Biographical And Historical Memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland And Hot Spring Counties, Arkansas
Geraldine Lee Lynch
Geraldine Lee Lynch, 78, of Bossier City, Louisiana, formerly of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, February 2, 2005, in Shreveport, Louisiana.
She was born June 2, 1926 in Indiahoma, Oklahoma to Grady G. Lee and Zula V. Barnett Lee. She was a retired receptionist for a Doctor's Office and a member of Cavanaugh United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband Oscar Gladstone Lynch. Jr.
Graveside service will be 10:00 A.M. Monday, February 7, 2005, at Fort Smith National cemetery with burial in Fort Smith National cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home, Fort Smith, Arkansas.
She is survived by two daughters Kay Adams of Florence, South Carolina and Meta Williamson of Haltom City, Texas, one sister Joyce Lee Bennett of Durant, Oklahoma, one brother Gail Lee of Chickasha, Oklahoma, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
J. T. Young
J.T. Young, 80, life long resident of Rudy died Thursday, February 3rd, 2005, in a local hospital. He was a retired self-employed truck driver and a Pentecost.
Funeral services will be 1 P.M. Saturday, Feb. 5th at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel with burial at Mount McCurry cemetery in Rudy.
He is survived by his wife, Isabelle of the home; three sons, Johnny Ray Young and Darrell Young of Alma, AR, and Terry Young of Fort Smith, AR; two sisters, Billie Smith of Alma, AR and Goldie Burkhart of Rudy, AR; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Ralph Jones, Bert and Basil Kenner, Edwin and Donnie Watson, and Bill Rogers.
The family will visit with friends from 6 to 8 P.M. Friday, Feb. 4th, 2005 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home.
Sue Parker
Sue Parker,72, of Fort Smith passed away Thursday, January 13, 2005 in a Fort Smith Hospital. She was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene. She volunteered with the Seventh Day Adventist School where the children called her Grandma Sue. She was preceded in death by her husband Eugene R. Parker in 1986.
Graveside service will be held 12:00 noon Tuesday, January 18, 2005 at the U.S. National cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
She is survived by her sons, Ray Parker and wife, Margie of Wichita, Kansas and Joe Parker and wife Brenda of Fort Smith, Arkansas. brothers: Housei Nako, Houei Nako all of Japan; four grandchildren, Michael Parker of Norman, Oklahoma, Kimberley Easton of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Austin Parker and Mark Parker of Fort Smith.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72903.
Lyle Rymer, II
Lyle W. Rymer, II, 24 of Roland, OK died January 28, 2005 while serving in Baghdad, Iraq. He was a SPC/E4 serving with the Guard's 239th Engineer Company based out of Booneville, AR. Born in Fort Smith, AR Rymer graduated from the Roland High School in 1999. He is the recipient of the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal W/M Device, Army Good Conduct Medal and the Arkansas Federal Service Ribbon.
He is survived by his wife Latisha of the Home, a daughter, Jasmine and a son Sean Rymer both of the home; his father, Lyle W. Rymer, Sr. of Vinita, OK; his mother, Marion Schultz of Fort Smith, two sisters, Michelle Rymer and her husband Alan Morse and Catherine Rymer both of Fort Smith, a brother Bobby Woods of Roland, OK; and grandmother Bobbie Drake of Roland, OK; his maternal grandparents Marvin and Carmanell Taylor of Colgate, OK; and great grandmother Christine Finley of Idabelle, OK along with two nephews, David and Tyler Taylor and one niece Sarah Morris.
Graveside Services will full Military Honors will be held in the U.S. National cemetery of Fort Smith on Monday, February 7th 2005 at 2:00 PM under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Fort Smith.
Lucille Taylor
Lucille A. Taylor, 95, of Fort Smith died February 5, 2005 in Fort Smith. She was a Homemaker, a member of the First Christian Church of Fort Smith, a former Beautician, and a Bridge Life Master.
She is survived by a son Edlin "Bud" Brannon of Fort Smith and a step son, Joe David Taylor of Fort Smith, one sister Louise Christopher of Fort Smith, her caregiver for the past ten years, Cathy Stewart; three grandchildren, Susan Johnson, Marcille Grimes, and Lisa Jennings, four great grandchildren, and five great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband H.L. "Bud" Taylor.
Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, February 8th at 10:00 AM in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the Oak cemetery of Fort Smith all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
The family will greet friends at Edwards Funeral Home on Monday evening from 6-8 PM.
Tommy Dehart, Jr
Tommy Dehart, Jr, 31, Fort Smith, died January 31, 2005 at a local hospital. He was a self-employed car detailer.
Graveside service will be 10 A.M. Wednesday, February 9, 2005 at Gill cemetery Pavillion in Van Buren under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home in Van Buren.
