Doris M. Keesee

 

Doris M. Keesee, age 83 of Malvern, died Wednesday morning, January 30, 2008, in the Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock.  She was born on October 18, 1924 in Prattsville, Arkansas to the late Landis Baron and Claude Hope Mitchell. Reared and receiving her education in Prattsville, Doris excelled in school sports.  She was a star player, along with her twin sister, Dorothy, on the high school basketball team, rarely scoring less than 10 points a game.  During World War 2, she worked in an aircraft assembly factory in California, a job of which she was very proud.  On April 22, 1946, she married James Keesee in Benton, Arkansas. Her husband owned and operated the Mayflower Moving and Storage Company in Malvern for many years.  Doris participated in every aspect of the business over the course of its existence.  Mr. Keesee preceded her in death in 2001.  She was a member of First Baptist Church and attended the Ruth Sunday School Class. 

She is survived by two sons, David and his wife, Melissa Keesee of Malvern, and Mark and his wife Neomia Keesee of Little Rock; by a daughter, Jean and her husband, J. E. Duffey of Houston, Texas; by a brother, Hiram Mitchell of Lake Village, Arkansas; by two sisters, Reba Allen of Phoenix, Arizona, and Theresa Evans of Orlando, Florida; by six grandchildren, Tinya Duffey, Curry Duffey, Mendi Kessee Palmer, Kendall Keesee Thornton, Jared Keesee, and Mitchell Keesee; and by three great-grandchildren, Carson Palmer, Sofia Duffey, and Talon Duffey Baleria. 

Doris was also preceded in death by ten brothers and sisters.

Her funeral will be held at two o’clock Saturday afternoon, February 2, 2008, in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Dr. Verne Wickliffe officiating.  Interment will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Pallbearers are: Curry Duffey, Jon David Palmer, Gary Bell, Mitchell Keesee, Waylon Sligh, and Jared Keesee.

Honorary pallbearers are: Robert Rigdon and Scott Fuell.

The visitation will be on Friday from five-thirty until seven o’clock in the evening at the mortuary.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the First Baptist Church Family Life Center or to the American Heart Association. 

The family extends its grateful appreciation to her Sunday School class for all their love and friendship over the years, and to Dr. Bruce White for his care and attention to Doris.

The family will be headquartered at 2828 Southgate Drive, Malvern.

Online condolesnces may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

 

John Houston Kimzey

 

John Houston Kimzey, age 92 of Magnet Cove, died Monday, October 22, 2007 at his home. He was born in Magnet Cove on November 7, 1914 to the late John Taylor and Josephine E. Lofton Kimzey. Reared and receiving his early education in Magnet Cove, where he graduated from high school in 1934, he later graduated from Henderson State Teachers College ( now Henderson State University). He taught agriculture in the Donaldson schools for a time, but went to work for Reynolds Metals Company, from whose employ he retired in 1979. A World War 2 United States Army veteran, he served in the China-Burma-India Theater as an instructor in the foreign training center in Ramgarh, India. This center was top secret and it existence was not disclosed until after the war. The instructors at Ramgarh had been hand-picked for the assignment because they were tops in their field. Mr. Kimzey had learned to speak Chinese for his assignment and was issued a lapel pin with Chinese characters worn only by the instructors at Ramgarh. The translation: VICTORY THROUGH KNOWLEDGE.

Mr. Kimzey was an avid golfer. He shot his first hole-in-one at the age of 80! He was a member of the Arkansas State Golf Association, the International Order of the Oddfellows, and the Magnet Cove United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Ola Frances Beaver Kimzey, of the home, to whom he was married on January 24, 1961; by two daughters, Dee Emami of Oxnard, California, and Mitzi Beasley of Malvern; by a step-daughter, Doris Hubbard of Alexander, Arkansas; by a step-son Dale Harvey of Donaldson; by four grandchildren, Armaun Emami, Kimberly Black, Jeffrey Hunt, II, and Andrew Wilson; and by seven step-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by four sisters: Mary Kimzey, Annie Lapin, Gladys Van Meter, and Rosie Rogers; by five brothers: Jeff, Reed, Lawton, Ord, and Thornton Kimzey, and by a step-son, Walter Harvey.

His graveside service was held on Tuesday morning, October 23, 2007, at ten o’clock in the Magnet Cove Cemetery with the Reverend Bob Clark officiating. Arrangements were entrusted to J. A. Funk Funeral Home.

We invite you to leave a message for the family. We are concerned for the privacy of our client families and want you to know that your message to them is secure. Please send your message email to J.A.Funk Funeral Home.

 

Mary Ross Langley

Mary Ross Langley, age 91 of Malvern, died Friday night, February 1, 2008, in the Malvern Nursing Home.  She was born in Malvern on January 18, 1917 to the late Allen and Maud Allen Brady.  Reared and receiving her early education here, she was a 1935 graduate of Malvern High School.  Mary continued her education after moving to Texas, and attended the Longview School of Business.  She worked as a drugstore bookkeeper in Longview before coming back to Malvern permanently in 1960.  Mary worked at the Hot Spring County Medical Center for 15 years.  She was a devoted member of Second Baptist Church and was active in many church programs throughout the years.  An avid golfer, she also loved to play bridge.  Mary was the widow of the late Elmo Jordan, her first husband, and the late A. C. “Squeaky” Langley, to whom she was married for 35 years.  She was also preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law, Doris and Don Smith.

