Biographical And Historical Memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland And Hot Spring Counties, Arkansas
Kenneth A. Langster
Kenneth A. Langster, son of the late Willie A. and Jewell Nettie (Winfrey) Langster, passed away Friday, January 28, 2005. Born June 16, 1922 at Higden, Arkansas, he was 82 years of age. He was a member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church and Gideons International, an Army veteran, a volunteer chaplin, being very active in prison ministry, and visiting hospitals and nursing homes, and a retired real estate broker. Kenneth was also preceded in death by two sisters, Virginia Pruitt and Farrel Dee Langster.Kenneth is survived by his wife, Montine R. Langster, Daughter, Shirley Langster, Sons, Rodger Langster and wife, Loretta, and Jerry Langster and wife, Sharon. Eight Grandchildren, Steve Pilkingston, Rodger Dean Langster, Rachelle Evans, Rhonda Fears, Craig Pilkington, Jerry A. Langster, Lori Weeks, and Jimmy Langster. Six Great Grandchildren, Lindsey N. Pilkington, Karista L. Pilkington, Erica A. Evans, Morgan L. Evans, Alex J. Piker, and Lucas Dale Langster. He is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Mr. Fletcher Sherman Sneed
Mr. Fletcher Sherman Sneed, age 93, of Quitman, Arkansas, passed away at his home on Thursday, January 27, 2005. Born in Higden, Arkansas, on May 12, 1911, he was the son of the late Marvin and Della (Phillips) Sneed. Mr. Sneed was a retired farmer, and also worked for fifteen years for Ward Body Works and Swaffar Brothers. A resident of Cleburne County for most of his life, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Mr. Sneed was a member of the Quitman United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Della Sneed; three brothers, Roy, Archie, and Thurman Sneed; one sister, Molly Sneed; one grandson, Greg Sneed; one granddaughter, Cindy Sneed; and two great-granddaughters, Sara Sneed and Rebecca Sneed. Survivors include his wife of seventy-five years, Goldie 'Nicey' (Bettis) Sneed of Quitman; three sons, Wallace Sneed of Heber Springs, and C. M. Sneed and Pat Sneed, both of Quitman; one daughter, Marvelle Burford of Quitman; seven grandchildren, and nineteen great-grandchildren. Mr. Sneed is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 28, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 29, at 2:00 P.M. in the Quitman United Methodist Church with Bro. Lynn Burford and Rev. Susan Miles officiating. Interment will follow in the Quitman cemetery. Pallbearers will be Chad Burford, David Sneed, Mitchell Sneed, Brad Sneed, Kenneth Barger, and Rod Wilson. Honorary pallbearers are Keaton Barger, Cole Wilson, Rodey Burford, Katie Barger, Jessica Duncan, Lyndsay Duncan, Carrie Sneed, Brooklyn Baker, Kathern Sneed, Elizabeth Sneed, Kelsi Davidson, Kortney Davidson, Cody Sneed, Taylor Sneed, Matthew Sneed, Casey Sneed, Abby Sneed, Kristie Barger, Angie Wilson, Karen Davidson, and Janie Baker. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
James Willis Gay
James Willis Gay, age 80, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, January 19, 2005, at Beverly HealthCare in Heber Springs. Born April 21, 1924, in Gurdon, Arkansas, he was the son of the late Allen Mose and Luella (Robertson) Gay. Mr. Gay was a retired general mechanic for International Paper Company in Pine Bluff, and he was a member of its Retirement Club. He lived in Pine Bluff before moving to Heber Springs on July 1, 2004. Mr. Gay loved to fish and also enjoyed traveling. His religious belief was Baptist. Mr. Gay is survived by his wife of sixty years, Ruby Jewell (McFadden) Gay of Heber Springs; one son, Dwayne Gay, Sr. of Damascus; one daughter, Brenda Jean Womack of Drasco; one sister, Ruth Black of Texarkana; eight grandchildren, Dwayne Gay, Jr., Greg Gay, Rhonda Dailey, Brian Gay, Jimmy Womack, Jr., DeAnna Hartzell, Clint Womack, and Christy Foster; and fifteen great-grandchildren. Mr. Gay is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will begin at noon on Friday, Jan. 21, at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. in Heber Springs. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 22, at 10:00 A.M. in the Olmstead Chapel in Heber Springs with Rev. Mickael Love officiating. Graveside services and interment will follow at 3:00 P.M. in the Bethesda cemetery in Camden. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc., 601 W. Main, Heber Springs, AR 72543.
