Biographical And Historical Memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland And Hot Spring Counties, Arkansas
Ollen Bert Griffin
Ollen Bert Griffin, age 71, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away at his home on Monday, May 30, 2005. Born in Mississippi County, Arkansas, on April 6, 1934, he was the son of the late Sam Yell and Lydia Iona (Ingram) Griffin. A former resident of Houston, Texas, Mr. Griffin had lived in Heber Springs for seven years and was a sales estimator for construction projects. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, having served for six years. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Mr. Griffin loved his family. He enjoyed people, meeting new friends, and entertaining them with his stories. Mr. Griffin also enjoyed water sports and the outdoors. He was a member of Arbanna Baptist Church at Mt. View. Mr. Griffin loved the Lord and enjoyed reading the Bible. In addition to his parents, Mr. Griffin was preceded in death by two brothers, Harley Griffin and J. L. Griffin. He is survived by his wife of forty-nine and a half years, Janice A. (James) Griffin of Heber Springs; two daughters, Pamela Kay Merritt and her husband, Don, of Riverview, Florida, and Beverly Shea Clark of Heber Springs; four brothers, Raymond Griffin of McRae, Georgia, O’Neil Griffin of Kerrville, Texas, Virgil Griffin of Red Level, Alabama, and Mike Griffin of Houston, Texas; three sisters, Sylvia Kinnett of Aiken, South Carolina, Doris Taylor of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Patsy Bodie of LaLuz, New Mexico; one aunt, Viola Ingram of Bay, Arkansas; and two grandchildren, Dustin Merritt and Haleigh Clark. Mr. Griffin is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and his many friends.
Visitation will be held Tuesday and Wednesday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 2, at 11:00 a.m. in the Olmstead Chapel with Rev. Jim Chandler officiating. Interment will follow in Cleburne County Memorial Gardens with military honors by the V.F.W. Post 3543. Pallbearers will be Don Merritt, Dustin Merritt, Mike Griffin, Michael Griffin, Roland James, and Jimmy James. Honorary pallbearers will be O’Neil Griffin, Virgil Griffin, and Raymond Griffin. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Mary Meek Conner Youngchild
Mary Meek Conner Youngchild, age 86, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away at her home on Tuesday, May 31, 2005. Born at Escanaba, Michigan, on April 8, 1919, she was the daughter of the late Harry E. and Mona (Voght) Meek. A graduate of Little Rock High School, she attended Hendrix College in Conway.
Mrs. Youngchild was a former resident of Crossett, Arkansas, and had lived in Heber Springs since 1977. She was a homemaker with a wide variety of interests, including floral design and gardening, and she was active in the Gem Community Theater in Heber Springs. Mrs. Youngchild was a member and elder of the First Presbyterian Church in Heber Springs and was active in church work. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Q. Conner, in 1975 and by her husband, Howard Youngchild in 1998.
Survivors include one son, Robert Conner, Jr. of Crossett; one daughter, Deborah Conner Hotard of Heber Springs; one sister, Ann Meek Garrett and her husband, Carl, of El Dorado; four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, one niece, and two nephews. Mrs. Youngchild is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
A memorial service will be held Friday, June 3, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Heber Springs. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Mrs. Opal A. McKinley
Mrs. Opal A. McKinley, age 89, of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, May 29, 2005, at Ozark Health Medical Center in Clinton, Arkansas. Born in Stone County, Arkansas, on April 27, 1916, she was the daughter of the late Ed and Basha (Berry) Duncan. Mrs. McKinley was a homemaker, and she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph McKinley. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, DeLynn and Becky Byrd of Fairfield Bay; one brother, Willie Duncan; three sisters, Betty Goss, Joy Green, and Elvy Holland; three grandchildren, Christopher, Lori, and Jennifer; and many great-grandchildren. Mrs. McKinley is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Calvary Baptist Church in Clinton. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
David Paone
David Paone, age 81, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, June 1, 2005, at Southridge Village Nursing Center in Heber Springs. Born in Niagara Falls, New York, on October 6, 1923, he was the son of the late Joseph and Maria (Macaro) Paonessa. A former resident of Dallas, Texas, Mr. Paone had been a longtime resident of Heber Springs. He was a furniture refinisher and enjoyed talking and visiting with people. Mr. Paone was a veteran of the United States Army. His religious belief was Methodist. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Lou (Stacks) Paone of Heber Springs; three sons, Roy Willis of Pine Snag, Danny Willis of Heber Springs, and Mickey Paone of Maryland; six daughters, Linda Hale of Niagara Falls, New York, Carolyn Hayes of Florida, Pamela Tanner of Kentucky, Paula Williams and Betty Acree, both of Heber Springs, and Becky Stanford of Quitman; two brothers, Al Paone of New York and Joe Paone eighteen grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Mr. Paone is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 2, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Graveside services will be held Friday, June 3, at 2:00 p.m. at the Heber Springs cemetery with Rev. Charley Caton officiating. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Herschel G. Ruch
Herschel G. Ruch, age 81, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, June 1, 2005, at Beverly Health Care in Heber Springs. Born in Gentry, Missouri, on November 7, 1923, he was the son of the late Herschel Allen and Lola Mae (Jones) Ruch. Mr. Ruch was a retired heavy equipment operator and a veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Army Air Corps. He was a member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion. His religious belief was Protestant. Survivors include two brothers, Rex Ruch of Heber Springs and Burl J. Ruch of Albany, Missouri; and one sister, Ova Mae Melbourne of St. Joseph, Missouri. Mr. Ruch is also survived by other relatives and his friends.
