Biographical And Historical Memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland And Hot Spring Counties, Arkansas
Colonel Dale Denman
Colonel Dale Denman, age 82, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, U.S. Army (Retired), passed away at his home on Friday, September 3, 2004. Born in Prescott, Arkansas, on February 28, 1922, he was the son of the late Dale Denman, Sr. and Alvearne Gee Denman. Col. Denman was a retired general manager for Dyna Sciences, a research and development company, in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. His decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Combat Infantry Badge. Col. Denman was a member of the V.F.W. and the First Presbyterian Church of Heber Springs. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne (Simpson) Denman of Heber Springs, AR, two daughters, Alexandra Stein of Los Angeles, California, and Dale Denman Graham III, of Downington, Pennsylvania, one brother, Robert Denman of Bryant, AR, and four grandchildren, Matthew Graham, Amanda Graham, Gregory Graham, and Thomas Stein. Col. Denman is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
A memorial service will be held Friday, September 10, at 2:00 P.M. in the First Presbyterian Church. Interment will be in the Arlington National cemetery at Washington, D.C. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Jesse Boyce Gaines, Jr.
Jesse Boyce Gaines, Jr., age 74, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away at his home on Monday, September 13, 2004. Born in Heber Springs on September 22, 1929, he was the son of the late Jesse B. Gaines, Sr. and Myrtle (Baker) Gaines. Mr. Gaines was a former resident of El Cajon, California, and had lived in Heber Springs since 1978. He was a highway construction supervisor and enjoyed fishing and hunting. Mr. Gaines was a veteran of the United States Navy, and he was a member of the American Legion. He was a member of St. Albert’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Gaines is survived by his wife, Juanita (Karmazin) Gaines of Heber Springs, AR, one daughter, Michelle Gaines of Costa Mesa, CA, two stepsons, Montel Fanning and Frank St. John, both of El Cajon, CA, one stepdaughter, Rhonda McKee of El Cajon, CA, four step grandchildren his cousin, Nellie Harris, and his nieces and nephews. Mr. Gaines is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
A vigil will be held Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 7:00 P.M. in the Olmstead Chapel. Funeral mass will be held Thursday, Sept. 16, at 9:00 A.M. in St. Albert’s Catholic Church with Fr. Vincent Udo Ogbuji officiating. Interment will be in St. Albert’s Columbarium. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Rev. William Harrison Davis
Rev. William Harrison Davis, age 91, of Judsonia, Arkansas, passed away Friday, September 10, 2004, at White County Medical Center in Searcy, Arkansas. Born in Bee Branch, Arkansas, on August 16, 1913, he was the son of the late Joe and Nettie (Gibons) Davis. Rev. Davis had served as a pastor for over sixty years. His religious belief was Baptist. He had been a resident of Oakdale Nursing Home and was a former resident of Bradford, Arkansas. Rev. Davis was preceded in death by his first wife, Velma Woods Davis; his wife, Velva Cross Davis; and one stepson, Ray Cross, Jr. of Little Rock, AR. Survivors include one son, Alton Davis of Evansville, Indiana, two stepsons, Duane Cross of Bald Knob, AR, and Larry Cross of Little Rock, AR, and nine grandchildren. Rev. Davis is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will be held Saturday, Sept. 11, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at the Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Sunday, Sept. 12, at 2:00 P.M. in the Olmstead Chapel with Rev. Billy Henderson officiating. Interment will follow in the Colony cemetery. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Clara Joyce Simmons