John Woodruff
John Woodruff of Pangburn, Arkansas, died Thursday, January 20, at White County Medical Center in Searcy, Arkansas. "Papa" John was 86 years "young" and had lived in and around Pangburn since 1973. He was a retired farmer. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing and always had good hunting dogs. Mr. Woodruff was born in Lepanto, Arkansas, on August 22, 1918. He had extensive farm interest in Mississippi before moving to Pangburn, Arkansas. Mr. Woodruff was preceded in death by his father and mother, Charlie Woodruff, Sr. and Irene Staples; four sisters, Hazel, Thelma, Ruby, and Mary; two brothers, Lawrence and Russell. He is survived by two brothers, Charlie and Wilford; two sisters, Opal and Cora Lee. Mr. Woodruff leaves his wife Lauwanna of 65 years in marriage; two sons, W. C. and Rodney, ten grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.
Visitation was Friday, January 21, 2005, at Olmstead Funeral Home from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Graveside services will be at Cleburne County Memorial Gardens at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, January 22, 2005.
Melba Adrid (Gresham) Moore
Melba Adrid (Gresham) Moore was born to John Anderson and Sarah Helen Gresham on April 30, 1908 in Cleburne County. Melba took on mothering responsibility for her five siblings when only 13 years of age. She married
William Carroll (Pete) Moore in 1924, and they farmed in Cleburne County for some 20 years, during which three children were born to them: Helen Marie, William Carroll, Jr. and Alder Lee.
In 1945, the family moved to California where they settled in the town of Modesto in the central valley. Upon the last of the children leaving for college in 1957, they moved to Santa Cruz, California, on the coast to enjoy the cooler climate. Here they worked, entertained family, relatives and friends, and enjoyed life. In 1987, after 63 years of happy married
life, she lost her husband and relocated back to Modesto to be near relatives and friends. She remained in Modesto until her death on January 15, 2005.
Melba was preceded in death by her husband, William Carroll Moore, Sr., and brothers, Wendell, Joseph, and James Erben Gresham.
Until her death, she was the matriarch of a five generation family numbering 39. She is survived by her brother, Guy Gresham of Rose Bud; sister, Evelyn P. Fields of West Little Rock; daughter, Helen Marie Reed of Sonora, California; two sons, William Carroll Moore, Jr. of Napa, California, and Alder Lee Moore of Winnsboro, Texas; grandchildren, Yvonne Henrichsen of Fresno, California, John Arthur Reed of San Luis Obispo, California, Deborah Ralston of Austin, Texas, Sharon Mikulenka of Killeen, Texas, Herbert William Moore of Italy, Ian Carter Moore of San Francisco, California, Maya Leslie Moore of Eugene, Oregon, Brent Derek Moore of Berlin, Germany, and Laura Renee Moore of Los Angeles, California; eleven great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at Olmstead Funeral Home in Heber Springs on Saturday, January 22, at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. William Ward and Helen M. Reed officiating. Interment will follow in Pearson cemetery. Pallbearers will be Joe Sutherland, Billy Gresham, Roland Gresham, Thomas Gresham, John Vancura, and John Arthur Reed. Honorary pallbearers will be Ian Carter Moore and Brent Derek Moore.
The family requests that memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation in her name.