A graveside service will be held Friday, June 3, at 10:00 a.m. at the Heber Springs cemetery.
Col. Bob Eugene Edwards, Sr.
Col. Bob Eugene Edwards, Sr., (U.S. Army, Retired), age 88, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, July 26, 2005, at the White County Medical Center in Searcy, Arkansas. Born in Bentonville, Arkansas, on November 2, 1916, he was the son of the late William Robert and Fay (Gann) Edwards. Col. Edwards retired from the United States Army in 1972, having served in the military for thirty-one years. He was a veteran of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, and was the recipient of numerous awards including: two Silver Stars and two Bronze Stars for service in France and Germany during World War II, five Legion of Merit awards for Korea, Alaska, Georgia, Vietnam, and his retirement, the Croix de Guerre (Cross of War) for France, and an Air Medal for Vietnam. Col. Edwards was a lifetime member of the V.F.W., American Legion, Gideons International, National Rifle Association, and Military Officers Association, and a member of Avion Travelcade Club and Cleburne County Shooting Club. He had been a resident of Heber Springs since 1974 and was an active member of Tumbling Shoals Baptist Church. His wife, Hazel (Sites) Edwards, preceded him in death on May 26, 1997. Col. Edwards was also preceded in death by one sister, Betty Beaman of Bakersfield, California. He is survived by three sons, Bob Eugene Edwards, Jr. and wife, Melissa, of Delta Junction, Alaska, William Gann Edwards of Salem, Oregon, and John Edwards and wife, Cindy, of Heber Springs; one sister, Wanda Webster of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Alltus Edwards and wife, Tisha, of Indianapolis, Indiana, Trent Edwards of Fairbanks, Alaska, Brian Edwards and wife, Jessica, of Boise, Idaho, and Jason Edwards of San Antonio, Texas; one step-granddaughter, April Derrick and husband, Scott, of Perryville, Arkansas; and seven great-grandchildren. Col. Edwards is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will begin at noon on Friday, July 29, at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services with military honors will be held Saturday, July 30, at 10:00 a.m. in the Tumbling Shoals Baptist Church with Rev. Derek Westmoreland officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Pleasant cemetery near Hiwasse, Arkansas. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Gordon Chester Tyler
Gordon Chester Tyler, age 70, of Quitman, Arkansas, passed away at his home on Monday, July 25, 2005. Born in Quitman, Arkansas, on September 28, 1934, he was the son of the late Oliver and Ada (Rice) Tyler. While he was a resident of California, Mr. Tyler served as a constable. For the past five years, he had lived in Quitman. Mr. Tyler was a veteran of the United States Navy and helped build the first base at the North Pole called Operation Deep Freeze. He enjoyed driving and traveling. Mr. Tyler attended Conway Pentecostal Church of God. He is survived by one daughter, Christy Tyler of North Carolina; his former wife, Peggie Tyler of Hazelwood, North Carolina; two brothers, Fred Tyler of Quitman and Raymon Tyler of Gaines, Michigan; and four sisters, Ilene Sneed and Dorean Provance, both of Heber Springs, Muirel Ogdon of Sherwood, and Fern Corbitt of Conway. Mr. Tyler is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 28, at 2:00 p.m. in the Olmstead Chapel with Rev. Otis Lyons officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Flat Rock cemetery. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Donald A. Rumsey
Donald A. Rumsey, age 78, of Greers Ferry, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, July 23, 2005, at the Baptist Health Medical Center in Heber Springs, Arkansas. Born March 23, 1927, in Albany, New York, he was the son of the late Austin Lyman and Lelia (Everts) Rumsey. His wife, Wilma Joan (Durkee) Rumsey, preceded him in death on May 11 of this year.Mr. Rumsey is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, David and Jerry Rumsey of Greers Ferry; and his daughter and son-in-law, Jo Anne and Kevin Hopper of Middle Grove, New York.