 

 Her survivors include a step-daughter Carol Jean and her husband Claud Allen Davis of Malvern; two grandchildren, Katie Davis Black (Gerald) of Missoula, Montana, and Kelley Davis of Springdale, Arkansas; a sister, Gladys Strickland, of Malvern; two nieces, Mary Ann Danner (Richard) of Bonham, Texas, and Donna McHenry (Tom) of Ft. Worth, Texas; two nephews, Robert Bland of Georgetown, Texas, and William Bland of Bogata, Colombia; a local cousin, Wilbur and his wife Neva Sullivan of Malvern; and a host of cousins, grand-nieces and nephews.

 

 A memorial service will be held at ten o’clock Tuesday morning, February 5, 2008 in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Brother Morris Cloud and Brother Richard Danner officiating.  In accordance with Mary’s wishes, her body was cremated.  Her ashes will ultimately be interred on the family plot in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

 

 In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the Second Baptist Church Building Fund.

 

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

 

Jerry N. Lawrence

 

Jerry N. Lawrence, age 61 of Hot Springs, died early Sunday morning, December 9, 2007, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 19, 1946 in Willow, Arkansas, to the late Otis C. and Eva Tate Lawrence. Reared and educated in Hot Spring and Grant Counties, he had been a resident of Hot Springs, Arkansas for 40 years. Jerry was an Independent Insurance Agent, a United States Army veteran, was a member of the Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, and the L & L Hunting Club. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved to talk on the phone. Jerry was the husband of Deleta Bray Lawrence, to whom he was married on March 1, 1965 in Bryant, Arkansas, and who survives him.

His other survivors include: his children, Terry Lawrence; Tonya Lawrence Baier and her husband, Tim; and Pam Lawrence Tolleson, all of Hot Springs; by his beloved grandchildren, Jessie and Mitchell Taylor; Stacie, Cory, and Haley Lawrence; Jared and Meredith Baier; Lauren Hall, Kristen Beard, Maddie Davis, and J. R. Tolleson; by one great-grandson, T. J. Taylor; two brothers, Jimmy Lawrence of Magnet Cove and Otis Lawrence of Mabelvale; and by two sisters, Elsie Harper of Fordyce and Alice Sevier of Hernando, Mississippi.

Jerry was also preceded in death by a brother and a sister, Dewey Lawrence and Shirley Edwards, and by his daughter-in-law, Teresa Lawrence.

His funeral will be held on Wednesday morning, December 12, 2007, at ten o’clock in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Brother Larry Stinson officiating. Interment will follow in Tulip Cemetery.

Pallbearers are: Mitchell Taylor, Jared Baier, Cory Lawrence, Gary Draper, Jimmy Rodgers, and Richard Tolleson.

Honorary pallbearers are: Jerry (J. R.) Tolleson and Timothy (T. J.) Taylor.

A visitation will be at the mortuary on Tuesday evening from six until eight o’clock.

The family will be at their home, 113 San Pablo Way, Hot Springs.

We invite you to leave a message for the family. We are concerned for the privacy of our client families and want you to know that your message to them is secure. Please send your message email to J.A.Funk Funeral Home.

 

 

 

Dorothy Banks Logan, age 83, of Malvern, died Wednesday evening December 10, 2008, at her home.  She was born in Malvern on April 18, 1925 to the late Donald and Bernice Mason Banks, the first female born into the Banks family in 38 years.  When Dorothy was only 18 months old, her father died.  Her mother subsequently married Henry Wright, (the first fulltime paid fireman in the history of Malvern) and he reared her as his own.  She was educated in Malvern and was a faithful member, until her health began to fail, of First United Methodist Church.  Dorothy began working at the Malvern Daily Record in her late teens, and 42 years later, retired as Associate Editor.  She was an avid Razorback fan and rarely missed a game.  A prolific rollerskating, water skiing and swimming enthusiast, she and Dewey also loved to go dancing.  She could really “cut a rug”.  Dorothy was a devoted and loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, and friend.

 

She is survived by her husband, Dewey Logan, to whom she was married on March 29, 1944 in Compton, California; by her brother Bill and his wife Bobbie Wright of Malvern; by her sister-in-law and her husband, Virginia and Max Bryant of Little Rock; by her nieces and nephews and great-nieces and –nephews, Hank and Tracy Wright, John and Lynn Wright, Rodney and Leigh Bryant, Paul and Lynn Ann Bryant, Rebecca Bryant, Gail and Dan Lien, Seth, Logan, and Jake Wright, Jake, Tara, and Natalie White, Lisa Akridge, and Stephanie, Bradley, and Tiffany Akridge. 

 

Her funeral will be Saturday morning, December 13, 2008, at ten o’clock in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with the Reverend J. Stephen Wingo officiating. 

 

Interment will be in the family plot in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

 

Pallbearers will be Hank, John, and Seth Wright, Paul and Rodney Bryant, and Dan Lien.

 

Honorary pallbearers will be George Green, Gleason McGuire, and A. J. Robinson. 

 

The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Friday evening from five until seven o’clock. 

 

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the First United Methodist Church. 