Girvies Eugene French
Girvies Eugene French, age 74, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away at his home on Saturday, January 15, 2005. Born in Paragould, Arkansas, on June 24, 1930, he was the son of the late Girvies and Bertha (Stacy) French. Mr. French had been a resident of Heber Springs for the past fifteen years. He was retired from the United States Air Force, having served in security operations, and he was a member of the American Air Force Association. Mr. French was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Hester, Chester, Leonard, and Llinney French; and two sisters, Lillie May Hall and Josephine French. Survivors include one son, Larry French; one daughter and son-in-law, Nina and Ray Gandy of Pottscamp, Mississippi; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Maful Irene and Howard W. McCoy of Rockport, Texas, and Sarah and James Hall of North Carolina; his niece, Paulette Towery of North Carolina; three grandchildren, Ginger, Melissa, and Rhiana; four great-grandsons, Clay, Alec, Arec, and Jason; and special friends, Grant and Johnie Hurley. Mr. French is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Jan. 20, from 12:00-1:45 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Graveside services with military honors will begin at 2:00 P.M. at Cleburne County Memorial Gardens with Rev. Bennie Foster officiating. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Kenneth Forest Kruse
Kenneth Forest Kruse, age 48, of Greers Ferry, Arkansas, Arkansas, passed away at his home on Wednesday, January 19, 2005. Born in Peoria County, Illinois, on December 27, 1956, he was the son of Ed and Joan (Moss) Kruse. Kenneth was a graduate of Dee-Mack High School in Mackinaw, Illinois. A resident of Fairfield Bay and Greers Ferry since 1980, and he was a fishing guide on the Greers Ferry Lake for twenty years. Kenneth enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he was a sports enthusiast. His religious belief was Lutheran. Kenneth is survived by his wife, Tanya Dawn (Cothren) Kruse of Greers Ferry, Arkansas; one stepson and stepdaughter-in-law, Jeremy and Christie Cothren of Heber Springs, Arkansas; his parents, Ed and Joan Kruse of Mackinaw, Illinois; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Mike and Kelley Kruse of Mackinaw, Illinois, and Stan and Jody Kruse of Morton, Illinois; one sister and brother-in-law, Vicki and Allen Coil of Mackinaw, Illinois; one grandson, Jared Christopher Cothren of Heber Springs, Arkansas; ten nieces and nephews, and one great-nephew. Kenneth is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 21, from 5:00-8:00 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 22, at 10:00 A.M. in the Lone Star Baptist Church with Rev. Mark Cothren and Rev. Craig Kruse officiating. Interment will follow in the Brownsville cemetery. Pallbearers will be Joe Newby, Jamie Johnson, Stanley Murray, Allen Kruse, Erik Kruse, and Bob Heinhold.
A memorial service will be held Monday, Jan. 24, at 11:00 A.M. in the New Castle Bible Church in Mackinaw, Illinois.
Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc., 601 W. Main, Heber Springs, AR 72543.