Clara Joyce Simmons, age 72, of Rose Bud, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, September 7, 2004, at Central Arkansas Hospital in Searcy, Arkansas. Born in Big Spring, Texas, on December 24, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Henry Cullen Thames and Willie Edith (Pettus) Thames. Mrs. Simmons and her husband and children moved to Rose Bud in January of 1964. She was a mother and homemaker, and her religious belief was Southern Baptist. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Henry Alton Thames. Survivors include her husband, Charles Simmons of Rose Bud, AR, two daughters and sons-in-law, Bonnie and Jerry Goodwin of Bald Knob, AR, and Belinda and Perry Rice of Rose Bud, AR, two sons and daughters-in-law, Bill and Kay Simmons of Nashville, Tennessee, and Brad and Dianna Simmons of Rose Bud, AR, thirteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Mrs. Simmons is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 10, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Sept. 11, at 10:00 A.M. in the Olmstead Chapel with Bro. Jerry Goodwin officiating. Interment will follow in the Rose Bud cemetery. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Mrs. Marion Ann Hess
Mrs. Marion Ann Hess, age 72, of Quitman, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, August 31, 2004, at Southridge Village Nursing Center in Heber Springs, Arkansas. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 26, 1932, she was the daughter of the late William and Della (Price) Purcell. Mrs. Hess was a former resident of Illinois, and she had lived in Cleburne County since 1968. She was a homemaker and enjoyed flea markets. Her religious belief was Catholic. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas M. Hess. Survivors include her daughter, Karen Holmes of Quitman, Arkansas, and five grandchildren. Mrs. Hess is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Mrs. Nona Jo Treat
Mrs. Nona Jo Treat, age 70, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, September 1, 2004, at Baptist Health Medical Center in Heber Springs. Born in Durango, Colorado, on March 16, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Norman O. and Winona (Butler) Williams. Her family moved to Anchorage, Alaska, in 1945 when she was 11 years old. Mrs. Treat was a graduate of West Anchorage High School. She was married
to Ewell James Treat in 1951 in Anchorage and two of her daughters were born there. Mrs. Treat and her family lived in Anchorage through 1977 when she moved to Heber Springs, Arkansas. She was a retired bookkeeper, and her religious belief was Baptist. Mrs. Treat was preceded in death by her husband, Ewell James Treat; three children, Norman Treat, Virginia Treat, and Jimmy Treat; two brothers, Michael Williams and Oren Williams; and her parents. Mrs. Treat is survived by one son, Ewell James Treat, III of Springdale, AR, three daughters, Tambre Guido of Tucson, Arizona, and Cheryl Williams and Mickey Hipp, both of Heber Springs, AR, one sister, Joyce Parisena of Hot Springs, AR, fourteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Mrs. Treat is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 3, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Sept. 4, at 2:00 P.M. in the Cleburne County Baptist Church with Dr. Rick Hershberger and Dennis Treat officiating. Interment will follow in Shiloh Cross Roads cemetery. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Betty Jean Wyatt
Betty Jean Wyatt of Heber Springs went to be with our Lord on Sept. 2, 2004 due to complications from a fall in July. Born in Kennett, Missouri, on September 10, 1924, Betty was the daughter of the late Perry Wesley and Jean (Smith) Porter. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Gilbert Wyatt. They were originally from Kennett, Missouri. Betty was a resident of Heber Springs for thirty years, and she was a charter member of the Serendipity Extension Club of Heber Springs and a member of the Heber Springs Animal Shelter and Meals on Wheels. Her religious belief was Methodist. 'Ms. Betty' was widely known for her Jalapeno jelly and Christmas baskets, which she helped with annually for community members. There was a special place in her heart for all animals, and she was often accompanied on outings by her canine partner of 16 years, Inky. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, excellent gardener and cook. Betty was an independent and outspoken free spirit and she will be dearly missed. She is survived by her two daughters, Marvina Collins and Priscilla Stone (Robert), four grandchildren, Justin Collins, Delta Collins, Sara Stone-Carlin (Montgomery), and Michael Stone, all of Heber Springs, and great grandchildren, Nicole Collins of Houston, Texas, and Ariella and Danny Carlin of New York City. She is also survived by her dear friend, Erma Head.