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

Ronald J. Logue

 

Ronald J. “Ronnie” Logue, age 63, of Malvern, died Saturday evening, August 11, 2007 at his residence. He was born in Taylorville, Illinois on May 11, 1944 to Mary Helen Noblet Logue and the late Jesse Carl Logue. Mr. Logue was reared and educated in Illinois. He retired after 33 years from Caterpillar, Inc. in East Peoria, Illinois, where he was very active in the union. He had served as Bargaining Committee Chairman for the local UAW #974 in East Peoria. Mr. Logue moved to Malvern in 1996 and bought a farm near the Ouachita River. He began raising cattle and horses on what he called his “little piece of Heaven”. On the side, he drove a school bus and established a wonderful rapport with his kids and their parents, who all called him “Mr. Ron”. At the time of his death, he was serving as president of the Hot Spring County Cattlemen’s Association. Mr. Logue was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Malvern, having served as president of the church’s board for two terms.

Mr. Logue was also preceded in death by a brother, Steven Dale Logue.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Meisinger Logue, of the home, to whom he was married on February 1, 1980 in Green Valley, Illinois; by two sons, Jason Logue of Peoria, Illinois and Jeff and his wife Jann Logue of Washington, Illinois; by three step-children, Kelly Mistretta of Arizona, Krystal Call of Pekin, Illinois, and Bradley and his wife, Kelly Volk, also of Pekin; his mother, Mary Helen Bright of Canton, Illinois; a sister, Jerolyn and her husband Robert Edwards of Salem, Missouri; two brothers, Roger and his wife Diane Logue of Wilmington, Illinois, and Gary A. Logue of Oklahoma; one granddaughter, Brooke Patterson; four step-grandchildren, Angela and Dustin Call, and Shimeha and Heather Volk; and by one step great-grandson, Braydon.

His funeral will be at eleven o’clock Wednesday morning, August 15, 2007 in the sanctuary of St. Luke Lutheran Church with Pastor Ken Burton officiating. Cremation will be the final disposition.

Honorary pallbearers are Joe DuBoise, David Jordan and Danny Jordan, Terry Bond, Bob Edwards, and Shawn Van Note.

The family will receive friends at J. A. Funk Funeral Home on Tuesday evening from six until eight o’clock.

Memorials are requested to St. Luke Lutheran Church or Baptist Health Hospice in Arkadelphia.

We invite you to leave a message for the family. We are concerned for the privacy of our client families and want you to know that your message to them is secure. Please send your message email to J.A.Funk Funeral Home.

 

Vivian Lynn Robeson Wilcox Luethje

 

Vivian Lynn Robeson Wilcox Luethje, age 63 of Oppelo, Arkansas, died unexpectedly on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at Fairfield Bay. She was born August 24, 1943 in Malvern to the late F. D. and Clora Mae O’Neal Robeson. Reared and receiving her early education in Malvern, she attended Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia and went on to earn her Master’s degree in business at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. A great part of her working life was spent in the administration department at the Petit Jean Vocational College in Morrilton, Arkansas, where she was also a member of the local First United Methodist Church. Lynn was an avid bridge player, loved computers, and was always “there“ for anyone in need.

She is survived by her husband, Dean H. Luethje, of Oppelo, to whom she was married on February 19, 1996; by a daughter, Jaime Lynn Wilcox of Conway; by two brothers: David Robeson of Houston, Texas, and A. J. Robeson of Mabelvale, Arkansas; by three sisters: Pauline M. Kelley of Jacksonville, Florida, Jo Ann Sullivan of Little Rock, and Eunice O. “Neta” House of Malvern; and by numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews.

Lynn was also preceded in death by her first husband, James H. Wilcox.A graveside service will be held on Tuesday morning, May 8, 2007, at eleven o’clock, in the Cooper Cemetery near Malvern with the Reverend David Smith officiating.

We invite you to leave a message for the family. We are concerned for the privacy of our client families and want you to know that your message to them is secure. Please send your message email to J.A.Funk Funeral Home.

 

Betty Lyons

 

Betty J. Lyons, age 66 of Malvern, died early Friday morning, December 28, 2007, in the Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock. She was born in Willow, Arkansas on January 15, 1941 to the late Walter M. and Iona Jones Cox. Reared and receiving her early education in Willow, she moved with her family to Malvern in her junior year of high school. Betty later earned her associate degree from the Draughn’s School of Business in Little Rock. She worked for State Farm Insurance for over 20 years, most of that time being with the E. O. Cooper Agency, where she dealt in sales and claims. Betty had been an active member of Third Baptist Church, where she attended the Sunshine Sunday School Class. She was an avid reader, and loved to sew and do needlepoint. Betty was a doting grandmother who did her best to attend all the ballgames, recitals, and other activities in which her grandchildren were involved.

She is survived by her husband, James Lyons of Malvern, to whom she was married on November 26, 1960 at St. Paul United Methodist Church; by two daughters, Becky and her husband Andy Burks, and Phyllis Lyons, all of Malvern; by two brothers, Charles Cox of Malvern, and Billy and his wife, Opal Cox of Rockport; and by two grandchildren, William and Elizabeth Burks.

Her funeral will be at two o’clock Sunday afternoon, December 30, 2007, in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Dr. Verne Wickliffe officiating. Interment will follow in Cypress Cemetery at Willow.

Pallbearers will be: Gerald Skinner, C. M. Phillips, Joe Bittles, Alan Overturf, Don Walsh, and Jim Paul Franks.

Honorary pallbearers will be the deacons of Third Baptist Church.

A visitation will be held on Saturday afternoon from four until six o’clock at the mortuary.

Memorials are requested to the Lottie Moon Christmas in care of Third Baptist Church, Malvern.

The family will be headquartered at the Burks residence, 2139 Taylor Street in Malvern.

