Robert C. "Bob" Rabou

 

Robert C. “Bob” Rabou age 68, recently of Bismarck, Arkansas, rode on his good horse, Fancy, into the sunset to meet his Lord on Sunday, February 17, 2008. Born April 22, 1939, he grew up on the Rabou Ranch, northwest of Albin, Wyoming, learning the skills of riding, roping,  cattle, and range management so he could help carry on the family ranch established in 1905.  This he did better than most with an abiding respect, stewardship, faith, and honor to the Lord.

 

A lifelong shooting sports enthusiast, he loved to hunt from the deer and antelope on the ranch, to elk and moose in Northwest Wyoming, to coyote, rabbit, duck, geese, grouse, and a bobcat off the roof of his grandpa’s house.  He also enjoyed trap shooting and did reloading of all his shotgun shells, pistols, rifles, and black powder guns.           

 

His survivors, who will be joining him in the future roundup, are his wife, Norma; daughters, Ramona and husband Lee Willert, of Albin, WY, Carolee and husband Lyle Smith of Dumas, Texas, and Roxanne Rabou of Buffalo WY, a son Rex and his wife Anna Rabou of Cheyenne, WY; a brother, Bill and his wife, Dixie Rabou of Albin, WY; a sister, Margaret and her husband Bob Hale of Malvern, AR; grandchildren, Aimee Vialpando, John, Travis, Zane, and Cordell Willert, and Ray and Naomi Rabou; great-grandchildren, Tyne, Thayne, and Tatum Vialpando;  nephews, Roy and his wife, Lori Hale, and Billy Hale; great-nephews, Preston and Logan Hale.  Dear to him also were his aunts, uncles, and friends too numerous to mention.

 

Those who have preceded him in death and are there to greet him in the heavenly pastures are his parents, Lavon and Raymond Rabou, and his stepfather, Don Tilton.          

 

A memorial service will be held in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home in Malvern on  Tuesday, February 19, 2008, at 6:30 in the evening, with Brothers Todd Bray and Bobby Cook officiating.  Interment of his ashes will be on the Rabou Ranch in Albin, Wyoming at a later date.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the National Rifle Association of America, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, Virginia 22030-9400, (703) 267-1000.

           

Online condolences may be made via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

 

Ruby Irene Robertson

 

Ruby Irene Robertson, age 87, of Hot Springs, beloved wife, devoted mother, loving grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and sister-in-law, passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2008 at Quapaw Rehabilitation Center in Hot Springs.  She was born in the Antioch Community near Malvern on September 28, 1920 to the late Robert Edward and Ethel Elizabeth Siratt Hall.  Reared and receiving her education in Hot Spring County, she lived her entire life in the counties of Hot Spring and Garland.  During her working life, she had been employed at the General Motors Plant in Jones Mill, and at Lake Catherine Footwear.  Mrs. Robertson was a member of the Jones Mill Baptist Church. 

 

She is survived by her husband, Clark Robertson of Hot Springs, to whom she was married on July 1, 1941; by a son Carl B. Robertson and his wife, Debbie, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; by two grandsons, Brant and his wife Stacey Robertson, and Strett and his wife Brooke Robertson; and by four great-grandsons, Connor, Blake, Caymon, and Paden Robertson, all of Oklahoma City. 

 

Mrs. Robertson was also preceded in death by a sister, Bonnie Pearl Carter, and three brothers, Ray, Roy, and Rex Hall. 

 

Her funeral will be held on Wednesday afternoon, April 9, 2008 at three o’clock in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Brother Oscar Golden officiating.  Interment will follow in the Upper Antioch Cemetery.

 

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

 

Memorials are requested to the Antioch Cemetery Association, c/o Martha Allen, 343 Carter Sawmill Road, Donaldson, Arkansas 71941.     

             

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

 

Anna Felice McCray Roland

 

Anna Felice McCray Roland, age 93, of Malvern died Friday, May 18, 2007 at Arkansas Hospice in Little Rock.  She was born in Malvern on September 9, 1913, to the late Dr. Elwood Huffman McCray and Perle Etta Rhoden McCray.  A lifelong resident of Malvern, she attended Henderson State Teachers College (Henderson State University) where she received her teaching certificate.  She taught school for a few years but soon discovered that marriage and motherhood were her true calling.  While rearing three children, she made time to play the piano for the children’s Sunday School classes at her church and to raise beautiful flowers in her garden.  

In the years after her children were grown, Anna became more involved in her favorite activities, such as golf and bridge. She volunteered as a hospital “Pink Lady” and was a member of P.E.O., the Malvern Horticulture Club, and the United Methodist Women church circles. Anna was an artist. She used oils and pastels to create beautiful paintings. She also had a flair for china painting and lovingly shared her hand-painted pieces with family and friends.

Anna was a friend to many, young and old alike. For eleven years she worked in the principal’s office at Malvern High School as assistant secretary/registrar. A few lucky students with whom she interacted were captured by her wit and charm and became lifelong pals with her. Growing up in a prominent and closely knit family, Anna had a host of friends who, through the years, shared many of life’s aspects with her. They attended school together; they married and had children; they were widowed; and they grew old - all within a few miles of where they were brought into this world. She always treasured the “simplicity” of her life.  She will be missed.

Anna Felice was married to Robert Douglas Roland on September 20, 1935, in the First Methodist Church in Malvern. He preceded her in death on May 23, 1968. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Elwood McCray and Dr. Raymond McCray. She is survived by two sons, Robert Douglas Roland and his wife Rose Marie Kruger Roland of Clarence, New York, and Frank Warren Roland and his wife, Regina Lile Roland of Conway, Arkansas, and by a daughter, Sara Felice Roland Bond and her husband, David Thompson Bond of Williamsburg, Virginia. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Bryan Kruger Roland, Brock McCray Roland, Erin Felice Roland Haynes, Sara Lile Roland Harbison, Benjamin Thompson Bond, and Lindsey Felice Bond White, and five great-grandchildren, William Roland Harbison, Anna Margaret Harbison, Etta Lile Haynes, Anna Ray Haynes, and Zachary Thompson Bond.

Her funeral will be held on  Tuesday afternoon, May 22, 2007, at two o’clock  in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church with The Reverend J.Stephen Wingo officiating. Pallbearers will be Bryan and Brock Roland, Benjamin Bond, Ricky Doss, Rickey Fitzhugh, and Mike Burris. Interment will follow in the family plot in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Monday evening, May 21, 2007, from six until eight o’clock at the J. A. Funk Funeral HomeMemorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Malvern or to the Arkansas Hospice.

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.

Virginia D. Ross

 

Drucilla “Dru” Freeman Ross, age 84 of Malvern, died early Monday morning, October 19, 2009, in the Malvern Nursing Home.  She was born on December 17, 1924 in Sparkman, Arkansas to the late Jim and Jamie Rogers Nix.  Reared and educated in Sparkman, she had been a resident of Malvern since 1952.  She was the widow of the late Connie Freeman, who died in 1969.  Upon her husband’s death, she began working as a nurse’s aide at the Hot Spring County Medical Center.  She later became a physical therapy aide under the leadership of Dennis Morris, in which capacity she served for a number of years.  Dru was a loving mother and grandmother, and was very adept at sewing and crocheting.