Donald Lee 'Ronnie' Barnett
Donald Lee 'Ronnie' Barnett, age 63, of Batesville, Arkansas, passed away Monday, July 25, 2005, at White County Medical Center in Searcy, Arkansas. Born in Pacoima, California, on December 6, 1941, he was the son of the late Charlie and Elizabeth (Miliam) Barnett. A resident of Batesville for most of his life, Mr. Barnett had lived at Greers Ferry for the past three years. He was a farmer and a veteran of the United States Army. Mr. Barnett enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and traveling. His religious belief was Baptist. Mr. Barnett was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Billy Ray. He is survived by three sons, Johnny Lee Barnett of Nevada, Ronnie Dean Barnett of Slocomb, Alabama, and Charles T. (Ted) Barnett of Batesville, Arkansas; two daughters, Loretta Jean Goodson and Tammy Wynette Jackson, both of Geneva, Alabama; four brothers, Johnny Barnett, Gerald Barnett, and Jimmy Dale Barnett, all of Batesville, Arkansas; and Drexel Barnett of Bradford, Arkansas; five sisters, Kathryn Harrington of Greers Ferry, Sherry Gilmore of Charlotte, Arkansas, Janet Auton of Cave City, Arkansas, Donna French of Batesville, Arkansas, and Tina Hargrove of Concord, Arkansas; eight grandchildren, and his nieces and nephews. Mr. Barnett is also survived by other relatives and many friends.
Visitation will begin at noon on Thursday, July 28, at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 30, at 2:00 p.m. in the Shiloh Community Church with Rev. Grant Vannatter officiating. Interment will follow in Shiloh Cross Roads cemetery. Pallbearers will be Tim Harrington, Jacob Dease, Jason Dease, Greg Weathers, Tracy Verus, and Wankie Gilmore. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Marsha Ann Gardner
Marsha Ann Gardner, age 60, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, July 23, 2005, at Conway Regional Medical Center in Conway. Born in Heber Springs on April 21, 1945, she was the daughter of J. L. and Junella (Turney) Dollar. A resident of Cleburne County for most of her life, Marsha was a homemaker. She enjoyed her family and grandchildren and spending time with her friends. Marsha’s religious belief was Baptist. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy M. (R. M.) Gardner. She is survived by one son, Bradley Gardner of Elko, Nevada; three daughters, Shellie Vandivor of Heber Springs, Teresa Jo Davidson of Greers Ferry, and Heather Cordova of Greensburg, Pennsylvania; her parents, J. L. and Junella Dollar of Greers Ferry; and ten grandchildren. Marsha is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 26, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, July 27, at 2:00 p.m. in the Olmstead Chapel with Rev. Huston Ashley officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be J. E. Turner, Randy Verser, Ronnie Majors, and Teagus Majors. Interment will be in the Higden-McLehaney cemetery. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Douglas Stephen Ray
Douglas Stephen Ray, age 56, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, formerly of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away at home on Wednesday, July 20, 2005. Born December 12, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Douglas Ray and Maurine (Sherman) Ray. Steve had lived in Memphis most of his life and was employed by Regional Medical Center in Memphis. He had recently moved to Heber Springs and enjoyed Razorback sports and spending time with his family. Steve was a veteran of the United States Army. He was a member of the Methodist church. He is preceded in death by his mother Maurine Ray, his father Douglas Ray, and his sister Rita Hooper. Steve is survived by his daughter, Glenda Denkman and grandson, Joey Denkman; his sister, Julia Morris; his brothers-in-law, Jerry Morris and Dickie and Sara Hooper; his nieces and nephews, Lisa Davis, Jeri Lynn, and Donnie Archer, Zachary and Zane Morris, and Vickie Lowery; his great-nieces and nephews, Tye, Brandi, and Corey Copeland, Rachel Morris and Stuart Lowery, and brother John Cheek, and many close friends in Arkansas and Tennessee. His last months spent living with his family were a true blessing to all of us. Steve was surrounded by his family when he passed onto be with the Lord on July 20th.