We invite you to leave a message for the family. We are concerned for the privacy of our client families and want you to know that your message to them is secure. Please send your message email to J.A.Funk Funeral Home.

 

 

Mr. Glenn A. Martin, age 86, of Malvern, died Sunday, October 19, 2008 in the Hot Spring County Medical Center.  He was born on April 10, 1922 in Stamps, Arkansas to the late John Watson and Ester Hodnett Martin.  Reared in Stamps, he left school after the third grade to take up work to help support his family.  He subsequently became a supervisor for Brown and Root Construction Company, working there for 25 years until his retirement.  Mr. Martin was a loving father and grandfather, and loved to pick on his kids and grandkids.  He was an avid fisherman, loved raising chickens and guineas, and taking care of his dogs.  Mr. Martin was also quite fond of chewing tobacco.  His first wife, and the mother of his children, Ruth Ward Martin, preceded him in death on December 25, 1976.  They were married on December 25, 1940 in Waldron, Arkansas.

 

He is survived by his wife, Clara Martin, of Malvern, to whom he was married on November 7, 1977 in Oklahoma; by two sons, Paul and his wife Lila Martin of Texarkana, Texas, John Martin and his wife Francis Martin of Houston, Texas, by a daughter, Judy Martin of Klamath Falls, Oregon; by eight grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. 

 

Graveside services will be held at two o’clock Monday afternoon, October 20, 2008, in the Union Cemetery near Bodcaw, Arkansas with Brother Wesley Howard officiating, and under the direction of J. A. Funk Funeral Home. 

 

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

Wanda Lee Mayton

 

Wanda Lee Mayton, age 78, of Malvern, died Wednesday, April 16, 2008, at her residence.  She was born on March 26, 1930 in Hope, Arkansas to the late Willie and Elba White Knight.  Reared and educated in Hope, she had been a resident of Malvern since 1946.  She was a homemaker and a Baptist.  Mrs. Mayton was the widow of the late James Kenneth Mayton, to whom she was married on July 3, 1946 in Hope, Arkansas.  He preceded her in death on September 12, 1979. 

 

She is survived by her children, James Ronald Mayton of DeQueen, Arkansas; Brenda Mayton Hewitt and Mike Fite, of Malvern, and Cindy Mayton Wacaster and her husband Kenny, of Hot Springs; by one precious granddaughter, Laci Leigh Ross of Hot Springs; by a niece, LaDon Jester of Dierks, Arkansas. 

 

Mrs. Mayton was also prececed in death by a daughter, Linda Sue Mayton, a son-in-law, Terry Hewitt, and by three sisters, Lois and Pearl Ward, and Helen Crank. 

 

A graveside service will be held on Friday afternoon, April 18, 2008, at two o’clock, in the Shadowlawn Cemetery with Brother Ron Parrish and Brother Jimmy Jester officiating. 

 

Memorials are requested to Arkansas Hospice, 628 Malvern Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901.

 

Arrangements are under the direction of J. A. Funk Funeral Home, Malvern Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

             

 

 

Willam Henry McClure

 

William Henry McClure, age 83 of Malvern, died Saturday, July 14, 2007 at his residence. He was born on March 18, 1924 in Mountain Home, Arkansas to the late Thomas Henry and Edith Sanford McClure. Reared and receiving his early education in Mountain Home, he later attended the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland and Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. Henry was a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. He moved to Malvern in 1952 and, along with his brother George, co-founded McClure Real Estate, McClure Title and Abstract Co., and Southern Credit Corporation, the latter of which grew into Southern State Bank. Henry was a longtime civic leader. He was a member of the local industrial development corporation and had been active in the Malvern Lions Club. Henry was also a member of the First United Methodist Church. He was the widower of the late Maurice Pickens McClure.

He is survived by his children, Peggy and her husband Lee McElroy of Dallas, Texas; Paula and her husband Kent Middleton of Benton, Arkansas; Todd Carroll of Fort Mohave, Arizona; Linda Morgan, and Susan and her husband Alan Padgett, all of Little Rock; by a sister, Glenna Sue and her husband Charles Foresythe of Selmer, Tennessee; by six grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Henry was also preceded in death by two brothers, T. H. McClure and George L. McClure, Sr., and by a granddaughter, Kelly Padgett.

His funeral will be held at eleven o’clock Wednesday morning, July 18, 2007, in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church with the Reverend J. Stephen Wingo officiating. A visitation will immediately follow the service in the church fellowship hall. Henry will be interred on the family plot in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be James Batts, Danny Riggan, Mike Rimmer, Layne Sparks, Don Walsh, and Ron Malnar.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the Endowment Fund of First United Methodist Church, 127 East Page Avenue, Malvern, Arkansas 72104.

We invite you to leave a message for the family. We are concerned for the privacy of our client families and want you to know that your message to them is secure. Please send your message email to J.A.Funk Funeral Home.

 

Glenn McCoy

 

Glenn Franklin McCoy, age 79, of Diamondhead, died Tuesday night, May 20, 2008, in Hot Springs.  He was born on July 11, 1928 in Ottawa, Kansas to the late Frank A. and Ruth Crawford McCoy.  Reared and educated in Kansas City, Missouri, Mr. McCoy had been a resident of Diamondhead since 1987.  He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Malvern, having joined the church in 1988, had taught Sunday school, and attended the Friendship Sunday School Class.  A former president of the Diamondhead POA, he also served on its financial committee for a number of years.  Mr. McCoy was a Mason and member of the Alpha Lodge in North Kansas City, Missouri.  He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing bridge.  Mr. McCoy retired in 1986 as a quality supervisor at Owens Corning Fiberglas after 39 years with the company. 