She is survived by her children, Rita Lawrence and her husband Mike of Malvern; Phillip Freeman and his wife Susie of Lubbock, Texas; and Ronnie Freeman and his wife Suzi of Fayetteville, Arkansas; by two brothers, James Nix and his wife Frances of Rison, and Curtis Nix of Benton, Louisiana; by three grandchildren, Josh Freeman, Drew Green, and Lindsey Green; by three step-grandchildren; and by four great-grandchildren, Mikaela Adams, Briar Green, Riley Freeman, and Emma Freeman.

She was also preceded in death by three sisters and two brothers. 

Her funeral will be held at two o’clock Wednesday afternoon, October 21, 2009 in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Brother Rick McClure officiating. Interment will follow in Rest Haven Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Tommy Nix, Dennis Morris, Gaylon Bumgardner, Mike Lawrence, Drew Green, and Josh Freeman.

Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Ray Bollen and the staff of Malvern Nursing Home.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from six until eight o’clock.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

Jimmie Lee Vantrease Miller Samuels

 

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the passing of his saints.” (Psalm 116:15)

 

Jimmie Lee Vantrease Miller Samuels passed through this life on Friday, April 18, 2008.  She was born on September 30, 1926 in Social Hill, Arkansas to Badie and Mattie Belle Vantrease She was preceded in death by her parents; younger sister, Rosemary Knight; brother, John Vantrease; and the late Douglas Samuels, all of Malvern. 

 

Jimmie Lee lived the majority of her life in Malvern with her late, loving husband of 49 beautiful and endearing years, Robert Kilpatrick Miller.

 

 She is survived by her two daughters, Catherine Miller Koone and husband, Donald Koone of New Orleans, and Robin Miller Bookhout and husband, Robert Bookhout, of North Little Rock.

 

 Jimmie has four granddaughters who brought great joy and love to her life.  Now young women, Mary Kathryn Bookhout, Adrian Lee Koone, Mattie Miller Bookhout,and Caroline Kilpatrick Koone, will miss their “Mim” but forever remember her in their hearts. 

 

Survivors also include her dear sisters, Margaret Bradley and husband Kenneth of Malvern, and Joyce Baswell of Hot Springs, as well as her sisters-in-law, Dorothy Vantrease, Elizabeth Miller, and Betty Samuels all of Malvern. 

 

She also leaves to her legacy and memory many loving nieces and nephews, with a special thank you to Kim Cherry for her immeasurable kindness, support, and daughterly devotion.

 

 Jimmie Lee was a very talented woman.  She thoroughly enjoyed china painting, needle-point, cross word puzzles and playing bridge.  She loved volunteering.  She was a tenderhearted southern lady with a gregarious nature which enabled her to make friends easily.  Early friendships lasted a lifetime for Jimmie.  While many of these friends have gone before her, they now stand at the gates of heaven to welcome her home.  Although too numerous to mention all of her golden friends, she leaves behind a special note of love to Pat, Charlotte, Jean, Margaret Ann, Jean, Hilda, Berna, and Rosemary.

 

 Thank you to all who have sent cards, love, prayers, and thoughts throughout her good times and her times of tribulation.  A special, sincere thank you to the wonderful caregivers at Hospice Home Care Inpatient Center, Dena Reynolds Clementine Kelley, and the staff and friends at Presbyterian Village. You are all so appreciated. 

 

Jimmie Lee and her family love each of you dearly and will forever hold you in their hearts.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the Hot Spring County Library, or First Presbyterian Church of Malvern. 

 

Honorary pallbearers are Bill Knight, Dixon Miller, Lynn Marshall, Steve Walker, David and Daniel Cherry, Brad and Jared Daniels, Chaney and Tatum Miller, Carl Koone, Charles Jordan and Mike Wooldridge.

 

 Graveside will be Monday morning, April 21, 2008 at ten o’clock in the Shadowlawn Cemetery with Reverend Carl McCormack officiating.  Arrangements are under the direction of J. A. Funk Funeral Home, Malvern. 

 Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

             

 

 

Verna L. Schneider

 

Verna L. Schneider, age 73 of Malvern, died Friday morning, August 31, 2007 at her home. She was born in Kansas City, Missouri on March 3, 1934 to the late George and Bessie Galloway Harmon. Reared and educated in Kansas City, she had been a resident of Malvern since 1959. She was the wife of Arthur Schneider, to whom she was married on October 6, 1952 in Kansas City. Verna was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She was a homemaker and loved to collect doilies and knick-knacks.

She is survived by her husband, Arthur; by two daughters, Iona Dye of Hot Springs and Susan Dugan of Malvern; by a son, Norman A. Schneider of Mississippi; by a sister, Orami Coleman of Redding, California; by six grandchildren: Sandra Pierce, Brandon Dugan, Daniel Dugan, Jimmy Boyles, Johnny Boyles, and Sean Boyles; by four great-grandchildren: Austin and Aiden Pierce, and Chloe and Lillith Boyles.

Mrs. Schneider was also preceded in death by a brother, a sister, a grandson, and a great-granddaughter.

Her memorial service will be held at two o’clock on Monday afternoon, September 3, 2007 in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses with Elder Buddy Moore officiating.

The family will receive friends at the J. A. Funk Funeral Home on Sunday evening, September 2, 2007 from seven until nine o’clock.

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.

 

Donald E. Scott

Bill Edward Sherley

  

 

Bill Edward Sherley, age 72 of Malvern, died Tuesday morning, September 29, 2009 at his home.  He was born on April 5, 1937 in Mulberry, Arkansas to the late Cecil and Lena Mae Sims Sherley.  Reared and receiving his early education in Crawford County, he finished high school at the Johnson County Junior College.  Bill was a long distance trucker, most recently with Continental Express.  He had also driven for McAdams.  A United States Navy veteran, he had been a resident of Malvern since 1980.  He was the widower of the late Betty Sherley. 

 

His survivors include a brother, Clifford Sherley of Malvern, a sister Juanita Buck of Temple, Texas; four children, Doug Sherley, Deanna Sherley, and Donnie Sherley all of Kansas City, Missouri, and Jason Sherley of Bloomington, Illinois; and a number of grandchildren. 

 

Bill was also preceded in death by a sister, Joyce Surface. 

 

His funeral will be held on Saturday afternoon, October 3, 2009, at three o’clock in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Reverend LaVon Post officiating. 

 

A one hour visitation will precede the service on Saturday beginning at two o’clock.

 Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.

   

 

 

 

Judy C. Smith

 

 

Judy Carol Key Smith, age 52 of Malvern, died Thursday, February 21, 2008 in the National Park Medical Center in Hot Springs after a lengthy illness.  She was born in Malvern on September 20, 1955 to Dorothy Dammann Key and the late Elgin Calvin Key.  Reared and educated in Malvern, she was a homemaker and a member of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Benton.  During a somewhat diverse working life, Judy had been a truck driver, a factory worker, and a waitress.  She loved to go camping and to ride motorcycles.  A doting mother of three, she also helped to rear, and remained close to, many other children in her immediate family. 