He is survived by his wife Tracy, of the home; three stepdaughters, Kelsey Allison, Shay Friedman and Alexis Herzog of Fort Smith; two sons, Dylan Dehart of White City, OR and Devin Dehart of Merced, CA; his father and stepmother, Tommy and Dorothy Loving of Fort Smith, AR; his mother, Patricia Drews of Merced, CA; two sisters, Connie Schlesinger of Merced, CA and Kelly Tucker of Medford, OR; one brother, Melvin Dehart of Medford, OR and one stepbrother, Jesse Tucker of Medford, OR.
Lowell Smith
Lowell L. Smith, 85, of Van Buren, died Thursday, Feb. 3rd, 2005 in his home. He retired from Carco International as a mechanic after 46 years. He was a member and taught Sunday school at Kibler Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Peachtree Hospice.
Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, Feb. 8th, 2005 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel with a private committal at the U.S. National cemetery in Fort Smith under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home in Van Buren, AR.
He is survived by his wife, Jean of the home; two daughters, Helen Penny of Van Buren and Betty Gunn of Kibler, AR; one son, Ralph Smith of Kibler, AR; one sister, Valine Nayfa of Dallas, TX; one brother, Coy Smith of Chrisney, IN; three grandsons, one great grandson and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Kibler Baptist Church or Peachtree Hospice, 4300 Rogers Ave, Suite 33, Fort Smith, AR 72903.
Ray Aldridge
Mr. Ray Aldridge, 72, of Dyer, AR died Sunday, February 6, 2005 in a local nursing home. He was a retired heavy equipment operator for Forsgren Construction Company in Fort Smith.
Graveside service will be at 2:00 pm Wednesday at the Dyer cemetery Arbor, with burial to follow at Dyer cemetery under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren.
He is survived by his wife Wanda, of the home, 2 daughters; Susie Burgess of Muldrow, OK, Marsha Peevy of Mountainburg, AR, a son Harold Aldridge of Mulberry, AR, a sister Wanda Kessler of Kibler, AR and 2 brothers; Johnny Aldridge of Dyer, AR and James Aldridge of Van Buren, AR. 10 grandchildren also survive him.
The family will visit with friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Tuesday, February 8 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.
Ola Philpott
Ola Gray Philpott, 105, of Van Buren, died February 5, 2005 in Van Buren. She was the fourth of ten children born to Margaret Ella Ray and William Russell Gray. She was born in Marble, Arkansas on May 24th 1899. The Gray family, accompanied by W.R. Gray's father, moved to Springdale around 1906. Ola told of the families putting all of its worldly goods on and behind wagons for the move that took two days. Occasionally the younger children ran alongside the wagons to break the monotony of the trip. The entourage rested for the night at a campground in the Spring Valley Community, about the halfway mark of the journey.
Around 1917 Ola moved to Fort Smith to live with her sister Amyl Jones and family to attend Draughn?s Business College. She was employed by The Music Company while awaiting the discharge of Zelmer "Cap" Philpott from the Army. Ola and Cap were married
on May 12, 1921. In the early years of their marriage, the couple lived in several cities in Washington, Portland, OR. And later in and around Los Angeles. Ola continued to work as a bookkeeper wherever they lived and Cap sold Oriental Rugs. At that time the Jones family lived in California also so the couples shared housing.
In the mid 1920's the Philpot's returned to Fort Smith and for nearly 20 years lived on Rogers Avenue where their home and a service station shared the same corner lot. The Philpot's retained ownership of their property on Rogers Avenue for several years after they bought a large acreage on Lee Creek near the Oklahoma border just off Dora Road. There they built a home to serve as a gathering place for all of the extended family. Having no children of her own didn't cause Ola to miss out on having young people around her. "The Farm" was a haven for many generations of family to share, spend work time during weekends and vacations, and gather to meet their aunts, uncles, and cousins who were drawn to the family matriarch. It was a working ranch, with cattle, horses, fences to mend, hay to bale, and many chores to do. At high noon, a large bell would ring, which was a signal from Ola for all to gather for a hearty lunch, which hired hands and family would share together. The couple became affectionately know as "Aunt Ola" and "Uncle Cap" to their family and friends. Cap died in 1969 while at work on the farm, doing what he loved.
Ola"s hours in her flower gardens were truly a labor of love. No one who visited went away without a "care" package of plants. She has been a member of the Fort Smith Garden Club for over 50 years. When the Garden Club hosted a 100th Birthday Party for her in May 1999, she said, "I've worked hard all my life and hard work never hurt anyone. I've lived a full life and I've been blessed in so many ways" Part of that blessing was having survived three tornadoes; two on the farm, many years age, and one at her last home on Mount Vista in Van Buren on the night of April 21, 1996.