Frances Tarbet
Frances Tarbet, age 85, of Higden, Arkansas, passed away at her home on Tuesday, January 18, 2005. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, on May 4, 1919, she was the daughter of the late Robert Grady and Melba (Holloway) Durham. A resident of Arkansas since 1985, Mrs. Tarbet was a retired sales clerk for Sears Roebuck. She was a member of the Holiday Hills Methodist Church in Greers Ferry. She was preceded in death by her husbands, John P. Baucum, Paley O. Gragg, and Frank Tarbet. Mrs. Tarbet is survived by one daughter, Paulette Rickert and her husband, Fred, of Higden; one stepdaughter, Andrea Hermann and her husband, George, of Houston, Texas; one sister, Virginia Farley and her husband, Bill, of Monroe, Louisiana; five grandchildren, Gene P. Baker, III, Gretchen Baker, F. John Rickert, Madeleine Rickert, and Kristen Low; and two nieces, Mary Graham and Betty Haywood. Mrs. Tarbett is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Graveside services and interment will be held Friday, Jan. 21, at 3:00 P.M. in the Higden-McLehaney cemetery with Rev. Denzel Stokes officiating. Memorials may be made to the Greers Ferry Ambulance, Cleburne County Hospice, or Holiday Hills Methodist Church. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Betty Elizabeth Gifford
Betty Elizabeth Gifford, age 56, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, January 11, 2005, at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock. Born in Delhi, New York, on June 16, 1948, she was the daughter of the late Richard and Verna (Brush) Bond. Betty was a homemaker and her religious belief was Baptist. She was preceded in death by one grandson, Justin Cordell Gifford, in November of 1994. Survivors include one son, Charles Gifford of Concord; one daughter, Donna Parrish of Heber Springs; three brothers, Richard Bond, Robert Bond, and Fred Bond, all of Concord; one sister, Joyce Bond of Batesville; five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Betty is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 14, from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. in Heber Springs. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 15, at 11:00 A.M. in the Olmstead Chapel with Dr. Robert Lindeman officiating. Interment will follow in the Concord cemetery. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Randy Hulen Carmack
Randy Hulen Carmack of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away on Wednesday, January 12, 2005, at Semper Care Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. Born on December 15, 1938, he was 66 years of age. Known affectionately by friends as "RC" or by students as "Mr. C.", Randy was a longtime member of the Heber Springs community, moving to the area in 1976. Born in Cardwell, Missouri, Randy was the only child of Freeman D. "Bud" Carmack and Ludie Mae (Copeland) Carmack. After graduating from high school in Cardwell, Randy attended Arkansas State University in Beebe and then transferred to ASU Jonesboro. He graduated from ASU Jonesboro with a bachelor’s degree in science education, a master’s degree in math education, and a certification in school administration. He was an active member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity at ASU. While pursuing his master’s degree at ASU, he met and married
his former wife of 33 years, Jo-Ann Pohlner. After living in Northeast Arkansas, the couple eventually moved to Satellite Beach, Florida, where their daughter, Kelly, was born in 1974. While in Florida, Randy taught math for the Brevard County School District. He also taught night classes at Florida Institute of Technology and Brevard County Community College. In 1976, Randy and his family moved to Heber Springs. It was here that he spent the majority of his career as a high school math teacher for the Heber Springs School District. He was a very active member of the teaching staff for 24 years. In addition to teaching math, Randy volunteered his time to support both the Heber Springs High School band and athletic departments. For many years, he drove a school bus before and after school, as well as to and from band and sporting events. He lent his voice as an announcer for athletic events, including announcing football and basketball games over KAWW. He also worked as a park ranger for the Corps of Engineers during several summers. Throughout the years, he was often asked to sing and entertain for school and community functions. His vocal tribute to Gladys the Cow was often a hit with the crowd. As a self-taught musician, Randy’s vocal talent was perhaps one of his greatest gifts. He wrote several songs of his own and performed countless times. Through his music he expressed his Christian faith and touched many people’s hearts. His love for Southern Gospel music led to the development of his own early morning radio show referred to as "RC’s Gospel Hour" on KAWW. Randy was a member of the First Baptist Church of Heber Springs. Randy is preceded in death by his father and mother, as well as by his faithful companion of 15 years - a black pic-a-poo named Dolly. He is survived by his daughter, Kelly, and her husband, Matthew Pohl of Bentonville, AR. He is also survived by two aunts, Peg Carmack of Michigan and Burgie Carmack of Heber Springs, as well as three cousins, Ron Carmack of Heber Springs, Judy Malone of Hazen, and Eudean Engle of Rector.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 16, 2005, at 2:00 P.M. in the Olmstead Chapel in Heber Springs. A private family burial will follow at Cleburne County Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers include Ron Carmack, Bennie Foster, Harold Wilson, David Wise, Steve Storm, and John Morrison. Honorary pallbearers include Dennis DeBusk, Robin Ratliff, Jerry Max Ivy, Warren Dupwe, Dr. Roy Still, Brandon Still, Trevor Still, Chuck Howell, Bill Kelley, and Glenn Dugger.