 

 She is survived by her husband, Richard Smith of Malvern, to whom she was married on October 25, 1982; by a son, Richard Jacob Smith, also of Malvern; by a daughter, Jessica Peeks of Seabrook, Texas; by her mother, Dorothy Key of Malvern; by a brother, Ronald C. “Ron” Key and his wife, Dyan of Magnet Cove; by a sister, Pamela Lee and her husband Charlie, of Malvern; and by seven grandchildren. 

 

Judy was also preceded in death by a daughter, Desiree Moody, and by a brother, Michael Elgin Key.

 

 A graveside service will be held on Monday afternoon February 25, 2008, at one o’clock, in the Resthaven Cemetery near Central, with Brother David Brewer officiating, and under the direction of J. A. Funk Funeral Home. 

 

The family will be at their home, 165 Russellville Road in Malvern. 

 

Memorials are requested to the American Cancer Society or the charity of the donor’s choice.

 

Online condolences may be made via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

 

Lorene Phillips Smith

 

 

 

Lorene D Smith, age 87 of Malvern, died Saturday, January 9, 2010 in the Hot Spring County Medical Center.  She was born in Malvern on March 10, 1922 to the late Vernon and Madge Taylor Phillips.  Reared and receiving her early education in Malvern, she was a graduate of Henderson State Teachers College (now Henderson State University).  She was a retired school teacher, having taught in the Gifford school district.  Mrs. Smith was a member of Mt Zion Missionary Baptist Church where she taught the teenage Sunday School Class for many years.  She loved poetry, raised beautiful roses, was a wonderful cook, and lived to help others.  Mrs. Smith was the widow of the late Forest “Red” Smith, to whom she was married on December 1, 1945 in Benton, Arkansas.  He preceded her in death on April 17, 2001.

 

She is survived by her daughters, Suzy and her husband Paul Draper, and Jane Evans, all of Malvern; by two brothers, Bo and his wife Jeanette Phillips, and C. M. and his wife Anna Phillips, all of Malvern; by a sister, Odell Bartlett of Camden; by four grandchildren, Paula Paul, Nikki Draper, Russell Evans, and Dennis and his wife, Stefanie Evans; and by four great-grandchildren, Breana Evans, Aaron Evans, and Layne and Haley Evans; and by a special friend, Marvin Evans.

 

Mrs. Smith was also preceded in death by a brother, Max R. “Chip” Phillips.

 

Her funeral will be at the graveside at Fairplay Cemetery on Monday, January 11, 2010 at two o’clock in the afternoon with Brothers Wesley Howard and Donis Smead officiating.

 

Honorary pallbearers are: Drs. Ray Bollen, Carlos Rivas, Dylan Thaxton, and Bruce Burton.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

 

             

 

 

Phyllis L. Songer, age 75 of Malvern, died Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at her home.  She was born on August 12, 1933 in Council Grove, Kansas to the late Jake and Myrtle Phillips Hammett.  Reared and educated in Kansas, she had been a resident of Malvern since 1978.  She was a homemaker and the wife of Floyd Songer, to whom she was married in July of 1972 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Mrs. Songer had been active in the local FHA, served on the Democratic Committee, and was an election official, serving as a judge at the polls.  She sold jewelry, made ceramics, collected dolls, and enjoyed working word-find puzzles.  Going to yard sales and collecting antiques were two more of her favorite things to do.  She was Baptist by denomination.

 

She is survived by her husband, Floyd, of the home; by three sons, Robert Dull, Jr. of Georgia, Roy Dull of California, and Bill Paulson of Kansas; by two daughters, Deborah Moffitt of Texas, and Maureen “Reni” Kelley of Oklahoma; two step-daughters, Brenda Gregory of Texas, and Lynda Allen of Missouri; three step-sons, Gary Songer of Willow, Arkansas, David Songer of California, and Gerald Songer of Malvern; two sisters, Mary Ahearn of California and Virginia Davis of Kansas; 24 grandchildren and nine great-grancdhildren. 

 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Bill, Jack, Tommy, and Jim, and by a sister, Ann. 

 

A memorial service will be held at eleven o’clock Saturday morning, October 11, 2008 in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home.  Mrs. Songer’s body will be cremated. 

 

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

William Fred Spears, Sr.

 

William Fred Spears, Sr, age 95 of Malvern, died Monday afternoon, January 12, 2009 in the Hot Spring County Medical Center. He was born in Malvern on March 30, 1913 to the late Will and Mollie Smith Spears. Reared and educated in Malvern, he was a member of Third Baptist Church. Mr. Spears worked in Civil Service as a heavy equipment operator and machinist for the United States Navy. He was also a longtime employee of Malvern Gravel Company. An avid hunter, he was the last surviving charter member of the Malvern Hunting Club. He was the widower of the late Pearl Jones Spears, who preceded him in death in 1971, and the late Ambrey Caroll Spears, who died in 1974.

His survivors include: a daughter, Elizabeth Ann Henderson, a son Fred Spears and his wife, Pat, all of Malvern; two brothers, Oscar Spears of Oak Grove and George Spears of Malvern; his grandchildren, Crystal and David Penny, Kelly and Greg Crippen, Fred, III, and Tasha Spears, Neal Spears, and Lane and Kelli McKim; his great-grandchildren, Derek Rodgers, Weslea Rodgers, Paxton Penny, Peyton Penny, Katy Spears, Savannah Spears, and Emma Spears; two step-great-grandchildren, Taylor Crippen and Dalton Ivey.

Mr. Spears was also preceded in death by two sisters, Clara Spears Chanell and Kate Spears Daniels, and two brothers, Ben Spears and Edgar Spears.

The family will receive friends at J. A. Funk Funeral Home on Tuesday evening, January 13, 2009, from six until eight o’clock.

Graveside services will be held in Rockport Cemetery at two o’clock Wednesday afternoon, January 14, 2009, with his grandson, Freddie Spears, III officiating.

Pallbearers are Freddie Spears, III, Neal Spears, Lane McKim, David Penny, Paxton Penny, and Derek Rodgers.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com

             

 

 

James M. Spears

 

James M. Spears, age 60, of Malvern, died unexpectedly Thursday afternoon, April 26, 2007. He was born in Malvern on November 28, 1946 to George M. and the late Opal Jane Campbell Spears. Reared and educated in California, he was a carpenter by trade.He is survived by his father, George, of Malvern; by a son, James Spears, Jr. of La Mesa, California; by three brothers: Frank Freitas of Idaho, Sidney Freitas, and Jack Freitas, both of California; by two sisters: Mary Jane Spears of Malvern, and Patricia Land of Prescott, Arkansas; and by his nieces and nephews: Georgena, Brenda, Courtney, Amanda, Michael, Chris, Allen, and Kayla. A memorial service will be held on Monday afternoon, April 30, 2007, at two o’clock, in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with the Reverend James Batts 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.