A gathering of friends and family to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 4, at 10:00 a.m. at Olmstead Chapel with Rev. Ashli Sutton presiding. Burial will follow at Pearson cemetery near Quitman. Pallbearers will be Larry McDonald, Dudley Lemon, Jerry Brown, George Riddle, Lane Riddle, Kenneth Kendrick, and John Wright. The family wishes to express their appreciation to Dr. Holston and Jennifer for all their years of caring and to Dr. Akin and Dr. Beck and the wonderful staff at St. Vincent Hospital. Please, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Animal Shelter in Heber Springs. 'Always thoughtful, willing and kind, what wonderful memories Betty leaves behind.'
June Lillian Abbott
June Lillian Abbott the daughter of Albert and Florence Curtis Weisfuss was born in Midlothian, Illinois on July 23, 1923 and passed away in Little Rock, Arkansas on September 4, 2004 at the age of 81 years. Mrs. Abbott was a very devoted wife and mother, and a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas. She was a member of the Alter Society of the church and the Card Club of Greers Ferry. She enjoyed quilting, sewing and her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son William, a brother Albert and two sisters Margaret and Florence. She is survived by her husband of 61 years Charles William Abbott Sr., three sons Richard of Alexander, Arkansas and Ronald of Tinley Park, Illinois and Charles Jr. of Flower Mound, Texas. A daughter Mary Therese of Joliet, Illinois and a daughter-in-law Anita Abbott of Orland Park, Illinois. A half brother Chuck Sampson of Willow Springs, Illinois and a half sister Barbara Gervasi of Baldwin Park, California. Mrs. Abbott is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren besides other relatives and many friends.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, September 7, at 11 :00 A.M. in St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas. Arrangements by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. of Heber Springs.
Mrs. Alma Elizabeth Berry
Mrs. Alma Elizabeth Berry, age 91, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Friday, October 29, 2004, at the Bryant Regional Nursing Home in Bryant, Arkansas. Born in Hazen, Arkansas, on May 28, 1913, she was the daughter of the late Dave and Genevra (Thompson) Tempelton. Mrs. Berry was a homemaker and had been a resident of Heber Springs for forty-five years. She was active in the Senior Citizens Center, and her religious belief was Baptist. Her husband, Burl Berry, preceded her in death in September of 1981. Mrs. Berry was also preceded in death by one son, Troy Ben Berry, and an infant great-grandson. Mrs. Berry is survived by one son, Brooks Berry and his wife, Pattie, of Alexander, AR, seven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and several great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Berry is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held Sunday, October 31, 2004 from 4:00-6:00 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. in Heber Springs. Graveside services will be held Monday, Nov. 1, 2004 at 2:00 P.M. in the Hazen cemetery. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Mrs. Bonnie Lucille Stark
Mrs. Bonnie Lucille Stark, age 89, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, October 27, 2004, at Southridge Village Nursing Center. Born in Cleburne County, Arkansas, on July 15, 1915, she was the daughter of the late William T. and Sally (Bettis) DeBusk. Mrs. Stark was a homemaker and a lifetime resident of Cleburne County. She always had a big garden and loved cooking for the young people at the church. Mrs. Stark loved working in her flower garden, and she worked for her daughter when she owned a local florist. She was a member of Palestine Baptist Church. Her husband, Charlie Stark, preceded her in death in 1959. Mrs. Stark was also preceded in death by one son, Charles Willard Stark; her parents; and two brothers, Floyd DeBusk and Viston DeBusk. She is survived by one daughter, Lou Eva Hazelwood of Heber Springs, four granddaughters, Sherry Wrinn and Donna Hazelwood, both of Oakland City, Indiana, Kaye Newsom of Tampa, Florida, and Tena Rezanka of Heber Springs, and two great grandchildren, Logan Newsom and Erin Rezanka. Mrs. Stark is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, Oct. 29, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 30, at 10:30 A.M. in the Olmstead Chapel. Interment will follow in the Pearson cemetery. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Robert Franklin 'Pappy' Higgs