Graveside services and interment will be held Saturday, July 23, at 11:00 a.m. in Cleburne County Memorial Gardens with Donnie Archer officiating. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Irene Zanovich Wallace
Irene Zanovich Wallace, age 84, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away at her home on Sunday, July 17, 2005. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on August 22, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Stephen R. and Alexandra (Packmore) Zanovich. Mrs. Wallace was a former resident of North Little Rock and a retired employee of J. C. Penney and the North Little Rock School Board. She had been a resident of Heber Springs since 1965 and was a member of TOPS, Eastern Star, and Palestine Baptist Church at Pearson. Mrs. Wallace enjoyed cooking, sharing recipes, and telling jokes. She was preceded in death by her husband, William G. Wallace, who passed away on April 7, 1997, and also by one brother, Victor Zanovich. She is survived by one son, William S. Wallace of Heber Springs; one daughter, Jeannie Wallace Johnson of Heber Springs; one sister, Jennie Reed of North Little Rock; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Mrs. Wallace is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. on Wednesday, July 20, from 1:00-5:00 p.m. and Thursday, July 21, until 9:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 22, 2005, at 2:00 p.m. in the Olmstead Chapel with Rev. Mike Lindley officiating. Interment will follow in Edgewood Memorial Park in North Little Rock.
Memorials may be made to Cleburne County Hospice.
Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Beatrice June Kirkendoll
Beatrice June Kirkendoll, age 52, of Frankfort, Kentucky, formerly of Shirley, Arkansas, passed away Monday, July 18, 2005, at the Frankfort Regional Medical Center in Frankfort. Born in Clinton, Arkansas, on October 4, 1952, she was the daughter of June (Scott) Kirkendoll and the late Joe Kirkendoll. Mrs. Kirkendoll was a homemaker who enjoyed gardening, shopping, and being a lady. Her religious belief was Baptist. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by one brother, Roy Dale Kirkendoll, and one sister, Lou Ann Hill. Mrs. Kirkendoll is survived by her children, Robin Ward and husband, Toby, of Shirley, Arkansas; Syndi Yeakley and husband, Jody, of Frankfort, Kentucky; Brian McCoy of Conway, Arkansas; and Jessica Deshazo and husband, Joseph, of Morrilton, Arkansas; her mother, June Kirkendoll of Clinton, Arkansas; two brothers, Donald Kirkendoll and Thurman Kirkendoll, both of Clinton, Arkansas; three sisters, Freda Jackson and Jo Nell ONeal, both of Clinton, Arkansas; and Anna Barnett of Conway, Arkansas; and seven grandchildren. Mrs. Kirkendoll is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 22, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Olmstead Woodland Chapel at Edgemont. Services will be held Saturday, July 23, at 9:00 a.m. at the Pee Dee Church with Rev. Bobby Ward officiating. Interment will follow in the Pee Dee cemetery. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Rosa Christina Lollar
Rosa Christina Lollar, a resident of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, since 1988, passed away Thursday, July 14, 2005 in the Indian Rock Village Nursing Home at the age of 88 years. The daughter of the late Arthur R. Amendt and Elma M. (Achtemeir) Amendt, she was born August 24, 1916 in Marshall County, Iowa. She was a graduate of Newton, Iowa High School and received an accounting certificate from Southern College of Commerce, Ft. Worth, Texas. She was a retired accountant and typist, having been employed by the Iowa State Telephone Company, the Maytag Company, Ft. Worth, Texas National Bank, and Newark Electronics. She held memberships in several organizations: AARP, the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, and the Fairfield Bay Community Club. She and her husband, Vernon, enjoyed traveling and had visited all of the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska, as well as several European countries, the Caribbean Islands, and Nova Scotia. She was a member of the Fairfield Bay United Methodist Church. Mrs. Lollar was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Ruby; and brothers, Gilbert and Lester Dale Amendt. She is survived by her husband, Vernon Lollar of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas; one sister, Wanda Peterson of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas; one brother, Leroy Amendt of Murrieta, California; nieces and nephews and great and great, great nieces and nephews, other relatives and her friends.