Corinne Stanfiell

 

Corinne Stanfiell, age 87 of Malvern, died Friday evening, March 27, 2009 in the Arbor Oaks Healthcare and Rehab Center. She was born on August 10, 1921 in Lono, Arkansas to the late John Hamilton (Hamp) and Malissia Schoggin Porterfield. Corinne was reared and educated in Lono, graduating from Lono High School. She was a homemaker and the widow of the late Raymond B. Stanfiell, to whom she was married on April 7, 1942. He preceded her in death on December 21, 1972. Corinne was a member of First United Methodist Church, its Alice Brooks Sunday School Class, and the Daisy Dowdle Circle. She loved growing and tending to the flowers in her yard, which was always a beautiful sight on Clardy Avenue.

She leaves behind her daughter and son-in-law, Raymona and Hugh McKinnon of Malvern; a step-daughter Pat and her husband Charles Cockman of Little Rock; by a sister and brother-in-law, Janette and Ben Brantley of Baytown, Texas; a granddaughter, Velda Keeney and her husband Jay of Malvern; two grandsons, Eric McKinnon and Shane McKinnon and his fiancee, Brittaney Merrell; two step-granddaughters; five great-grandchildren, Jacob and Jace Keeney, Skylar and Zakkary McKinnon, and Dylan Foster; by four step-great-grandchildren; and by several nieces and nephews.

Corinne was also preceded in death by a sister, Maxine Workman, and a brother, Carl C. Porterfield.

Her funeral will be held on Monday morning, March 30, 2009, at ten o’clock in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with the Reverend J. Stephen Wingo officiating. Interment will follow in Harp Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Hugh McKinnon, Jay Keeney, Jacob Keeney, Eric McKinnon, and Shane McKinnon.

Honorary pallbearers will be: Skylar McKinnon, Zakkary McKinnon, Jace Keeney, and Dylan Foster.

A visitation will be at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon from three until five o’clock.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to First United Methodist Church, or to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

The family will be headquartered at 1422 Glenmere Circle in Malvern

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

 

William "Bill" Stanley

 

William “Bill” Stanley, age 62 of Malvern, died Wednesday, February 11, 2009 in Little Rock. He was born on September 24, 1946 in Malvern to the late Woodrow and Marie Peevehouse Stanley. A lifelong resident of Malvern, he was a roofer, having worked for years for the Kidder family. He also co-owned his own roofing company. Bill was an avid fisherman and loved to watch his grandkids play football and baseball. He was a member of Third Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Joann Freeman Stanley, to whom he was married on June 29, 1966. He also leaves behind a son, Mark and his wife Pamela Stanley of Magnet Cove; by his daughters, Kellie Kehner and her husband Mark of Magnet Cove, and Angela Hughes and her husband Brandon of Bismarck; a brother, James Marvin Stanley; five sisters, Frances Jane Layman, Ethel Nix, Glenda Thompson, Ann Stacy and her husband Larry, and Linda Martin and her husband Carroll, all of Malvern; six grandchildren, Justin and Blake Stanley, Colten Hughes, and Steven, Austin, and Payton Kehner; by his sisters-in-law, Virginia Norwood, Geneva Graham, Wilma Nash, Glenda Dawkins, and Shirley Siratt; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill was also preceded in death by four brothers, Lloyd Wayne Stanley, Harold Brent Stanley, Charles Dewayne Stanley, and Donald Woodrow Stanley; and by a sister Jean Marie Stanley.

His funeral will be Saturday afternoon, February 14, 2009, at two o’clock in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Brother Bobby Goodnight officiating. Interment will follow in the Ouachita Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Shane “Puddin” Scott, Jason Clements, Randy and Jerry Norwood, B. J. and Franky Stevens, Chad Williams, and Robert “Cooter” Kehner.

Honorary pallbearers will be: Dr. Ray Bollen, Howard Kemp, Sanford Graham, George Kidder, William Franklyn, and J. L. Kemp.

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

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

Wallace "Pete" Stiles

Wallace “Pete” Stiles, age 80 of Malvern, died Thursday, February 07, 2008, in the Saline Memorial Hospital in Benton.  He was born on November 9, 1927 in Dallas County, Arkansas to the late Homer and Effie Bullock Stiles.  Reared and educated in Dallas County and Malvern, Pete joined the United States Army and served as a truck driver and mailman on the Pacific Island of Guam.  He went to work for ALCOA, where he was employed as a machine operator. He retired after 28 years with the company.  Pete was a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.  He was an avid hunter and member of the Bee Hunting Club.

 

 He is survived by his wife, Sybil Reynolds Stiles, of the home, to whom he was married on April 12, 1947 in Malvern; by his son Larry and his wife Debbie Stiles of Malvern; by two grandchildren, Casey Stiles Ollar and her husband Mike, January Schultz and her husband Kyle; and by a great-grandchild, Weston Kyle Schultz. 

 

Pete was also preceded in death by three brothers, Seldon Stiles, Dewitt Stiles, and Dewey Stiles, and by two sisters, Johnnie Burks and Jane Dedman. 

 

His funeral will be on Sunday afternoon, February 10, 2008, at 2:30, in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Brother Wesley Howard officiating.  Interment will follow in Shadowlawn Cemetery.

 

 Pallbearers are: Shane, Gary, and Tommy Stiles, Fred Norwood, Steve Dedman, and Mike Ollar.

 

Honorary pallbearers are: Dr. Bruce Burton, Donna Adams, Ronnie Collie, Spud Beason, Thomas Crumby, Brother Maxie Haynes, and Bobby Williams. 

 

The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Saturday afternoon, February 9, 2008 from four until six o’clock. 

 

Memorials are requested to the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund. 

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

Newton James (Jim/Babe) Suitt

 

Newton James Suitt, age 72, of Little Rock, died Sunday in the Veterans Administration Hospital. He was born on January 9, 1938 in Ft. Smith, Arkansas to the late Newton James, Sr. and Nerine Austin Suitt. Reared and receiving his early education in Lake Village, Arkansas, he later attended the University of Arkansas. Mr. Suitt retired from the K-Mart Corporation after 25 years of service to the company. He was a United States Army veteran of the Viet Nam War.

Jim was a very active and loyal Free and Accepted Mason. He was Past Master of Crescent Lodge No. 403, North Little Rock, and Magnolia Lodge No. 60, in Little Rock, where he was a Pillar of Solomon recipient. He was currently serving as secretary of Mary Williams Lodge No. 307, Ferndale, Arkansas, where he had been selected as Mason of the Year for 2010. He conferred over 350 Masonic Degrees and helped a great number of Free Masons learn their Masonic lectures. He was a 32 nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, and received the honor of becoming a member of the Knight Commander Court of Honor of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America in December 2009.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Faye Neeper Suitt, of Little Rock, one daughter, Melissa Jane Suitt of Midwest City, Oklahoma; by two brothers, William Josh Suitt of Washington, and John Russell Suitt of Memphis, Tennessee; by three nieces and three nephews.

Funeral services will be held at ten o’clock on Thursday morning, June 3, 2010 in the Oak Park Missionary Baptist Church with Brother David Harris officiating. Committal service with Masonic Rites will be held at two o’clock Thursday afternoon at Lono Cemetery, south of Malvern, Arkansas on Hwy 9.

Pallbearers will be: Stony Suitt, John Sadler, Bob McKeon, Timothy Calhoun, Mikey Bishop, Michael Bishop, Sr, Frank Talley, and Phillip Page.