 

He is survived by his wife, Betty Fugate McCoy of Diamondhead, to whom he was married on January 26, 1952 in Kansas City, Missouri; by his children, Susan and her husband Jim Palmer, of Mankato, Minnesota, Lynn and her husband Tom Sloan of Boca Raton, Florida; by his grandchildren, Joe and Tim Palmer, and Wrenn and Lee Sloan; and by a sister, Leta Thomas of Kansas City, Missouri.

 

 Mr. McCoy was also preceded in death by a sister, Mazie McClean. 

 

A memorial service will be held on Friday morning, May 23, 2008, at eleven o’clock in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church, Malvern, with Reverend Stephen Wingo officiating, and under the direction of J. A. Funk Funeral Home. 

 

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Malvern, or to the Diamondhead Lions Club. 

 

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

 

 

Verna Mitchella Nix Mitchell, age 87 of Malvern, died Friday, August 22, 2008 at the Hot Spring County Medical Center.  She was born on April 18, 1921 in Hot Spring County to the late Harvey Enoch and Eunice Burch Norwood.  Reared and educated in Hot Spring County, she was a homemaker and a member of Taylor’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.  Mrs. Mitchell was the widow of the late Arlia Mitchell, to whom she was married on August 15, 1952 in Benton.  He preceded her in death in 1987.  She was also preceded in death by four brothers, two sisters, and a grandson, Bradley McConnell.  Mrs. Mitchell was a loving mother who loved to raise flowers in her garden, and enjoyed sewing and listening to the Gaithers.

 

 She is survived by five daughters: Geraldine Nix Reynolds and her husband Bobbie; Karen Nix Hohrine and her husband Thomas, and Angela Mitchell, all of Malvern; Beverly Mitchell West and her husband James of Donaldson; and Veronica Mitchell McConnell and her husband Jacky of Mountain Pine; by three grandsons: Bobby Reynolds, Jr. of Benton, Bryan West of Magnet Cove, and Brady McConnell of Hot Springs; by six granddaughters: Tonya Smitha, Sheila Bailey, Cindy Lowery, Candice Pierce Young, all of Malvern; Emily Lane of Donaldson, and Brandy McConnell Daley of Hot Springs; by eleven great-grandchildren with one on the way; by a sister-in-law, Clatie Mae Baker of Malvern; and by several nieces and nephews. A special thanks goes to her caregiver, Carolyn Sue Pasley.

 

 A graveside service will be held at ten o’clock Monday morning, August 25, 2008 in the Lindsey-Poyen Cemetery with Brother Kevin Spurlin officiating. 

The family will receive friends at J. A. Funk Funeral Home on Sunday afternoon, August 24, 2008, from four until six o’clock.

 

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

Charles " Sonny" Nusko

 

Charles Lloyd “Sonny” Nusko, age 61 of Hot Springs, died Saturday, June 30, 2007 in the St. Joseph’s Mercy Health Center. He was born in Malvern on May 20, 1946 to Opal Faye Rhodes Nusko and the late Bernard N. Nusko. Reared and receiving his education in Hot Springs, he attended the First Step School, which was organized by his parents. Sonny worked at Abilities Unlimited in Hot Springs, an organization that evolved from First Step. He and his entire family were members of First Baptist Church in Hot Springs. Sonny loved his Sunday School class and his pastor, Brother John and all the class members were very special to him. Sonny was the eldest of three children. His sister Elizabeth Ann Nusko, and his brother Bernard Nusko, Jr. also preceded him in death.

He is survived by his mother, Opal Faye Nusko of Hot Springs, and a number of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Sonny’s funeral will be on Tuesday afternoon, July 3, 2007, at two o’clock in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home in Malvern, with Dr. Verne Wickliffe officiating. Interment will follow in Shadowlawn Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be members of Sonny’s Sunday School Class from First Baptist Church in Hot Springs.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday afternoon, one hour prior to the service.

Memorials are requested to Abilities Unlimited in Hot Springs.

We invite you to leave a message for the family. We are concerned for the privacy of our client families and want you to know that your message to them is secure. Please send your message email to J.A.Funk Funeral Home.

Opal Faye Rhodes Nusko

 

Opal Faye Rhodes Nusko, age 87, of Hot Springs, died early Monday morning, March 17, 2008 at her home.  She was born in Hot Spring County, Arkansas on April 5, 1920 to the late Lloyd and Lela Williams Rhodes.  Reared and receiving her early education in Malvern and graduating from Malvern High School, she attended college for a time in Shreveport, Louisiana, and later graduated from business school in Texas.  During her early career, Opal served as secretary to the supervisor at Reynolds Metals Company. She was the widow of the late Bernard N. Nusko, Sr. to whom she was married on November 15, 1943.  Most of her working life was spent by the side of her husband, who for 42 years was an agent for State Farm Insurance Company in Hot Springs.  She retired from the agency in 1990.  Mr. Nusko died on February 7, 2002. Opal also reared three children, all of whom preceded her in death.  They were: Bernard N. Nusko, Jr., Elizabeth Ann Nusko, and Charles Lloyd “Sonny” Nusko.  She and her late husband helped to organize, and through the years, supported the First Step School and Abilities Unlimited, Inc.  Having a child that utilized and thrived from the existence of these facilities gave Opal a focus that helped to minimize a lot of life’s sorrows.

