his family and is survived by his wife of 56 years, Alice Crabtree Tucker; daughter Carolyn Grimsley of New Providence, NJ; son Harold Tucker of Shreveport, LA; and four grandchildren, Cassandra Grimsley of NY, NY, Craig Grimsley of Bossier City, LA, Sarah Tucker and Grace Tucker both of Shreveport, LA; three sisters, Mildred Hunter, Dollie Barton of Oceanside, CA, and Neta Rhine of Sylmar, CA; and his brother, Lester Tucker of McAllen, TX. ========================================================== The Waldron News 26 February 2003 VELMA L. CORDELL Velma Cordell, 84, of Beebe, Arkansas passed away at Central Arkansas Hospital in Searcy on Sunday, February 23, 2003. She was born March 8, 1919 at Abilene, Kansas and was the daughter of Jess and Nellie Parsons. Preceding her in death were her parents, one brother and one sister. She still has one living brother, Leo Parsons of Sun City, Arizona and one sister, Alyce Dickerson of Liberal, Kansas. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, the Reverend Britt Cordell, who was pastor of the Waldron United Methodist Church from 1964 to 1968. They were married April 11, 1936 and to this union was born two sons, Dr. Lon Cordell and Francis Cordell, who preceded her in death. There remain two daughters, Carolyn Juhnke and her husband, Don, of Springdale, Arkansas, and Sharon Albert and her husband, Clifford, of Beebe. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. She was a faithful minister's wife for 64 years, willing to go where ever he was sent and worked diligently for the Lord. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the Methodist Church in Antioch, Arkansas. Memorials can be made to Catch Division, Heifer Project, 1015 Louisiana, Little Rock, AR 72202 or Arkansas United Miethodist Children's Home, c/o Waldron United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 279, Waldron, Ark. 72958. ========================================================== The Waldron News 26 February 2003 OMA LEE DRAPER MANES Oma Lee (Draper) Manes, 73, of Monticello, went to be with our Lord February 14, 2003 at Little Rock. She was born December 23, 1929 in Oklahoma, a daughter of the late Oliver Sidney Draper and Laura Mandy Sherrill Draper. She was a homemaker and a member of the Oak Assembly of God Church at Monticello. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jackie Manes, a brother, Dwaine Draper, two sisters, Wilma Roberinson and Bea Bunting, two nephews, Robert Deer and Bruce Deer, and one niece, Darla Draper. Survivors include one son, Stevie Manes of Collins; three daughters, Lolly Blackwell of Cove, Kathy Johnson of Star City, and Melissa Kamza of Las Vegas; one brother, Norman Draper of Pine Bluff; four sisters, Mildred Deer of Dierks, Mary Hurst, Lorene Crook and Jeanie Fish, all of Dumas; 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Monday, February 17, at 2:00 p.m. at the Dumas First Assembly of God Church with Rev. Terry Newman officiating. Burial was at Walnut Lake Cemetery by Griffin Funeral Home of Dumas. Her nephews served as pallbearers. Memorial may be made to the charity of donor's choice. ========================================================== The Waldron News 26 February 2003 BILLIE JO PRESSON Billie Jo Presson, 65, of Mansfield, Arkansas died Tuesday, February 18, 2003 in her home. She was a retired cattle rancher. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Presson. Memorial service was at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 22, 2003 at McConnell Funeral Home Chapel in Greenwood, AR under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. She is survived by her children, Joyce Weaver and her husband Lynn of Booneville, AR and Bud Brannam and his wife Carolyn of Huntington, AR; four grandchildren, Misty Quick and Mike Weaver, both of Booneville, AR and Tara and Amy Brannam, both of Huntington, AR; three brothers-in-law, Robert Presson and his wife Carol of Greenwood, AR, Jerry Presson and his wife Beverly of Huntington, AR and Larry Presson and his wife Sandy of Fort Smith, AR; one sister- in-law, Judy Presson of Huntington, AR and several nieces, nephews and a host of friends. =========================================================