Memorials are requested to Oak Park Baptist Church, 8200 Flintridge Dr. Little Rock, Arkansas 72210, or to the Lono Cemetery Association, 1321 Fowler Street, Malvern, Arkansas 72104

Online condolences may be made via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

 

 

Barbara Pierce Taft

 

Barbara Gail Taft, age 58 of Malvern, died Friday morning, February 15, 2008 at her home.  She was born on May 27, 1949 in Malvern.  Reared and educated in Poyen, Barbara was a homemaker and the wife of Robert “ Bob” Taft, to whom she was married on February 5, 1977 in Malvern.  She loved to garden.  When the bounty of her labors came in, she busily canned, or otherwise put up the vegetables, so that her friends and family could later benefit from her excellent cooking ability.  A loving grandmother, she was called Mogo by her grandkids.

 

 Barbara’s other survivors include two daughters, Janey Welch, and Wendy Cook and her husband Jason, all of Malvern; a loving sister, Ramona and her husband Harry Draper of Poyen; her grandchildren, Devin Manis, Jessica Hixson, Michael Hixson, Amanda Hixson, and Robert Hixson; her nephew, David Draper and his family; and her beloved dogs, Tank and Taco. 

 

She was preceded in death by her father, Conrad Harvey Pierce, and her “Uncle Mush”, S. W. Pierce. 

 

Her memorial service will be held on Tuesday afternoon, February 19, 2008, at two o’clock in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Brother Paul Grigsby officiating. Interment of her ashes will follow in Harp Cemetery. 

 

Memorials are requested to your local Humane Society. 

Online condolences may be made via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

 

Eunice Tate

 

Eunice Swafford Tate, age 96, of Malvern, died early Sunday morning, March 2, 2008, at her home.  She was born in Ico, Arkansas (Grant County) on September 14, 1911 to the late Marvin and Sarah Drucilla Tabor Swafford.  Moving with her family to Malvern in 1921, she continued her primary education here and graduated from Malvern High School in 1931.  Eunice attended Southern State College (now Southern Arkansas University) in Magnolia for two years before receiving her B.S.E. degree from what is now the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.  She pursued her Master’s degree for a time, but married and started her family instead.  She was the widow of the late J. Cecil Tate, to whom she was wed on June 8, 1941 in the First Methodist Church in Malvern, by her pastor, Dr. W. C. Watson.  Mr. Tate preceded her in death in January of 2000.  Eunice retired from the Malvern Public School System in 1972 after a lengthy career teaching Home Economics at Malvern High School.  A longtime member of First United Methodist Church, she attended the Wesleyan Sunday School Class, and was active in church Circles.  She loved to sew and to knit, was a wonderful cook, and loved to grow flowers.

 

She is survived by two sons, John C. Tate and his wife, Cynthia, and Philip Allan Tate, all of Malvern; by a grandson, John Allan Tate and his wife, Paige; and by two great-grandsons, Tyler and Baron Tate.

 

Eunice was also preceded in death by a sister, Cassie Swafford; by two brothers, Horace and Edgar Swafford, and by a granddaughter, Andrea Tate.

 

Her funeral will be held at three o’clock on Wednesday afternoon, March 5, 2008, in the Sanctuary of First United Methodist Church with Dr. F. Gladwin Connell officiating.  Interment will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

 

Pallbearers will be: Don Presley, Gerald Skinner, Hugh Day Welch, Dale Horn, Chris Walthall, Dickie DeJarnett, Bob McKee, and Phil Clem.

 

There will be a visitation on Tuesday afternoon from five until six-thirty at the J. A. Funk Funeral Home. 

 

The family will be headquartered at 1729 East Page Avenue in Malvern.

 

Memorials are requested to the First United Methodist Church.All members of the Tate family extend our appreciation to Katherine Burns and Stormie Dunn for your devotion to Mrs. Tate during the final year of her life.  Your work became a labor of love that brought comfort to all of us.  May other people in need of care be blessed by your kindness.

 

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

 

Murry Blake Toler

 

Murry Blake Toler, age 81, of Malvern, died early Saturday morning, April 14, 2007, in the Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock. He was born in the Brush Creek Community near Leola, Arkansas, on August 14, 1925 to the late Homer G. and Emma Deere Toler. Reared and educated in Leola and Sheridan, he joined the United States Navy after graduating high school, serving until the end of World War 2. Mr. Toler was a longtime partner in the H. G. Toler and Sons Lumber Company in Leola, and was active in running the business until ill health forced him to slow down. He had served on the board of directors of the Malvern National Bank for over four decades. Mr. Toler was a member of First United Methodist Church of Malvern, where he had served on numerous committees and boards throughout the years.

He is survived by his wife, Ruby Jean Phillips Toler, to whom he was married on October 19, 1946 in the First United Methodist Church by the Reverend Fred R. Harrison. He also leaves behind two daughters, Nancy Toler Grigsby and her husband Richard, of Malvern, and Cindy Toler Hale of West Monroe, Louisiana; by a son and daughter-in-law David and Rhonna Toler of Malvern; by five grandchildren: Amanda, John, Kimberly, Brittany, and Andrea; and by six great-grandchildren: Summer, Nathan, Natalie, Megan, Phillip, and Billy.Mr. Toler was also preceded in death by a son, Phillip Murry Toler; by two brothers: Curtis and Harold Toler; and by two sisters: Mary Sue Kelly and Matilie Taggart.His funeral will be held at two o’clock Tuesday afternoon, April 17, 2007 in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church with the Reverend Stephen Wingo and Dr. F. Gladwin Connell officiating. Interment will follow in Brush Creek Cemetery.Pallbearers will be: Ernie Starks, Randy Grooms, Larry Dial, Todd Riggan, Melvin Finley, Donny White, and John White.

The family will receive friends at J. A. Funk Funeral Home on Monday evening, April 16, 2007, from six until eight o’clock in the evening.In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the First United Methodist Church 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.

Blanche Tullos

 

Blanche Tullos, age 79 of Malvern, died Sunday evening, August 12, 2007 in Hot Springs. She was born in Malvern on August 4, 1928 to the late Denson and Tabitha Swayze. Reared and educated in Malvern, she attended the Church of Christ. She was the widow of the late Wilson Tullos, to whom she was married on August 22, 1946 in Mississippi. He preceded her in death in 1999. Mrs. Tullos was a homemaker, but had worked for Featherlite Manufacturing Company for ten years.

She is survived by a daughter, Faye and her husband Ray Shields of Malvern; by two brothers, Max Swayze of Gifford and Sonny Swayze of Benton; by three sisters, Lennie Buie of Gifford, Janet Covington of Tennessee, and Jean Pilcher of Malvern; by two grandchildren, Jr. Wesolowski and Tony Tiernan; and by eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Tullos was also preceded in death by her daughter, Pat Wesolowski, and by seven brothers and sisters. Her funeral will be held at the graveside in Leau Fraiz Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon, August 15, 2007 at three o’clock with Brother Fred Etheridge officiating.

Honorary pallbearers will Tony Tiernan, Jr. Wesolowski, James Wesolowski, and Ray Shields.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Odyssey Hospice, 3634 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913.