 

Opal was a member of First Baptist Church in Hot Springs and had been active in many civic organizations.

 

Her survivors include cousins, Glenville Rhodes, Opal Sue Cox, Milrene Tackett, Glendene Clark, Linda Chandler, Barbara Draper, and numerous other cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

 

Her funeral will be held at ten o’clock Thursday morning, March 20, 2008, in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Reverend J. Wayne Clark officiating.  Interment will follow in Shadowlawn Cemetery.

 

The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Wednesday afternoon from five until 6:30. 

 

Memorials are requested to Abilities Unlimited, Inc. Hwy 227 North, Hot Springs 71913. 

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

 

Johnny B. Orr

 

Johnny B. Orr, age 88, of Malvern, died Friday morning, April 25, 2008, in the Hot Spring County Medical Center.  He was born in Leola, Arkansas on June 4, 1919 to the late William Thomas “Big Papa” and Delilly Crowder Orr. The youngest of seven children and the only boy, he was reared and received his education in Grant County. He had been a resident of Malvern since 1941.  Mr. Orr served in the United States Navy during World War Two. He was the widower of the late Amy Pauline “Polly” Otts Orr, to whom he was married on February 13, 1937.  She preceded him in death on June 29, 2006. Early in his career, he worked for Purdy’s Grocery as a delivery boy.  Working his way up in the business, he became a butcher, and was associated for a number of years with Toler’s Grocery and Fiser’s Grocery before starting his own business.  For thirty years, he and his wife co-owned and operated Orr’s Grocery on the corner of Highland Avenue and Cherry Lane.  Mr. Orr was a member of First Assembly of God Church.  He was also an avid hunter, being a member of both the Orr Hunting Club and the Hopewell Hunting Club. 

 

Mr. Orr is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Dale and Christina Orr of Malvern; by his daughter and son-in-law, Louella and Bob Beason, also of Malvern; by four grandchildren, Rod and his wife Carolina Beason of Rockville, Maryland, Kelley Beason of Benton, Arkansas, John and Philisia Orr of Sheridan, and Jeff Orr of Cabot, Arkansas; by nine great-grandchildren; and by a sister, Josie Russell of Malvern. 

 

He was also preceded in death by a son, Bobby Eugene Orr, and by four sisters, Lona Raines, Mary Jane Talbert, Eula Talbert, and Odetti Riggan. 

 

His funeral will be held on Monday, April 28, 2008, at one o’clock in the afternoon in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Reverend Bruce Bennett officiating.  Interment will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery. 

 

Pallbearers will be: Terry Joe Russell, Glen E. Talbert, Shannon Talbert, Benton Barr, Alex Walls, and Ryan McDaniel.

 

Honorary pallbearer is Dr. Bruce Burton. 

 

The family will receive friends on Sunday afternoon, April 27, 2008, from three until four-thirty at the mortuary. 

 

They will be headquartered at 2131 Taylor Street in Malvern. 

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

             

 

 

 

Juanita Lynn Overton, age 39, of Malvern, died early Thursday morning, December 4, 2008.  She was born on February 7, 1969 in Galesburg, Illinois.  Juanita was reared and educated in Malvern and was a Baptist.  She enjoyed going fishing, riding horses, and tending to her dogs, cats, geese, and other pets she so lovingly cared for.

Her survivors include: two sons, Cody McMahan and Dakota Andersen of Hot Springs; her parents, Bobby and Sue Stevens Overton of Malvern; three brothers, Todd and his wife Cheryl Overton of Malvern, Jimmy and his wife Cindy Overton of Enid, Oklahoma, and Tommy Overton of Hot Springs; by a sister, Kristi Efird and her husband Scott of Malvern; and her grandmother, Bessie Stevens of Hot Springs.

The funeral will be held on Monday morning, December 8, 2008, at eleven o’clock in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Brother Scott Efird officiating. 

Private interment will follow in Lono Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Dakota Andersen, Cody McMahan, Roy Overton, Wade Jones, and Michael Overton.

The family will be headquartered at 1214 Brownwood, the home of Todd and Cheryl Overton.  

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

 

Tangra Overton

 

Tangra Nicole Overton, age 16, of Malvern, died late Monday night at the Arkansas Children‘s Hospital in Little Rock. Born in Malvern on October 20, 1990, she was the daughter of Herman and Joyce Pierson Overton. Reared and educated in Malvern, she had just begun her junior year at Malvern High School on Monday. She had been a member of the Junior High Choir and was a cheerleader for two years. Tangra was a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church and also attended Victory Assembly of God Church in Lono. She had a host of dear friends who, along with her family, will miss her terribly.

Tangra is survived by her parents, Herman and Joyce Overton of Malvern; by a sister, Rhonda Overton , also of Malvern; by two brothers, Roy and his wife Christy Overton of Malvern, and Van Overton of Benton; by two nephews, Cameron and Caleb Deimel, and by two nieces, Ashley and Kayla Overton.

She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Donald and Robert Overton.

Her funeral will be held on Friday morning, August 24, 2007, at ten o’clock in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Brother Wesley Howard and Brother Glen McClung officiating. Interment will follow in Lono Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Roy Overton, Cameron Deimel, Caleb Deimel, Jonathon Keisler, McKenzie Davidson, and Justin Arnold.

Honorary pallbearers will be: Edwin Bolliera and John Parker.