Robert Franklin 'Pappy' Higgs, age 58, of Pangburn, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, October 21, 2004, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. Born July 10, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri, he was the son of the late Theodore and Marie (Sparks) Higgs. Mr. Higgs was a disabled veteran, having served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He had been a resident of Pangburn since 1985 and enjoyed fishing. Mr. Higgs was a member of the Optimist Club, DAV, and American Legion. His religious faith was Baptist. Mr. Higgs is survived by his wife of thirty-three years, Joyce (Rouse) Higgs of Pangburn, three sons, Chris Higgs and his wife, Tanya, Jeremy Higgs and his wife, Brooke, and T. J. Higgs and his wife, Sarah, all of Pangburn, one daughter, Tanya Higgs of Michigan, one brother, Jim Higgs of Wilburn, two sisters, Dolly Reynolds of Mayflower, and Sue Smith of Lonsdale, Missouri, five grandchildren, who were his pride and joy, Olivia Higgs, Caleb Higgs, Shelby Higgs, Paiton Higgs, and Tiana Higgs. Denise and Kyle Miller were especially loved by Pappy, and he is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will be held Saturday and Sunday from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. in Heber Springs. Funeral services will be held Monday, Oct. 25, at 10:00 A.M. in the Pangburn First Baptist Church with Rev. Alan Cook officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the Henderson cemetery. Pallbearers will be Rex Haidcastle, Ben Summers, James Vaughn, Alvin Chapman, Charles Rouse, and Bill Rouse. Honorary pallbearers will be Ed Goree and Phil Chapman. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Mr. Troy Alton Barnum
Mr. Troy Alton Barnum of Riverside, California, passed away Tuesday, October 19, 2004, in Riverside. Born in Higden, Arkansas, on April 4, 1916, Mr. Barnum was 88 years of age. He was a carpenter. Survivors include his wife, Onita Barnum of Riverside, California, one son, Joe Barnum of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, two daughters, Barbara Loureiro of Bullhead City, Arizona, and Diane Brammer of Riverside, California, two brothers, Felton Barnum and Lonus Barnum, both of Missouri, one sister, Thelma Barnum of Missouri, eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Mr. Barnum is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, Oct. 22, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 23, at 2:00 P.M. in the Higden-McLehaney Church. Interment will follow in the Higden-McLehaney cemetery. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Welthy Cranford Martin
Welthy Cranford Martin, age 83, of Drasco, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, October 20, 2004, at Rolling Hills Nursing Center in Batesville. Born in Drasco on January 26, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Eva Lackey.
A lifetime resident of Drasco, Mrs. Martin was a homemaker and a retired postmistress of the Wolf Bayou Post Office. Mrs. Martin was a member of the P.T.A. and Concord Methodist Church. She was an active leader in the local and county 4-H Club, and she was active with her daughters in school and church activities. Her first husband, Burnell S. Cranford, preceded her in death in June of 1986. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Claren O. Martin, in August of 2003, and by two sisters, Nollie Clark Pounds and Nadine Stone.
Survivors include three daughters, Louise Cartwright and her husband, Jimmy, of Locust Grove, Peggy Reed and her husband, Glen, of Bald Knob, and Nelda Casey and her husband, Charles, of Jasper, three stepdaughters, Glenda Winningham of Concord, and Donna Poynter and Rita Munsey, both of Little Rock, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Mrs. Martin is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. on Thursday, October 21, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held Friday, Oct. 22, at 10:00 A.M. in the Oak Grove Church with Rev. Tim Landers officiating. Interment will follow in the Oak Grove cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dale Reed, David Cartwright, Stuart Cartwright, Steve Harris, Casey Byrd, and Tim Reed. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Neva Pearl Wilson
Neva Pearl Wilson, age 89, of Tumbling Shoals, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, October 20, 2004, at Southridge Village Nursing Center in Heber Springs. Born in Parsons, Tennessee, on September 24, 1915, she was the daughter of the late Oscar and Tennie (Faulkner) Price. A former resident of Weiner, Arkansas, Mrs. Wilson had been a resident of Tumbling Shoals since 1967. She was a homemaker and a member of Chastain Chapel General Baptist Church and the Women’s Missionary Society. Mrs. Wilson enjoyed flowers and gardening, quilting with the ladies at church, and crocheting. She was a deacon’s wife and was preceded in death by her husband, Walter A. Wilson, in 1990. Mrs. Wilson was also preceded in death by her parents; one son, Walter Wilson, Jr.; and one daughter, Shirley Ann Wilson. Survivors include three daughters, Wilma Smith, Mavis Elrod, and Velma Sanderson and her husband, John, all of Tumbling Shoals, three grandsons, two step granddaughters, two great-grandsons, two great-granddaughters, one step great-grandson, and two step great-granddaughters. Mrs. Wilson is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Oct. 21, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Friday, Oct. 22, at 2:00 P.M. in the Chastain Chapel General Baptist Church with Rev. Terry Mote and Rev. Billy Henderson officiating. Interment will follow in the Chastain cemetery. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Mr. Glenn Leroy Stark