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.

 

Cleo F. Turner

 

Cleo Franklin Turner, age 76, of Malvern, died Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at St. Joseph’s Mercy Health Center in Hot Springs.  He was born in Butterfield, Arkansas on January 10, 1932 to the late Harry and Maude Parsons Turner.  Mr. Turner was a United States Army veteran and served his country during the Korean War.  He retired from CF & I Steel Company in Pueblo, Colorado, after which he made his home in Malvern. 

 

His survivors include his wife, Jeanine Fuson Turner of Malvern; three sons, Frank and Jim Turner of Pueblo, Colorado, and Richard Turner of Asotin, Washington; two daughters, Nancy Mares and Lisa Snyder of Lewiston, Idaho; a step-son, James Samuel Fuson of Malvern; a step-daughter, Leah Fuson Campbal of Cabot, Arkansas; three sisters, Edna Hughes of Malvern,  Leona Hockett of Salina, Kansas, and Betty Jo Rooker of Wichita, Kansas; 14 grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and three step-great-grandchildren. 

 

The funeral will be at ten o’clock Friday morning, May 30, 2008 in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home.  

 

Interment will follow in Shadowlawn Cemetery.

 

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

 

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

Dorothy Fitzhugh Vantrease

Dorothy F. Vantrease, age 78 of Malvern, died Tuesday night, December 8, 2009, in the Hot Spring County Medical Center.  She was born in Malvern on January 14, 1931 to the late Walter A. and Linnie Robbins Fitzhugh.  Reared and educated in Malvern, she retired as a contract secretary from International Paper Company after over 30 years of service working in both the Malvern and Sheridan offices.  She was the widow of the late John Vantrease, Sr., to whom she was married on July 10, 1948.  He preceded her in death on February 15, 2004.  Dorothy was a member of First United Methodist Church.  She was an avid gardener and loved to cook for her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Vantrease, of Malvern; by a sister, Marcille Stiles, also of Malvern; by a granddaughter, Jenny Welch, and a great-granddaughter, Ava Welch, both of Atlanta, Georgia; and by many loving nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was also preceded in death by her son, Johnny Vantrease, Jr., and by two brothers, Lloyd and Chester Fitzhugh. 

Her funeral will be held at ten o’clock Friday morning, December 11, 2009 in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church with Reverend LaVon Post officiating.  Interment will follow in Shadowlawn Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Steve Walker, Gary Stiles, Bill Knight, Jim Hinkle, Kevin McConnell, and Herbert Wright.

Honorary pallbearer is Dr. Larry Brashears.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society for Lung Cancer Research. 

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

 

Gina Renea Venturella

Gina Renea Venturella, age 43, of Highland, Indiana, died January 13, 2010 at her home.  She was born in Gary, Indiana of January 12, 1967 to Joseph and Donna Schultz Venturella.  Reared and educated in Portage, Indiana, she was a legal secretary for a law firm.  Gina was a wonderful cook, an avid rock collector, and loved crafts.

 

She is survived by her parents, Joseph and Donna Venturella of Malvern; by a sister, Toni Jo Venturella of Ypsilanti, Michigan; by two nieces, Laura and Michelle Fronczak; and by three nephews, David Fronczak, and Frankie and Vincent Venturella.

 

A memorial service will be held at two o’clock Wednesday afternoon, February 3, 2010 in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Reverend James Batts officiating. 

 

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers or donations, you just bring your love to the service. 

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfunkfuneralhome.com.

 

 

Emogene Wiley Voss, age 89 of Malvern, died early Saturday morning, August 16, 2008 in the Hot Spring County Medical Center.  She was born in Husky, Arkansas (Hot Spring County) on March 28, 1919 to the late Dent and Delphia Nichols Wiley.  Reared and educated in Hot Spring County, she was a graduate of Lono High School, where she excelled in playing basketball, earning a spot on the All District Team. During her working life, she was a dental assistant for Dr. James Rushing and Dr. Phillip Nix.  Mrs. Voss was the widow of the late Wallace Voss, to whom she was married in 1939 at Round Hill.  She was a member of the Damascus Missionary Baptist Church.  Mrs. Voss loved to grow flowers and vegetables, and enjoyed sewing, fishing and cooking.   

 

 She is survived by her daughter, Joan Voss; by her son, DeWayne Voss and his wife, Lori, all of Malvern; by a grandson, Jacob Voss; by a great-grandson, Aiden Voss; by two sisters-in-law, Audie Wiley and Mary Jo Voss, and by her cat, Sissy. 

 

In addition to her parents and her husband, Mrs. Voss was preceded in death by five brothers: Homer, Buford, Raymond, Orlen, and Ruben Wiley. 

 

Her funeral will be held at the graveside in Round Hill Cemetery on Monday morning, August 18, 2008 at eleven o’clock. The family will receive friends at J. A. Funk Funeral Home from nine o’clock until ten thirty, when the procession leaves for the cemetery.  Everyone planning to attend is encouraged to dress according to the weather.

 

 Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Ray Bollen, Jimmy Voss, Hot Spring County Med Center staff and Home Health Care Team, including Kevin Dunagan, Michael Johnson, and Nikki Kirkpatrick; Archie Thomas, the ProMed ambulance team, and all those who helped to sustain her throughout her illness. 

 

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the Round Hill Cemetery Association, the Damascus Cemetery Association, or to the Hot Spring County Medical Center Foundation, 1001 Schneider Drive, Malvern. 

 

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

Eva Mae Elliot Voss

 

Eva Mae Elliott Voss, of Malvern, died Sunday in the Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock. She was born in Rolla, Arkansas to the late Floyd and Ada Sulton Elliott. Reared and receiving her early education in Hot Spring County, she later attended Henderson State University. In her early high school years, she was an All-County basketball player, developing a lifetime love for the game. While serving as the Juvenile Probation Officer of Hot Spring County for 21 years, she graduated in 1979 from the National College of Juvenile Justice at the University of Reno, Nevada. After her retirement, she worked as secretary for Judge William C. Gilliam. Eva Mae was a member of the First Baptist Church of Malvern, and had been an appointee to the Governor’s Board of Probation for the State of Arkansas. She was the widow of the late Earl Voss, to whom she was married on May 5, 1945. He preceded her in death in 1969.

She is survived by one son, Larry Voss of Shreveport, Louisiana; by her daughter, Judy McNamar and her husband Ron, of Malvern; by her two granddaughters, Amber Briner and her husband Dylan; Darcy Parish and her husband Cody, all of Malvern; her precious great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Leigh Briner, on whose second birthday her MeMe died; by her brother and his wife, Don and Lemona Elliott of Malvern; by her sister, Geraldine Stapf of Long Beach, California; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

Eva Mae was also preceded in death by a son, Bobby Voss; three sisters, Florine Overton, Ruby Harkins, and Jewell Gray; and by a niece, Jeannie Carman.

Her funeral will be on Wednesday morning, August 22, 2007, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church with Dr. Verne Wickliffe officiating. Interment will follow in Round Hill cemetery with Reverend J. Stephen Wingo leading the committal.