Arrangements have been made by Olmstead Funeral Home in Heber Springs. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in memory of Randy Carmack to the American Diabetes Association.
Jewell Nettie Langster
Jewell Nettie Langster, age 100, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away at her home on Thursday, January 13, 2005. Born in Higden, Arkansas, on January 12, 1905, she was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Booker Winfrey. Mrs. Langster was raised in Higden. In 1942, she moved to California where she continued to live until 1960 when she returned to Cleburne County to live in Heber Springs. Mrs. Langster was a homemaker and seamstress. She enjoyed crocheting and sewing, gardening and flowers, and babysitting her grandchildren. Mrs. Langster was a member of the Church of God. Her husband, Willie A. Langster, preceded her in death on March 27, 1982. Mrs. Langster was also preceded in death by two daughters, Virginia Pruitt and Farrell Dee Langster, and one sister, Maudie Porter. Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Ken and Monteen Langster of Heber Springs; four grandchildren, Shirley Langster, Rodger Langster, Jerry Langster, and DeLonda Pruitt; eight great-grandchildren, Steven Pilkington, Rodger D. Langster, Rhonda D. Fears, Rachelle D. Evans, Craig Pilkington, Jerry A. Langster, Lori A. Weeks, and Jimmy Langster; and six great-great-grandchildren, Erica Evans, Morgan Evans, Alex Piker, Lucas D. Langster, Lindsey Pilkington, and Karista Pilkington. Mrs. Langster is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will begin Friday afternoon, Jan. 14, at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. in Heber Springs. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 15, at 2:00 P.M. in the Olmstead Chapel with Rev. Grant Vannatter and Rodger Langster officiating. Interment will follow in Cleburne County Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Steven Pilkington, Rodger Dean Langster, Jerry Langster, Jimmy Langster, Craig Pilkington, Chad Evans, and Mikel Fears. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Mrs. Helen Mollett
Mrs. Helen Mollett, age 94, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, January 9, 2005, at White County Medical Center in Searcy, Arkansas. Born in New York on December 21, 1910, she was the daughter of the late Bronslow and Edna (Nowak) Walicki. Mrs. Mollett was a retired line employee for Uniroyal Tire Company in Detroit, Michigan. She had been a resident of Arkansas since 1969. Mrs. Mollett’s religious belief was Catholic. She was preceded in death by her husband, Shade W. Mollett, on September 2, 1978. Mrs. Mollett is survived by one brother, George Walicki of Des Arc, one sister, Elizabeth Tedford of Little Rock, several nieces and nephews, and several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Mollett is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, Jan. 11, in the Olmstead Chapel with funeral services beginning at 1:30 P.M. with Deacon Robert Morris officiating. Interment will follow in Cleburne County Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Mrs. Ruby May Hays
Mrs. Ruby May Hays, age 96, of Wilburn, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, January 9, 2005, at Beverly HealthCare in Heber Springs. Born in White County, Arkansas, on November 2, 1908, she was the daughter of the late Tom and Mollie Elizabeth (Butler) Allen. Mrs. Hays was a homemaker, and she had been a resident of Cleburne County for most of her life. She was a member of the Wilburn General Baptist Church. Her husband, Jesse Hays, preceded her in death on January 3, 1976. Mrs. Hays was also preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, one sister, and two grandsons. She is survived by two daughters: Helen Hurst and Glema Lacy, both of Wilburn; one brother, Telford Allen of Heber Springs; one sister, Susie Spears of North Little Rock; six grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Hays is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, Jan. 12, from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Jan. 13, at 10:00 A.M. in the Olmstead Chapel. Interment will follow in the Magness Chapel cemetery. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Mae Eria Hazelwood