Mr. Glenn Leroy Stark, age 71, of Greers Ferry, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, October 17, 2004, at White County Medical Center in Searcy. Born September 7, 1933, at Miller, Arkansas, he was the son of the late Walter and Martha (Carr) Stark. Mr. Stark was a lifetime resident of Cleburne County. He was a lineman for First Electric Cooperative for seventeen years, and he was a veteran of the Korean War, having served in the United States Army. Mr. Stark’s religious belief was Baptist. He was preceded in death by two brothers, E. L. Stark and Lynn Stark. Mr. Stark is survived by his wife for forty-eight years, Ella Stark of Greers Ferry, four daughters, Reta Heigle and her husband, James, of Ida, Judy Edwards and her husband, Michael, of Greers Ferry, Janet Carlton and her husband, Steve, of Prim, and Teresa Winhover and her husband, Jim, of Convoy, Ohio, four sisters, Della Gentry and her husband, Joe, of Edgemont, Faye Davis and her husband, J. D., Jean Stark, and Barbara Murphree, and her husband, Cecil, all of Greers Ferry, five grandchildren, Stephanie Whillock and her husband, Scott, and Micah Edwards, all of Greers Ferry, Robin Wood and her husband, Jeremy, of Drasco, and Elaina and Monica Winhover of Convoy, Ohio, and one great-grandson, Marcus Wood of Drasco. Mr. Stark is also survived by other family members and friends.
Visitation will be held Monday, Oct. 18, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Oct. 19, at 2:00 P.M. in Shiloh Cross Roads Church with Rev. Dale Prater officiating. Interment will follow in Shiloh Cross Roads cemetery. Pallbearers will be Michael Wayne Johnson, Larry John Davis, Bobby Joe Gentry, Geoffery Stark, Johnny Pearce, and Greg Pearce. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Ara Louise Gibson
Ara Louise Gibson went home to be with the Lord and with her loved ones that have gone on before her on Wednesday, October 13, 2004. The youngest of 10 children, she was born in Booneville, Mississippi, on September 3, 1927, to Joe and Emma Elizabeth Voyles Cooper. Mrs. Gibson was 77 years old. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 45 years, Noel Arnold in 1989, her son Lindell Dee Arnold in 1984, and brothers Clay and Dee, and sisters Vera Lee, Hazel, Birdie Bea, Retha, Myrtle, and Ivy. Mrs. Gibson is survived by her loving husband of 13 years, Ancel W. Gibson, a sister Love Blaylock of Tipton, Indiana, her son Alvis Arnold and daughters Joyce Williams and Cathey Cox, all of Heber Springs, 4 granchildren: Tracy Hicks of Pangburn, Sherry McCoy of Benton, Kentucky, Jason Arnold of Heber Springs, and Lauren Cox of Heber Springs. She is also survived by 4 great-grandchildren: Kayla Hicks, Jaylen Arnold, and Madeline and Luke McCoy. Mrs. Gibson is also survived by step-daughter Debora Gibson, step-granddaughter Beth Carter, and step-great granddaughter Chloe Carter, all of Memphis, Tennessee. She is also survived by her many nieces and nephews
and other relatives and many friends. Except for her youth spent growing up in Mississippi and her early married
life in the Arkansas delta, Mrs. Gibson has lived most all of her life in Heber Springs. She was a longtime bookkeeper for Haywood Grocery Store in Heber Springs, and retired from Aeroquip Corporation in 1987 She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and a devout Christian and member of Pleasant Ridge Union Church in Ida. She loved flower gardening and traveling, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She was blessed with a loving family, and enjoyed her frequent trips
home to Mississippi.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 16, 2004, at Olmstead Chapel with burial to follow at South Crossroads cemetery in Hopewell, Odell Altom officiating. Family visitation will be held on Friday evening from 6-8pm, at Olmstead Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Steve Garey, Larry Cox, Gaylon Allender, Lloyd Sartain, Donnie Archer, and Johnny Jackson. Honorary pallbearers will be Dale Southerland, Jack Barber, and Jay Neighbors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pleasant Ridge Union Church Building Fund, 175 Old Highway 25, Tumbling Shoals, Arkansas, 72581.