Pallbearers will be: Gary Gray, Jimmy Voss, David Alpe, Eric Hart, Claud Davis, and Darryel Massey. Honorary pallbearers will be: Dr. L. B. Brashears, Linda Brashears, and Dr. Brad Baltz and staff.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from six until seven o’clock at the 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.

 

Marie O’Neal Wallis

 

Marie O’Neal Wallis, age 93, of Malvern, died Wednesday morning, October 17, 2007 in the Hot Spring County Medical Center. She was born in Malvern on April 7, 1914, the eldest daughter of nine children, to the late Henry and Effie Eskue O‘Neal. Reared and educated in Malvern, she was the widow of the late Doyle R. Wallis, Sr., to whom she was married on June 16, 1934. He preceded her in death in 2002. Early in her career she was a school teacher at Perla. For most of her working life she was a sales clerk for several local clothiers, including Lindvall‘s Department Store, Samons, and J. C. Penney‘s. She counted among her organizational memberships the Daughters of the American Revolution, the United Daughters of the Confederacy, and the Malvern Garden Club. Marie was a very active volunteer for Libby‘s R.O.S.E., the Hot Spring County Medical Center Auxiliary, and was a poll judge for many years at Perla during election season. While her children were growing up, she served as president of the P. T. A. and was in the Band Boosters. Simply put, Marie was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend

She is survived by her son, Doyle R. “Buddy” Wallis, Jr. and his wife Betty, of Magnet Cove; by her daughter, Shari Wallis Williams and her husband Brian, of Malvern; by her sister, Thelma Eason, also of Malvern; by two brothers, J. D. O’Neal of Owasso, Oklahoma, and Bill O’Neal of Prescott, Arizona; by eight grandchildren, Gregg, Aimee, and Reggie Wallis, Angela Rhodes, Rusty and Katy Ray, and Lisa and Ray Sampson; by ten great-grandchildren, Jamie and Jordan Wallis, Fisher and Riley Rhodes, Austin Ray, and Jonathon, Jake, Josh, John, and Helen Marie Sampson; by a host of nieces and nephews, by her sister-in-law, Mary Evelyn O‘Neal Roseberry; and by a special friend, Isabell Gilliam.

She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Ann Wallis Sampson; by four brothers, Jim, Buck, Bobby, and Clarence O’Neal; and one sister, Ellen Kerfoot.

Her funeral will be Saturday morning, October 20, 2007, at ten o’clock, in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Brother Scott Efird officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Gregg, Reggie, and Jordan Wallis, Rusty Ray, Troy Rhodes, Ray and Josh Sampson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jake and Jonathon Sampson, Dr. L. B. Brashears, and the staff of Malvern Nursing Home.

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

Memorials are requested to Libby’s R.O.S.E. in Malvern.Email condolences may be sent to jafunkfuneralhome.com.

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.

 

Blanche Watson

 

Blanche Watson, age 85 of Malvern, died Tuesday afternoon, June 16, 2009 in the Hot Spring County Medical Center. She was born in Dallas County, Arkansas on February 29, 1924 to the late Monroe Watson and Nancy Agnes Fite Lemons. Reared and educated in Dallas and Hot Spring Counties, she had been a resident of Malvern since the age of 16. Blanche was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. She was the widow of the late Kenneth Watson, to whom she was married on September 20, 1946. He preceded her in death on August 2, 1963.

At one time or another, everybody in Malvern has met Blanche: she worked as a waitress for over 50 years in local restaurants. Those include the Farmer’s Café, the Taxi Café, the Sands Restaurant, and Clayton House. Those whom she served remember her pleasant and friendly attitude, and her desire for her customers to be completely satisfied, whether by keeping their glasses and cups filled, to suggesting and bringing delicious desserts, or just her warm smile and caring manner. She was truly an example of someone who fulfilled her life by serving and helping others. Away from work, she loved to cook for her family and friends, and doted on her grandchildren.

She is survived by two daughters, Shirley Watson Homan and Betty Watson Pope, both of Malvern; by a step-son, Charlie Watson of Tupelo, Mississippi; a sister, Mary Gray and her husband, Squeaky, of Malvern; by four grandchildren, Jim Homan, Amanda Homan, Shane Tiernan, and Adam Tiernan; six great-grandchildren, Dalton, Connor, and Brooks Homan, Hayden and Haylee Tiernan, and Sarah Kirby.

Blanche was also preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Cecil Lemons, Clifford Lemons, Eugene Lemons, Roxie Key, and Dorothy Weatherford.

Her funeral will be held at two o’clock Thursday afternoon, June 18, 2009 in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Brothers Paul Grigsby and Scott Efird officiating. Interment will follow in Round Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Jim Homan, Shane,  Adam and Tony Tiernan, Mike Funk, Jimmy Voss, and John Tanner.

Honorary pallbearers will be: Judge Bill Schrimshire and Dr. Larry Brashears.

Visitation will be from six until eight o’clock Wednesday evening at the funeral home.

The family will be headquartered at the Bramwell residence, 1719 Regency Drive, Malvern.

Memorials are requested to the Alzheimers Association.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

 

 

Phillip Randall (Phil) Watts, age 60 of Malvern, died Tuesday, September 16, 2008, in the Hot Spring County Medical Center following a lengthy illness.  He was born on July 14, 1948 in Hot Springs, Arkansas to Martha Belle McHenry Watts and the late Frank Watts.  An “Army Brat”, Phil was reared and educated in Japan, Germany, Las Vegas, Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, and Hot Springs.  He liked to say that he was internationally educated.  A veteran of both the United States Army and the Air Force, Phil became a law enforcement officer and was dedicated to his occupation for over 20 years.  He worked for the Malvern Police Department, the Pine Bluff Police Department, the Baton Rouge, Louisiana Police Department, and for the Rock Springs, Wyoming Police Department.  Phil was a talented drummer and music was one of his greatest passions.  He enjoyed drawing and was a creative writer. Phil held an active interest in sports throughout his life, particularly Arkansas football.  Years ago, he coached football at the Malvern Boys Club.  Phil was a Baptist. 

 

He is survived by his mother Martha Belle McHenry Watts of Malvern; by a son, Phillip Watts, Jr. of Hot Springs; by a brother and sister-in-law Dan and Brenda Watts of Superior Wyoming; a sister, Mary Jane Richards of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; a sister and brother-in-law Susie and Ted Cook of Green River, Wyoming; a nephew Joseph Davidson and numerous other nieces and nephews.

 

 He was also preceded in death by his brother, Mike Watts.

 

 Graveside services will be held in Oak Ridge Cemetery on Monday afternoon, September 22, 2008 at two o’clock with Dr. Verne Wickliffe officiating, and under the direction of J. A. Funk Funeral Home. 

 

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

 

Paul Douglas Westerman, age 59, of Malvern, died Monday, October 20, 2008.  He was born in Malvern on December 14, 1948 to the late Sims and Florita “Pete” House Westerman.  Reared and educated in Malvern, he was a 1966 graduate of Malvern High School.  Paul was a Navy veteran of the Viet Nam War, having served aboard the USS Hancock.  He attended auto body repair school in Nashville for a time, but found his “calling” as a diesel mechanic after completing the required training.  He retired in 2006 from Ryder Transportation Services, Inc. with 32 years of service to the company.  Paul was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church.  He was a loving husband and father, and doted on his grandchildren. 