Mae Eria Hazelwood, age 96, of Greers Ferry, Arkansas, passed away on Thursday, January 6, 2005, at her daughter’s home in North Little Rock. Born January 8, 1908, in Shiloh, Arkansas, she was the daughter of the late John and Lucy (Scott) Dunn. Mrs. Hazelwood was a homemaker who enjoyed caring for people and helping others. She had been a resident of Greers Ferry most of her life and had lived with her daughter in North Little Rock for the past ten years. Mrs. Hazelwood was a member of the Lone Star Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh E. Hazelwood, who passed away on July 31, 1987. Mrs. Hazelwood was also preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Retha Cothren; six brothers; and two sisters. She is survived by two sons, Carl Hazelwood of Washington, Illinois, and Carrol Hazelwood of East Peoria, Illinois; two daughters, Dorothy Hunt of North Little Rock and Letha Bernice Bailey of East Peoria, Illinois; one brother, Orvel Dunn of Searcy; ten grandchildren, Lee Hunt of Austin, Rick Bailey and Teresa Durm, both of East Peoria, Illinois, Mark Bailey and Larry Hazelwood of Washington, Illinois, Robert Bailey of Groveland, Illinois, Jerry Hazelwood of Greers Ferry, Diane Levery of Jefferson City, Missouri, Gary Cothren of Metamora, Illinois, and Anita Austin of Jackson, Tennessee, and ten great-grandchildren. Mrs. Hazelwood is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held Saturday, January 8, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Sunday, Jan. 9, at 2:00 p.m. in the Lone Star Baptist Church with Rev. J. C. Verser officiating. Interment will follow in the Pleasant Ridge cemetery at Brownsville. Pallbearers will be Lee Hunt, Rick Bailey, Mark Bailey, Robert Bailey, Jerry Hazelwood, Larry Hazelwood, and Gary Cothren. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Larry Lyndle Woodham
Larry Lyndle Woodham, age 56, of Brownsville, Arkansas, passed away at his home on Friday, December 31, 2004. Born in Batesville, Arkansas, on January 4, 1948, he was the son of the late Duel and Ruby (Acklin) Woodham. Larry had been a resident of Cleburne County most of his life. He was a carpenter and a disabled Vietnam veteran, having served in the United States Army. Larry was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War and a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans. His religious belief was Baptist. He is survived by his wife, Katherine Woodham; one son, Anthony Woodham and his wife, Crystal, of Rogers; one daughter, Robin Cotten of Drasco and her fiancé, Billy French; one sister, Sharon Cooper of Wolf Bayou; four grandsons, Trevor, Tyler, Mitchell, and Patrick, and one granddaughter, Courtney. Larry is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, Jan. 4, from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Jan. 5, at 2:00 P.M. in the Brownsville Baptist Church with Rev. Darvin Carlton officiating. Interment will follow in the Brownsville cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the V.F.W. Pallbearers will be Lynn Jackson, Billy Cooper, Ray Strain, Scott Scoggin, Joe Vaness, and Scott Billington. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Mrs. Irene L. Brewer
Mrs. Irene L. Brewer, age 82, of Greers Ferry, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, February 24, 2005, at Baptist Health Medical Center in Heber Springs, Arkansas. Born in Lone Pine, Arkansas, on October 9, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Ruby Mae (Brice) Dillon. Mrs. Brewer was a homemaker and had been a lifetime resident of Cleburne County. Her religious belief was Baptist. She was preceded in death by her husband, O. C. Brewer, on March 15, 1991. Mrs. Brewer is survived by one brother, Leonard Dillon of Indiana; two sisters, Ina Opel Stark and Imogene Vanhorn, both of California; and her nieces and nephews. Mrs. Brewer is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 26, at 2:00 P.M. in the Shiloh Cross Roads Church with Rev. Rondal Richardson officiating. Interment will follow in the Shiloh Cross Roads cemetery. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Major Stark
Major Stark of Heber Springs went to his heavenly home on February 23, 2005, at the age of 87. Major was born January 22, 1918, on Bettis Mountain in Pearson, Arkansas. He was a member of Palestine Baptist Church in Pearson where he taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and served the church in many other ways. Major was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of Holland Lodge #158 of Quitman.