Gary Eugene Martin, Jr.
Gary Eugene Martin, Jr., infant son of Gary Eugene Martin, Sr. and Holly Marie (Chappell) Martin of Rose Bud, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, October 10, 2004, at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock. Born October 3, at Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville, Gary was 8 days old. His family’s religious belief is Baptist. Gary is survived by his parents, Gary and Holly Martin, Sr. of Rose Bud, his grandparents, Sharon Hite and her husband, Steve, Tanya Eldridge, Melvin Eugene Martin, and Bobby Chappell, and his great grandparents, Utah and Bernice Bench and Albert and Virginia Phillips. Gary is also survived by other relatives and many friends.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 12, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 13, at 2:00 P.M., in the Olmstead Chapel with Rev. Kenneth Rolland, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in the Friendship cemetery. Utah Bench, Gary Martin, Sr., Bobby Chappell, Steve Hite, and Matthew Chappell will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Mrs. Mary M. Bell
Mrs. Mary M. Bell, age 70, of Cabot, Arkansas, passed away at her home on Thursday, October 7, 2004. She was born July 9, 1934, in Arkansas and was a lifetime resident of the state. Mrs. Bell was a homemaker and enjoyed raising children. She liked watching television and listening to the radio. Her religious belief was Pentecostal. Mrs. Bell was preceded in death by one son, Gary Ray Bell. She is survived by her husband, Ulys Bell of Cabot, one son, Ulys L. Bell, III of South Bend, two daughters, Elizabeth Irene Bell of Jacksonville and Sandra Kay Davidson of South Bend, one sister, Flora Johnson of Jacksonville her brother-in-law, James Bell of Beebe, her sister-in-law, Juanita Stocks of Beebe, eleven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Mrs. Bell is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Graveside services and interment will be held Saturday, Oct. 9, at 11:00 A.M. in the Higden-McLehaney cemetery. Pallbearers will be Franklin G. Stocks, Christopher L. Davidson, Joseph D. Stocks, William A. Billings, William Mason, and Jerry Abbott. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Lesbia M. Kennedy
Lesbia M. Kennedy of Quitman, Arkansas, the daughter of the late Pink Jackson and Nettie (Thompson) Jackson, was born March 2, 1912, in Quitman and passed away Tuesday, October 5, 2004, at the age of 92. Mrs. Kennedy was a member of the Palestine Baptist Church in Pearson, Arkansas, a homemaker and a life time resident of Cleburne County. She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-seven years, Fred B. Kennedy, who died on May 22, 1999, and her son, Frederick Kennedy. She was also preceded in death by four brothers, Tom Jackson, Orville Jackson, Hubert Jackson, and Rufus Jackson, and seven sisters, Ida Tucker, Alga Burns, Ara Parish, Clara Davis, Iva Ward, Ollie Jackson, and Ocie DeBusk. Mrs. Kennedy is survived by one son, Charles Pinky Kennedy and wife, Jill, from Heber Springs, and daughter-in-law, Carolyn Kennedy from Des Arc, Mrs. Kennedy was blessed with five grandchildren, Charles Tony Kennedy, Kelly Michelle Kennedy, Megan Jo Ann Kennedy, Kara Beth Wheeler, and Eric Ray Kennedy, and five