For many years, Ola has been a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church in Fort Smith. She inspired others with her faithful attendance. On a regular basis, Ola would drive from Van Buren to her church in Fort Smith while picking up other members who were unable to drive. Her care for others was also evident as she regularly spent time with friends who were in nursing homes, and as she prepared and delivered meals to those who were homebound.
In addition to her husband, Zelmer "Cap" Philpott, Ola was preceded in death by her siblings; Lelland, Amyl, Grace, Elbridge, Doyle, Pearl, Mary, Dick, and Margaret Elizabeth. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Funeral Service will be Tuesday, February 8th at 2:00 PM in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the Roselawn cemetery of Fort Smith all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
The family will greet friends at Edwards Funeral Home on Monday evening from 6-8 PM.
Memorials may be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church 2201 South Dallas Fort Smith, AR 72901 or the Fort Smith Garden Club.
Karen Fagan
Mrs. Karen Kay Fagan, 55, of Alma, AR died Saturday, February 5, 2005 in a local nursing home. She was a homemaker.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, February 8, 2005 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel with burial at Gill cemetery under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren.
She is survived by a daughter; Darla Llemit of Van Buren, AR, two sons; Robert Fagan, Jr. of Little Rock, AR, and Kevin Fagan of Alma, AR, three sisters; Jane Dykes of Grandberry, TX, Ann Reynolds and Wanda Webb both of Van Buren, AR. Seven grandchildren also survive her.
Pallbearers will be Shawn Barber, Lee Kelly, Mike Woodard, Earl Duty, Don Shepard, and Frank Kelley.
The family will visit with friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Monday at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren.
Ruth Evelyn Edwards
Ruth Evelyn Edwards, 81, of Fort Smith, died February 6th, 2005 in Fort Smith. She was a retired Cosmetologist, a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving during World War II, she was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Arkansas Retired Military Auxiliary, Fleet Reserve Association, and the D.A.V. Auxiliary.
She is survived by her husband Troy Edwards of Fort Smith; two daughters, Paulette Underwood of Tulsa, OK; and Judy Clark of Fort Smith; one son Ricky Edwards of Fort Smith; two sisters, Mary Shumaker of Richmond, VA; Shirley Byers of Blacksburg, S.C.; and one brother William Woodall of Greensboro, N.C. along with four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Funeral service will be Graveside on Tuesday, February 8th at 10:00 AM in the U.S. National cemetery of Fort Smith under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
The family will greet friends on Monday evening from 6-8 PM at Edwards Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made the Fort Smith Boy's Club 4905 North "O" Street Fort Smith, AR 72904
Betty Jo Koch
Betty Jo Koch, 66, of Central City, died Sunday February 6, 2005 in Central City. She was a Homemaker, Co-Owner with her husband of Koch Auto, a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, and served on the Presentation Circle.
She is survived by her husband Dennis of the Home, one daughter Kym Koch-Thompson and her husband Mickey of Oklahoma City, OK; three sons, Dennis and wife Kathy Koch, Jr. of Prairie View, AR; Mark and wife Jan Koch of Fort Smith, AR; and Jerry and wife Cris Koch of Paris, AR; two sisters, Ellie Pilaar of Prescott, AZ; and Marge Olmsted of Suwanee, GA; and one brother Wayne Powers of Derby, KS; along with fifteen grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister Anita Powers.
Rosary will Wednesday, February 9th at 7:30 PM in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, and Mass will be February 10th at 10:00 AM in the Christ the King Catholic Church with burial to follow in Holy Cross cemetery all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Tim Koch, Harold Naegle, Jeff Koch, Ronnie Koch, Tracy Rogers, Glenn Fritschie, and Sammy Forst.
Memorial may be made the Catholic Educational Endowment Fund 2112 South Greenwood Fort Smith, AR 72901
Donny Smith, Jr.
Donny Smith, Jr., 37, of Van Buren, died February 5, 2005 in Little Rock. He was an electrician for the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
Graveside service will be 2:00 P.M. Thursday, February 10, 2005 at Gill cemetery Pavilion in Van Buren under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home in Van Buren.
He is survived by one son, Patrick Griffin of Hackett, AR; his mother and stepfather, Judy and Mike Cook of Van Buren, AR; his father and stepmother, Don Paul and Jolene Smith of Van Buren, AR; one brother, Virgil Smith of Pocola, OK; two half sisters, Nichole Melvin of Arlington, TX and Danyelle Melvin of Van Buren, AR; maternal grandparents, Faye and Virgil Russell of Van Buren, AR; and two nephews, Christopher Smith of Pocola, OK and Austin Smith of Pocola, OK.
The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 9, 2005 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Hwy, Van Buren, AR.