 

He leaves behind his wife, Debbie Patterson Westerman, to whom he was married on June 26, 1971 in West Memphis; his son, Christopher Paul Westerman and his wife, Ellen of Conway; his daughter, Amber Lyn Jines and her husband, Wendall of Cherokee Village; his brother, Billy Ray Westerman and his wife, Shari; his two sisters, Sheila Rose Robinson and her husband William, and Cindy Lou Beason and her husband Richard, all of Malvern; by six grandchildren, Lexie Bengtson, Emily Jines, Macy Jines, Marly Jines, Weston Jines, and Nate Westerman. 

 

Paul was also preceded in death by an infant brother, Jerry Max Westerman. 

 

His funeral will be eleven o’clock Thursday morning, October 23, 2008 in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Brother Todd Bray officiating.  Interment will follow in Fairplay Cemetery. 

 

Pallbearers will be Richard Carpenter, Jim Gordon, Jesse Rucker, Brian Bailey, Johnny Corley, and Jimmy Corley.

 

Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. P. K. Reddy, Dr. Rimantas Kazakevicius, and the staff of St. Joseph’s Cancer Clinic.

 

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

 

Memorials are requested to Emmanuel Baptist Church, Malvern. 

 

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

 

Wendell Williams

 

Wendell T. Williams, age 55, of Springdale, died Saturday afternoon, September 15, 2007 in Springdale after an 18 month battle with cancer. He was born in Malvern on May 20, 1952 to Bill and Elsie Cunningham Williams. Reared and receiving his early education in Malvern, he graduated from Malvern High School in 1970. He later received an associate degree in electronics from Arkansas School of Technology. Wendell had a varied working life. He had been associated with Baldwin Piano, but mostly his interests were in the electronics field. He was a purchasing agent for 25 years at various electronics firms including Blount and George, Artran, TMC, and La Barge Electronics in Huntsville, which made parts for the space shuttle. He claimed that his favorite job was as gym janitor at Farmington High School. Wendell had been a resident of Springdale for 24 years, where he and his wife reared their children. He was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Fayetteville.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Davis Williams of Springdale, to whom he was married on August 18, 1972 in the Damascus Missionary Baptist Church near Malvern; by his son and daughter-in-law, Erik and Teneka Williams of Springdale; by his daughter, Amber Jade Williams, also of Springdale; by his sister and brother-in-law, Bonnie and Fred Attwood of Mountain Home, Arkansas; by his parents, Bill and Elsie Williams of Malvern; numerous cousins, aunts and uncles; and a special aunt, Marcelle Heinley.

Graveside services will be held at the Lono Cemetery on Wednesday morning, September 19, 2007, at eleven o’clock with Brother Gene Fulcher officiating.

Pallbearers are: Fred, Tony, Chase, and Kerri Attwood, Lance Gross, Herbert and Roy Davis, Steve Kratz, and Bernie and Bob Wenger.

Honorary pallbearers are: Phillip Williams, Carl Weber, Charles and Walter Davis, Ken Rickard, Brad Blew, Ronnie Davis, Steve Morgan, Randy Osnes, Brian Law, Ron Wright, and Reggie Higgs.

The family will receive friends at J. A. Funk Funeral Home in Malvern on Tuesday evening from five until seven o’clock.

A memorial service is scheduled for one o’clock Friday afternoon, September 21, in the Calvary Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Memorials are requested to the Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, Arkansas 72762.

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.

 

Lorene Wilson

Bill Wright

 

William H. “Bill” Wright, age 78 of Malvern, died Wednesday night in the Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock. He was born on March 23, 1930 in Malvern to the late Henry and Bernice Mason Wright. Reared and educated in Malvern, he was a graduate of Malvern High School. Bill served in the United States Army during the Korean War, stationed in Germany. He was a member of the Rockport Lodge #58, F & AM, and was a Royal Arch Mason. Bill retired after 39 ½ years with Reynolds Metals Company as an electrician in the pot room. He was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church, where he attended the Men’s Century Bible Class; hunted with the HP Hunting Club, and coached Little League Baseball when his boys were young.

Bill is survived by his wife, Bobbie Paul Wright, to whom he was married on May 29, 1954 at her home; by his sons, Paul Henry “Hank” Wright and his wife, Tracie; and John David Wright and his wife, Lynn, all of Malvern; by his grandchildren, Seth, Logan, and Jake Wright, and Jake, Tara, and Natalie White; by his brothers-in-law, Dewey Logan, Dean Paul and his wife Lynn, Roger Paul and his wife Andrea; by his sisters-in-law, Shirley Paul and Jeanne Vaughn and her husband Ki; and by 11 nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Logan, and his brother-in-law, Lynn Dale Paul.

His funeral will be at ten o’clock Saturday morning, January 10, 2009 in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church with Reverend J. Stephen Wingo and Bill’s nephew Blake Paul officiating. Interment will follow in Shadowlawn Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Blake and Chip Paul, Seth Wright, Nate Walsh, Ross Vaughn, Jake White, and Blake Wingo.

Honorary pallbearers are: Dr. Larry Brashears, Dr. David Griffin, Kim Jobe, Brook Paul, Wilburn Cox, Brian and Bruce Wingo, and Jimmy Crain.

Special thanks goes to the CVICU and 9^th floor nursing staff at Baptist Health Medical Center.

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

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

Online condolesnces may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

 

             

 

 

Pearlene Stiles Yeager, age 75 of Malvern, died Saturday, August 2, 2008 in the Hot Spring County Medical Center.  She was born in Tulip, Arkansas on August 23, 1932 to the late Grover and Molly Ross Stiles.  Reared and educated in Holly Springs, Sparkman, and Princeton, she had been a resident of Malvern since 1956. Pearlene was the widow of the late John Edward Yeager, Sr. to whom she was married on February 10, 1950 in Camden, Arkansas.  He died in 1998.  She worked at the Reynolds Cable Plant for 21 years, retiring in 1992 as a department service manager.  Pearlene was a member of the Lono Missionary Baptist Church.  She enjoyed quilting, babysitting, gardening, and canning.

 

 She is survived by a son, John Yeager, Jr. and his wife Anna of Stuart, Florida; by a daughter, Nancy Yeager Richardson of Malvern; by three brothers, Grover Stiles, Jr. of Chidester, Arkansas, Phillip Stiles of Kewaskum, Wisconsin, and Eddie Stiles of Pearcy, Arkansas; by two sisters, Nancy Inez Finney of Malvern, and Opal Faye Harris of Chidester; by five grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. 

 

Pearlene was also preceded in death by two brothers, Eugene (Punk) Stiles, and Jody Stiles.

 

 Her funeral will be held on Wednesday morning, August 6, 2008, at ten o’clock in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Brother Roger Hall officiating.  Interment will follow in Lono Cemetery. 

 

Pallbearers will be: Joey and Jason Stiles, Mark Ledbetter, Ronald House, Jimmy Glenn Burks, and Danny Draper. 

 

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

 

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.