great grandchildren, Paige McKenzie Kennedy, Caroline Grace Wheeler, Noah Luke Kennedy, Kirsten Eryn Kennedy, and Tera Ann Bittle. Mrs. Kennedy is also survived by other relatives and many friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, October 8, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 9, at 2:00 P.M. in the Palestine Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Ward officiating. Interment will follow in the Pearson cemetery. Deacons of Palestine Baptist Church will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
William Irwin Newby
William Irwin Newby, age 47, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, October 5, 2004, at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. Born on December 28, 1956, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Frank T. and Margaret E. (Farrell) Newby. William was a wholesale importer. He had been a resident of Heber Springs since 1984 and was a former resident of Pennsylvania. He enjoyed fishing, astronomy, and motorcycles. His religious belief was Presbyterian. William was preceded in death by his brother, Robert. Survivors include his wife, Angelika (Jeffcoat) Newby of Heber Springs, one son, Kyle Newby one brother, Frank Newby of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania, two sisters, Betty McGoldrick of Ambler, Pennsylvania, and Mary Lintz of Sacramento, California, and his nieces and nephews. William was loved by his family and friends. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Marvin Bradford
Marvin Bradford, 82, of Bee Branch, Arkansas, retired from highway construction, passed away at his home on Saturday, October 2, 2004. Born at Eglantine, Arkansas, on August 4, 1922, he was the son of the late Claude G. and Effie Bradford. Mr. Bradford was a United States Army World War II veteran and a Baptist by faith. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Arvil and Garner Bradford; and one sister, Leona Kersey. Survivors include his wife, Virgie (Knoble) Treat Bradford, one son, Jimmie Lee Bradford and his wife, Jan, of Penrose, Colorado, one daughter, Joyce Ann Thomas and her husband, John, of Perryton, Texas, one brother, Emmett Bradford and his wife, Carol, of Eglantine, AR, one sister, Bonnie Fitzwater and her husband, Keith, of Higden, AR, four stepsons, Homer Treat, Jr. and his wife, Lorraine, of Green Cove Springs, Florida, Gary Treat and his wife, Gracie, of Mt. Pleasant, Texas, Phillip Treat and his wife, Kathy, of Alexander, AR, and Stephen Treat and his wife, Teresa, of Thomasville, Georgia, three grandchildren, one great grandchild, twelve step grandchildren, and five step great grandchildren. Mr. Bradford is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation for family and friends will be Monday, Oct. 4, from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at Woodland Memorial Park Chapel on Hwy. 16 E. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Oct. 5, at 2:00 P.M. at the Sugar Loaf Baptist Church on Hwy. 337 with Bro. Danny Brown officiating. Interment will follow in the Eglantine cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jeremy Bradford, Jason Bradford, Kyle Bradford, Chris Bradford, Roger Bradford, and Brian Treat. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
William (Bill) Boyd, Jr.