The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Thursday evening from six until eight o’clock.

Memorials are requested to the Lono Cemetery Association, c/o 1321 Fowler St. Malvern, Arkansas 72104.

We invite you to leave a message for the family. We are concerned for the privacy of our client families and want you to know that your message to them is secure. Please send your message email to J.A.Funk Funeral Home.

 

 

 

William Ray Overton, age 87 of Malvern, died Thursday evening, October 2, 2008, in the Hot Spring County Medical Center.  He was born in Tulip, Arkansas on October 5, 1920 to the late William Thomas and Mary Ellen Lawrence Overton.  Reared and educated in Hot Spring County, Ray worked for the Natural Gas Pipeline as an equipment operator.  He was an Army veteran of World War 2, and was a Baptist.  Ray was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and camping.

 

 He is survived by his wife, Oveditha Riggan Overton of Malvern, to whom he was married on May 16, 1942; by three brothers, Curtis Overton of Kingsland, Arkansas, Haywood Overton of Camden, and Glendy Overton of Terrell, Texas; by one sister, Lilla May Harrison of Benton; by four grandsons, Buddy, Aaron, Lucian, and Brandon Overton, a step-grandson, Neil Webb; by four great-grandsons, Nicholas, Adam, Jordan, and Gavin Overton, and a step-great-granddaughter, Gabriele Webb. 

 

Ray was preceded in death by two sons, William Ray Overton, Jr., and Gaylon Overton; by three brothers, Roy, Dewitt, and Cecil Overton, and by two sisters, Ione Leath and Gertrude Huffman. 

 

His funeral will be held at three o’clock Sunday afternoon, October 5, 2008 in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Brothers Wesley Howard and Maxie Haynes officiating.   Interment will follow in Tulip Cemetery. 

 

Pallbearers will be Buddy Overton, Aaron Overton, Lucian Overton, Brandon Overton, Russell Overton, Tommy Overton, Neil Webb, and Steve Bracy.

 

Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Bruce Burton, The Crossing staff, and the ICU staff at Hot Spring County Medical Center. The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Saturday evening from six until eight o’clock. 

 

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

Mike Page

 

Michael C. “Mike” Page, age 58 of Malvern, died Wednesday afternoon in the Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock. He was born on February 14, 1949 in North Little Rock to the late Raymond and Stella Coston Page.  His family moved to Malvern when Mike was ten years old.  He was a 1967 graduate of Malvern High School and attended Henderson State University.  Mike began working at an early age: he was a paperboy as a child.  A diverse career path led him from working in Houston, Texas in the oil industry, to selling cars, to becoming a bartender, an occupation at which he labored for 30 years.  Mike was also a talented musician.  He played the guitar and sang in local bands for some time, gaining quite a following of fans.   Mike was a “free spirit”.  He was a good friend.  If he liked you, you knew it.  If he didn’t, you knew that, too.   If someone needed help, he was there for them.  He agonized over disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the displacement of the people affected by them.  He supported agencies like the Red Cross and the Salvation Army in their relief efforts.

 

 Mike is survived by his wife, Theresa Boyte Page, with whom he has been together for over 20 years; a step-son, Donnie Dodd of Magnolia, and a step-daughter, Angela Beall of Tyler, Texas; by two brothers, Franklin and Larry Page, both of Shreveport, Louisiana; and by seven grandchildren, Chelsea, Chad, Nicole, Shelly, Michael, Katie, and Emily. 

 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2008, at one o’clock in the afternoon in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home.  Mike had opted for cremation, with his ashes to be scattered in the ocean as his final disposition. 

 

Memorials may take the form of donations to the Salvation Army.

 

We invite you to leave a message for the family. We are concerned for the privacy of our client families and want you to know that your message to them is secure. Please send your message email to J.A.Funk Funeral Home.

John Franklin Parker

 

 

John Franklin Parker, age 84 of Malvern, died Tuesday, November 04, 2008, in the National Park Medical Center in Hot Springs. He was born on January 21, 1924 in Hot Spring County to the late Clarence and Lillie Evans Parker.  Reared and educated in Hot Spring County, he served in the United States Army during World War II, and saw action in the South Pacific.  Mr. Parker was a Missionary Baptist.  During his working life, he had been employed by Dresser Industries as a welder, by the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the National Park Service, from which he retired in 1989.  

He is survived by his wife, Judy Bailey Parker of Malvern, to whom he was married on June 26, 1982; two daughters, Fran Parker of Jacksonville, Arkansas, and Monica Parker Roberts of Malvern; one step-daughter, Cindy Smith Jones and her husband David, of Germantown, Tennessee; one step-son, Carey Smith and his wife Andi of Little Rock; six grandchildren, Miranda Buchanan, Bryan Horne, Casey Patterson, John Mikel Parker, Jessica Roberts, and Star Parker; three step-grandchildren, Wesley and Bailey Jones, and Emery Claire Smith; three great-granddaughters, Taylor, Macy, and Mackenzy Horne; two sisters, Betty Howell of Stephens, and Patricia Claxton and her husband Mike of Little Rock.  Mr. Parker was also preceded in death by a daughter, Jan Parker, by two sisters, Marie Davis and Nina Holcomb, and by a brother, Donald Parker. 

His funeral will be held at ten o’clock Friday morning, November 7, 2008 in the chapel of J.A. Funk Funeral Home with Brother Rickey Poyner officiating. 