Major started work at a young age and cared for his widowed mother. He helped build the City Hall, worked in the Spring Park, did a lot of rock work on the east wall of the park in Heber Springs, and worked at Libby rock crusher.
In the spring of 1942, he married
Helen Marie Parks. He was called into service in World War II in December 1942 and served three years in France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
When Major returned from the war, he went to G.I. School, farmed, and worked for the ASCS County and Community Committees for thirty-six years. He was a deputy sheriff for Cleburne County. He was a sergeant in the 189th Engineering Company, Arkansas National Guard, and with the rest of the unit, went to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in October 1961 during the Berlin Crisis.
Major was preceded in death by a daughter, Hilda Stark Wortsmith. He is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Helen; daughter, Carolyn Watson and husband Lloyd; son, David Stark and wife Laura; sister, Marie Sartain; grandchildren, Robert and Kenny Stark, Linda Healy and husband Stuart, Joanne Shinn and husband Calvin, Mark Evans and wife Selena, and Leslie Chernila and husband Josh; and six great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Feb. 24, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. in the Olmstead Chapel. Funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 25, at 10:00 A.M. in the Palestine Baptist Church with Rev. Dwayne Blackmore and Rev. Bill Ward officiating. Interment will follow in the Pearson cemetery. Pallbearers will be Arlus Thompson, Ray Martin, Wetzel Stark, J. C. Stark, and Jerry Stark. Honorary pallbearers will be Ward Baldridge, Bennie Foster, and Tom Olmstead. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Charles Vaughan Davis
Charles Vaughan Davis passed away on February 19, 2005, after a lengthy, yet courageous battle with cancer. Born in Batesville, he was raised in Little Rock, where he graduated from Central High School. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, a member of the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans, Charles spent a number of his 66 years in the car business, as did his late father and both grandfathers. Midway through his life, he took up truck driving as a second career, where he developed friendships all over the country. Always the comedian, Charles created laughter wherever he was around people, and most felt he had missed his calling.
After retiring, Charles spent his final years in Heber Springs, where he enjoyed his friends and fishing. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Vaughan Davis, Sr. and is survived by his mother, Mrs. June McClue Davis Roberts, of Little Rock; brothers, Gene M. Davis and Gary L. Davis of Arizona; sister, Junelle Dawson of Maumelle; daughter, Sherry Lynn Davis Bell of West Linn, Oregon; sons, Steven Vaughan Davis of Vancouver, Washington, and Scott Allen Davis of Ft. Walton, Florida, both serving in the U.S. Air Force. Also surviving are five grandchildren and three uncles, John C. Davis of Heber Springs, Crawford and Sid McClue, both of Arizona. Charles will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 23, and the family will be present from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. in Heber Springs. A graveside funeral service will be held Thursday, February 24, at Oaklawn cemetery in Batesville by Rev. Phillip Drennan at 1:00 P.M. with military honors. Arrangements by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. of Heber Springs.
George Wallace Hill
George Wallace Hill, age 93, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, February 20, 2005, at the Baptist Health Medical Center in Heber Springs. Born in Floris, Iowa, on November 16, 1911, he was the son of the late William E. and Della (Robbins) Hill. Mr. Hill was a retired truck driver for Burlington, and he was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Army Air Corps. He was an honorary member of the Thunderbird Golf Course. His religious belief was Protestant. His wife, Frances (Donnelly) Hill, preceded him in death on July 1, 2001. Mr. Hill was also preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and one sister. He is survived by his nieces, Gail Tabor of Streator, Illinois, and Frances D’Angelo of Houston, Texas, as well as other nieces and nephews, his brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law. Mr. Hill is also survived by his many friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 26, at 10:00 A.M. in the Olmstead Chapel in Heber Springs, AR. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc., 601 W. Main, Heber Springs, AR 72543.