William (Bill) Boyd, Jr., age 76, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Friday, October 1, 2004, at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock. Born in Rose Bud, Arkansas, on February 16, 1928, he was the son of the late William Boyd, Sr. and Norablossom (McKenzie) Boyd. Mr. Boyd was a backhoe operator in the construction business. His religious belief was nondenominational. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Fern Boyd, two brothers, a sister, and his parents. Mr. Boyd is survived by his wife, Norma Jean (Turner) Boyd of Heber Springs, AR, one son, Mike Boyd and his wife, Jana, two daughters, Doris Massey and her husband, Jack, and Peggy Harrison and her husband, Rick, all of Rose Bud, AR, two stepsons, Benjamin Mullens and his wife, Rita, and Rick Mullens, all of Rose Bud, AR, two stepdaughters, Shirley Waller and her husband, Lloyd, of Heber Springs, AR, and Sonja Smith and her husband, Perry, of Pangburn, AR, one sister, Myrtle Penrod of Greenbrier, AR, six grandchildren, four step grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Mr. Boyd is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will be held Monday, Oct. 4, from 6:00-9:00 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Oct. 5, at 10:00 A.M. in South Cross Roads Church with Rev. Kenneth Rolland, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in South Cross Roads cemetery. Pallbearers will be Joey Massey, Wes Harrison, James Boyd, Weldon Harris, Brian Waller, Buddy Murray, Benny Mullens, and Tom Mullens. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
James Forest Pike
James Forest Pike, age 85, of Quitman, Arkansas, passed away at his home on Wednesday, September 29, 2004. Born in Quitman on June 25, 1919, he was the son of the late James Robert and Addie (Martin) Pike. Mr. Pike was a dairy farmer and a veteran of the United States Army. He was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Pike was preceded in death by three brothers, Oscar Pike, Wesley Pike, and Atha Pike. He is survived by his wife, Rena Verl (Hodges) Pike, one son, Joe Pike and his wife, Dianne, two daughters, Alice Johnson and Patricia Treat and her husband, Bill, all of Quitman, one sister, Iris Webb of Searcy, AR, six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Mr. Pike is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Sept. 30, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Friday, Oct. 1, at 2:00 P.M. in the Center Point Church with Rev. Eldin Hodges officiating. Interment will follow in the Center Point cemetery. Pallbearers will be Roger Barger, Keith Farris, Eli Pike, Adam Treat, Justin Treat, and Jason Hensel. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Mrs. Lucy Francis Cates
Mrs. Lucy Francis Cates, age 86, of Shirley, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, November 28, 2004, at Ozark Health Nursing Center in Clinton, Arkansas. Born in North Dakota on July 4, 1918, she was the daughter of the late George W. Bliss and Effie Pierce Bliss. Mrs. Cates had been a resident of Shirley most of her life, and she was a homemaker and mother. She was a member of the Shirley Community Church. Her husband, Ben H. Cates, preceded her in death on June 21, 1989. Mrs. Cates was also preceded in death by one stepson, Harold Leonard Cates; one stepdaughter, Mary Faye Reese; four brothers; two sisters; and three grandchildren. She is survived by two sons, David Cates and Robert Blizzard, five daughters, Virginia Cates, Marcia Girdler, Lilly Harmon, Helen Blizzard Johnson, and Oleeta Goodnight McElroy, one brother, George Bliss, twenty-one grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.Mrs. Cates is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held Monday, Nov. 29, at the Woodland Memorial Park Chapel from 4:00-7:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Nov. 30, at 2:00 P.M. in the Shirley Community Church with Rev. Dean Mays and Rev. Bobby Ward officiating. Interment will follow in the Settlement cemetery. Pallbearers will be Stephen Harmon, Raymond Girdler, Rod Girdler, Raymond Cates, Robert Cates, Buck Cates, and Ulessey B. Haley. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Mrs. Odie Gean James
Mrs. Odie Gean James, age 67, of Drasco, Arkansas, passed away at her home on Saturday, November 27, 2004. Born in Independence County, Arkansas, on July 14, 1937, she was the daughter of the late James C. Nicholson and Myrtle Gay Nicholson. Mrs. James was a loving homemaker, wife, and mother. Her religious belief was Baptist. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Dale James, who died on October 16, 1993. Mrs. James is survived by two sons, Mark James and Michael James, both of Drasco, two daughters, Carla Harris of Michigan and Shelly Wilkes of Drasco, one stepbrother, Tommy Hart of Sacramento, California, two stepsisters, Peggy Johnson and Barbara Sample, both of Floral, eight grandchildren, Alexis Harris, D. J. Wilkes, Josh Wilkes, Jake Wilkes, Taylor James, Cassey James, DeLynn Davidson, and Britiny Hartwick, and one great-grandchild, Calab Davidson. Mrs. James is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