Interment will follow in Ouachita Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Mike Claxton, David Jones, Gene Davis, B. J. Horne, Larry Howell, Joe Howell, Rick Howell, and Wayne Holcomb. 

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from six until eight o’clock. Online condolences may be sent via J.A.Funk Funeral Home. 

 

 

 

Lynn Dale “L. D.” Paul, age 79 of Malvern, died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon in the Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock.  He was born in Malvern on August 4, 1929 to the late Lynn D. and Iona Cunningham Paul.  Reared and educated in Arkansas and Texas, he graduated high school in Center, Texas.  L. D. was a retired businessman.  Early in his career he served for 19 years on the Malvern Police Department, many of those as the first Captain of the force, then headed by Chief Bill Funk. He was later a deputy sheriff for Hot Spring County, serving four years under Sheriff Milburn R. Gill.  L. D. was a member of First Baptist Church, a 32^nd degree Mason and a Shriner.  He enjoyed hunting, raising cattle, and just spending time outdoors.  L. D. faithfully read his Bible.

 

He is survived by three sisters, Bobbie and her husband Bill Wright, Shirley Paul Cooper, and Jeanne Vaughn and her husband, Ki, all of Malvern; two brothers, Dean and his wife, Lynn Paul, and Roger and his wife Andrea Paul all of Malvern; by 11 nieces and nephews, and 21 grand-nieces and –nephews. 

 

L. D. was also preceded in death by an infant brother. 

 

His funeral will be held on Wednesday morning, October 29, 2008 at ten o’clock in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with his nephew, Blake Paul officiating.  Interment will follow in Shadowlawn Cemetery. 

 

Pallbearers will be: Hank and John Wright, Chip Paul, Ross Vaughn, Nate Walsh,and Tanner Holder.

 

Honorary pallbearers are: Dr. Larry Brashears, Raymond Digby, James Robinson, Tom Daniel, and Brook Paul. 

 

The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Tuesday evening, October 28, 2008 from six until eight o’clock. 

Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

 Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lola Parker

 

 

Lola Juanita Parker, age 88, of Malvern, died Thursday evening, November 27, 2008 in the Malvern Nursing Home.  She was born on March 10, 1920 in Crowville, Louisiana to the late Dan C. and Minnie Temple Welch.  Reared and educated in Crowville, she was a homemaker and a member of Third Baptist Church of Malvern, where she had resided since 1988.  She was the widow of the late Isaac Oscar “Ike” Parker, to whom she was married on July 14, 1940 in Crowville.  They were wed for over 62 years when he preceded her in death on December 21, 2002.   

 

She is survived by a son, Larry and his wife Linda Parker of Malvern, a daughter, Judith and her husband Jim Fletcher of Tucson, Arizona; four grandchildren, Jeffrey Fletcher, Richard and Ryan Parker, and Ashley Jones; and by six great-grandchildren, Kylie and Avery Parker, Forrest and Lauren Parker, and Caroline and Luke Jones. 

 

Mrs. Parker was also preceded in death by two brothers, Leo and Ance Welch. 

 

The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Sunday afternoon, November 30, 2008 from two until four o’clock. 

 

Her funeral will be held on Monday morning, December 1, 2008, at ten o’clock in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Brother Bob Myrick officiating. 

 

Graveside services are scheduled for eleven o’clock Tuesday morning, December 2, 2008 in the Crowville Masonic Cemetery in Crowville, Louisiana with Brother Marion Collier officiating. 

 

Pallbearers will be Richard Parker, Ryan Parker, Don Parker, and Chris Walthall.

 

Honorary pallbearers will be the Men’s Sunday School Class of Third Baptist Church. Memorials are requested to the Lottie Moon Offering in care of Third Baptist Church, Malvern. 

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

Louise Smith Powell

 

Louise Smith Powell, age 87, longtime resident of Malvern and Hot Springs, died Saturday, July 26, 2008 at Presbyterian Village in Little Rock.  She was born in Lake City, Arkansas on February 19, 1921 to the late Lee Everett and Hattie Isabel Davis Newcom.  Reared and educated in Lake City and Jonesboro, she moved to Malvern in 1947, with her husband, Dr. Robert Lee Smith, Sr., DDS.  While rearing her son, Robert Lee Smith, Jr., she worked in her husband’s dental office as office manager and dental assistant.  After Dr. Smith, Sr. retired, and her son took over the practice upon finishing his studies, she continued running the office.  Her husband died in 1992, and her son died in 1997.  Louise had been a member of First United Methodist Church in Malvern, where she attended the Alice Brooks Sunday school class.  She was preceded in death by her second husband, L. Earl Powell, Jr., in 2005.  They lived for a number of years in Hot Springs, and were members of First Presbyterian Church.  Louise had been a member of the US Coast Guard Ladies Auxiliary in Hot Springs.

 

 She is survived by her grandchildren, Robert Lee Smith, III of Little Rock and Erika Elise Smith Hoffman of Houston, Texas; by two great-grandchildren, Myers Edward Hoffman and Hannah Lee Hoffman; by four nieces, one nephew, and by her daughter-in-law, Cherry Smith of Little Rock. 

 

Louise was also preceded in death by three brothers, Lonnie, Herbert, and Carl Newcom. 

 

A private entombment was held at Crestview Memorial Park in Hot Springs on Thursday, July 31, 2008, with Reverend John Arnold officiating and under the direction of J. A. Funk Funeral Home, Malvern. 

 

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 213 Whittington Avenue, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901.  

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.