Eustice U. Latch
E. U. Latch, age 82, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Friday, February 18, 2005, at the Baptist Health Medical Center in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Born in Wilburn, Arkansas, on November 7, 1922, he was the son of the late Clarence U. and Lolan M. (Eden) Latch. A lifetime resident of Heber Springs, Mr. Latch had served as manager of the Heber Springs Airport for more than twenty-five years, and he was the owner of Heber Springs Flying Service. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Army, and he was a member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion. Mr. Latch was a member of the Heber Springs First General Baptist Church. His wife, Mildred L. (Williamson) Latch, preceded him in death on February 10, 2000. Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Diane and David Lackey of Heber Springs; four brothers, Bob Latch of Heber Springs, Bill Latch of Bismarck, Adrian Latch of Floyd, and Otha Latch of Hopewell; and two grandchildren, Ashley and Kelly. Mr. Latch is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will be held Saturday, Feb. 19, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. in the Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Sunday, Feb. 20, at 4:00 P.M. in the Olmstead Chapel with Rev. Cecil Robertson officiating. Interment with military honors by the American Legion Honor Guard will follow in Cleburne County Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Billy W. Boyce
Billy W. Boyce, age 61, of Searcy, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, February 17, 2005, at Central Arkansas Hospital in Searcy. Born in Texas on December 5, 1943, he was the son of Helen (York) Boyce Skinner and the late Joseph A. Boyce. Mr. Boyce was retired from the United States Navy and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was also a retired nurse’s aide for Beverly Health Care in Heber Springs. Mr. Boyce was preceded in death by one son, William Destre Boyce. He is survived by his wife, Marie (Long) Boyce of Searcy; his mother, Helen Skinner of Heber Springs; five stepchildren, Candy Hill, Verna Converse, Edward Sparks, Carla Britton, and Billy Sparks, all of Pangburn; four brothers, Ricky Boyce, Michael Boyce, and Jeffrey Boyce, all of Little Rock, and Tommy Boyce of Beebe; four sisters, Betty Sarringer of Pindall, Joyce Quinn of Heber Springs, Renae Mobley of Kensett, and Sharon Dill of Griffithville; eighteen step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren. Mr. Boyce is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will begin at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. on Saturday, Feb. 19. at 12:00 noon. Funeral services will be held Sunday, Feb. 20, at 2:00 P.M. in the Olmstead Chapel with Bro. Johnny Long officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in South Cross Roads cemetery. Pallbearers will be Michael Fletcher, Carl Hill, Shane Coon, Shannon Whitner, Kenneth Britton, Dennis English, and B. J. Rigsby. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Mrs. Predith Melva King
Mrs. Predith Melva King, age 94, of Quitman, Arkansas, passed away at her home on Thursday, February 17, 2005. Born in Landis, Arkansas, on June 25, 1910, she was the daughter of the late Tom and Roxie (Smithy) Allred. Mrs. King was a homemaker and had been a resident of the Quitman area since 1974. She was a member of Word of Life Full Gospel Church in Rose Bud. Her husband, Dolphus King, preceded her in death on May 25, 1988. Mrs. King was also preceded in death by six children, Roxie, D. J., Edward, Melvin, Wayne, and Edith, and by four brothers. She is survived by five sons, Chester King of Cabot, Bud King and Charles King, both of Little Rock, Donnie King of Quitman, and Harold King of Redfield; three daughters, Pearl Raymond of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Raymell Nottenkamper of Beebe, and Marie Ivy of Quitman; one half brother, Bobby Allred of Kensett; two half sisters, Patsy Smith of Quitman and Peggy Smith of Proctor; thirty-five grandchildren, forty-two great-grandchildren, and eighteen great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. King is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, Feb. 18, in the Olmstead Chapel in Heber Springs starting at 2:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 19, in the Rose Bud Assembly of God with Rev. John Roberts officiating. Interment will follow in the Rose Bud cemetery. Pallbearers will be James Starkey, Chester King, Roger King, Christopher King, Chuckie King, and Stephen King. Grandsons will serve as honorary pallbearers. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