Visitation will begin Saturday afternoon at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. in Heber Springs. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 18, 2005, at 2:00 p.m. in the Fairfield Bay United Methodist Church with Rev. Bonda Moyer officiating. Interment will follow in Woodland Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be A. L. Richardson, Jim Phillips, Rusty Hamper, Clair McGriff, and Larry McGriff. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Thomas H. Holliman
Thomas H. Holliman, age 83, of Quitman, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2005, at the Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. Born in Quitman on March 7, 1922, he was the son of the late Matthew M. and Mary Emily (Barnes) Holliman. A lifetime resident of Cleburne County, Mr. Holliman was a farmer and rancher as well as a retired employee of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He was a veteran of World War II, having proudly served his country in the United States Army and was awarded three bronze service stars. Mr. Holliman was a deacon and member of the Wesley Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Ima Faye (Duncan) Holliman of Quitman; three daughters, Tampa New, Veronica Vanaman, and Shelia Holliman, all of North Little Rock; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Mr. Holliman is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will be held Saturday, July 16, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Olmstead Chapel. Funeral services will be held Sunday, July 17, at 2:00 p.m. in the Wesley Chapel Freewill Baptist Church near Quitman with Rev. Terry Hill and Rev. Steve Fenley officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the Wesley Chapel cemetery. Pallbearers will be Chris New, Shane Vanaman, Chad Vanaman, Ryan Boyce, Matthew Boyce, and Chris Shoults. Friends of the Corps of Engineers will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Cora Lee Fraser
Cora Lee Fraser, age 79, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away at home on Wednesday, July 13, 2005. Born in Heber Springs on May 8, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Boliver Bell Dodd and Delpha (Wingo) Dodd. Mrs. Fraser was a lifetime resident of Heber Springs. She dedicated her life to the health care profession and worked for many years as a nurse for Dr. Claude Barnett, as well the local hospital and Lakeland Lodge Nursing Home. She was a member of the First General Baptist Church of Heber Springs. Mrs. Fraser was devoted to her family and her church. She was preceded in death by one son, Sammie Howard Fraser, and one brother, J. B. Dodd. Survivors include her husband, Dalton Fraser of Heber Springs; one daughter, Tommie Sue Redd and her husband, Odell, of Heber Springs; two sons, Richard Fraser and his wife, Rita, of Heber Springs and Harry Fraser of Heber Springs; two sisters, Louise Wallace of Heber Springs and Ruby Seymore of Texarkana, Texas; six grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Mrs. Fraser is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 15, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Olmstead Chapel. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 16, at 2:00 p.m. in the Olmstead Chapel with Rev. Bill Sutton officiating. Interment will follow in Cleburne County Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Dr. M. E. Barnett, Charlie Green, Jerry Sartain, Dennis Green, Joe Spinks, and Roger Brown. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Mary Harper Sowell
Mary Harper Sowell, 81, of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, died July 10, 2005 at her home in Fairfield Bay. Born in Little Rock, she was the daughter of Riley and Allie Aldridge Harper. She was a retired teacher from the Arkansas School for the Blind, a member of the Arkansas School for the Blind Alumni Association, the Poet’s Roundtable of Arkansas, and the Arkansas Penwomen. She was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include her son, Willy Sowell, and his significant other Denice Tullis of Shirley, AR; her daughter, Cissy Dowdy and her husband Richie of Batesville, AR; grandchildren, Chris and Sarah Sowell and Rana and Resa Dowdy; two brothers, John Harper and Jim Harper, both of North Little Rock, and many nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at Bradford cemetery chapel in Shirley with Jarla Collier officiating. Burial will be at Bradford cemetery under the direction of Olmstead Funeral Home in Heber Springs. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Olmstead Woodland Memorial Park in Fairfield Bay.
Aileen Morton Rhodes
Aileen Morton Rhodes of Heber Springs passed away Saturday, July 9, 2005 in her home surrounded by family and friends. She was born in Heber Springs on February 9, 1924 to Samuel David Morton, Sr. and Bettie Alice (Allie) Gribble Morton. She taught piano lessons and was an employee of the Gem Theatre for many years. In 1956, she married
Amyuel Ardell Rhodes and moved to North Little Rock where he was stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base. Soon after the birth of their daughter, Patricia, they moved to Blytheville, Arkansas. After a final military assignment to Wiesbaden, Germany, they returned to Heber Springs in 1969. Aileen was a member of Heber Springs First Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband, A. A. Rhodes of Heber Springs; her daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Pete Nicosia of Del Rio, Texas; one granddaughter, Nicole Nicosia of Del Rio, Texas; one brother, Sam Morton of Heber Springs; and one sister, Clara Mae Davenport of Little Rock. Aileen is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12, at the Olmstead Chapel with Dr. J. R. DeBusk officiating. Interment will follow in Heber Springs cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dewayne Combs, Jade Goldman, Gary Griffith, John Murphy, Wallace Sneed, and Lindell Southerland. Memorials may be made to the Cleburne County Library or Cleburne County Hospice. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Norman Gilbert Yeager
Norman Gilbert Yeager, 75, of Greers Ferry passed away July 9, 2005. He was born in 1930 in Baldwin, Mississippi, lived in the West Memphis/Marion area for 36 years, and owned a heating and air conditioning business. He retired in 1996 and moved to Greers Ferry, Arkansas. He was a member of Holiday Hills United Methodist Church and he served in the Korean War. He is survived by his wife, Chequita Yeager, one son, Barrett Norman Yeager of West Memphis, one daughter, Dana Yeager Forsythe of Memphis, 6 grandchildren, sisters, Lora Stanley and Lura Stephens, both of Bay, Arkansas, other relatives and many friends.
Visitation was Tuesday, 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Holiday Hills United Methodist Church. Graveside services Followed at 11:00 a.m. at Woodland Memorial Park with Rev. Dan Brand and Rev. Denzel Stokes officiating. Serving as pallbearers were grandsons, Nathan, Clay, and Jesse Yeager, Logan and Blake Forsythe, and Bonds Taylor. Memorials may be made to the Holiday Hills United Methodist Church Building Fund.
Arrangements by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Heber Springs, Arkansas.
Herbert Lynn Collard
Herbert Lynn Collard a longtime resident of Banner, Arkansas passed away Friday, July 8, 2005 in the Alabaster Health Care Center in Alabaster, Alabama at the age of 95 years. He was born November 5, 1909 at Banner, Arkansas, the son of the late William Austin Collard and Mollie Irene Ferguson Collard. Mr. Collard retired in the early 70's after working in the furniture manufacturing assembly in Batesville, Arkansas for several years and doing carpenter work. He had made Alabama his home for the past six years leaving this area to be near his daughter, Barbara and her husband, John. He is survived by daughter, Barbara and son in law, John Rosamond Two granddaughters, Melanie Rosamond of Montevallo, Alabama and Laura Frederick and two great granddaughters, Elizabeth Frederick and Kate Frederick. He is also survived by his sister Bernice hill of Sarasota, Florida, several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews other relatives and friends.
Graveside Services were held Monday, July 11, 2005 at 10:30 am in the Concord cemetery. Arrangements by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
William Louis Wilson
William Louis Wilson, age 78, of Searcy, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, July 7, 2005, at Central Arkansas Hospital in Searcy. Born in Woodrow, Arkansas, on November 26, 1926, he was the son of the late Clarence and Edna (Everett) Wilson. Mr. Wilson was a veteran of World War II and retired from the United States Air Force with thirty years of military service. He was a Disabled American Veteran and a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Wilson is survived by his wife, Lorene (Spencer) Wilson of Searcy; one daughter, Michaela Wilson of Conway; two brothers, Billy Wilson of Shirley and Arlen Wilson of Missouri; four sisters, Ruby Dollar of Michigan, Azelea Carlton and Myrl Banks, both of Prim; and Leona George of Illinois; and two grandchildren. Mr. Wilson is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Wilson will be held Sunday, July 10, at 2:00 p.m. in the Prim Full Gospel Church with Dennis Knapp officiating. Interment will follow in the Everett cemetery with military honors provided by the V.F.W. Mr. Wilson’s nephews will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
Willie Lee Sesley
Willie Lee Sesley, age 75, of Edgemont, Arkansas, passed away Monday, July 4, 2005, at Baptist Health Medical Center in Heber Springs, Arkansas. Born in Tennessee on November 27, 1929, he was the son of the late Manning and Cora Duke. A resident of Arkansas for eleven years, Mr. Sesley was a retired welder and served as a volunteer fireman for the Prim Fire Department. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Sunny Slope Baptist Church. Mr. Sesley was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara (Powell) Sesley. He is survived by one son, Willie L. Sesley, Jr. and wife, Ozella, of Garland, Texas; one daughter, Helen Jean Barnes of Waterloo, Iowa; one sister, Elizabeth Smith and her husband, Ey, of Memphis, Tennessee; and five grandchildren. Mr. Sesley is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will be held Saturday, July 9, at the Sunny Slope Baptist Church from 9:00-10:00 a.m. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Dwight Decker officiating. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.
