Obituaries

OBITUARIES Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.

INDEX Some obituaries may appear in certain editions of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and not in others. This list shows the names of all people whose obituaries are in at least one edition. For obituaries not in this edition, please see our website, Arkansas Online, at arkansasonline.com/obituaries/.

PULASKI COUNTY Ruth Mae Baker, 69, of Mabelvale.

Albert Earl Dunn, 54, of Little Rock.

Harry Charles Erwin, 86, of Little Rock.

Jessie Lee Jones, 68, of North Little Rock.

Dennis Jon Liter, 71, of North Little Rock.

Ellis “Gene” Melton Sr., 97, of North Little Rock.

Shelly Miller, 52, of Jacksonville.

Mildred Christine Wiedower Peters, 86, of Little Rock.

Freda Spangler, 90, of Little Rock. Fred Woodard, 60, of Little Rock.

ELSEWHERE IN ARKANSAS BALD KNOB Anna Fay Buckner, 69.

BANKS Neoma Watson Berry Harvey, 84. BISMARCK Roy James Bray Jr., 83.

CALICO ROCK Gerld Lee Tallman, 75.

CONWAY Jackie Kent Dollar, 60.

Clay Goodwin, 31.

CROSSETT James Lurrell Pennington, 74.

DeVALLS BLUFF Bryce Anthony Griffin, 5.

HEBER SPRINGS William Sidney Baldwin, 74.

HICKORY FLAT Douglas Gordon Tharp, 81.

HOT SPRINGS Jeannelle Harper, 81.

MALVERN Clarence E. “Buck” Drennan, 87.

Melanie Marie Pankey, 61.

MENA Timothy Paul Copelin, 37.

MINERAL SPRINGS James T. “Jim” Riley Jr., 62.

PINE BLUFF Inez T. Montgomery Merrill, 98.

SEARCY Kayla Ann Harris, 25.

SHERIDAN Michael Dan Forte, 69.

SPRINGFIELD William Eugene Tilley, 83.

TRASKWOOD Mary McDade Stonebraker, 92.

VANDERVOORT Arlis Ray Baker, 74.

WARD Reubena Jeanne (Donovan) Franklin, 71.

OUT-OF-STATE MEMPHIS Mildred Jennings Jackson, 88.

Pulaski County

RUTH MAE BAKER, 69, of Mabelvale passed away February 6, 2014. She was born March 20, 1944. A Celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2014, at 2 p.m. at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home, 4212 Highway 5 N., Bryant. To sign Ruth’s online guestbook visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.

———◊———

ALBERT EARL DUNN of Little Rock, born January 29, 1950,passed away February 6, 2014. Visitation will be held Monday, February 10, 2014, from 9:30-11 a.m. at Gunn Funeral Home, 4323 W. 29th, Little Rock, Ark.

72204.

Celebration service will immediately follow, beginning at 11 a.m. Services entrusted to Gunn Funeral Home, 4323 W. 29th, Little Rock, Ark. 72204 (501) 660-4323.

———◊———

HARRY CHARLES ERWIN, 86, of Little Rock, passed away onThursday, February 6, 2014. He was born in Bearden, Arkansas, on January 24, 1928. Mr. Erwin was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Patricia Foy Erwin, and his parents,Christine Cockrill Erwin and Harry Charles Erwin, Sr.

Mr. Erwin is survived by his three children, Dee Vinson and husband Dale, Chuck Erwin and wife Terri, Robert Erwin; grandchildren, Daniel Martinez and wife Courtney, Alyssa Martinez, Marisa Ann and Clayton Erwin, Ford Rogers and wife Amy, Kate, Patrick, Elly and Grace Erwin, and great grandchildren, Annabelle Rogers and Graham Martinez.

At an early age, Mr. Erwin’s family moved to Little Rock where his father was in the banking business. He graduated from Little Rock High (Central High School) in 1945 and, after a brief stint in the U.S. Marine Corps, returned to Little Rock where he attended Little Rock University (UALR). He completed his education at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where he majored in accounting. He was a member of the Kappa Alpha SocietyFraternity and the Beta Gamma Sigma, an honorary business society. After graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Arkansas, he began his public accounting career in 1950 at Russell Brown & Company, the largest certified public accounting firm in Arkansas at the time. He quickly passed the CPA Exam on his first attempt. Over the next few decades through hard work and determination, Mr. Erwin became the managing partner of Russell Brown & Company. He continued to serve in that role until the January, 1982 merger of Russell Brown & Company and the national accounting firm of Arthur Young & Company (now Ernst & Young). Mr. Erwin was instrumental in helping several Arkansas businesses grow and prosper. These businesses include Tyson Foods, Inc., Allied Telephone Company (predecessor to Alltel Corporation) where Mr. Erwin served on the Board of Directors, and Producers Rice Mill, Inc. Mr. Erwin servedas treasurer of numerous nonprofit organizations and political campaigns during his career. He also served as Chairman of the Board of First National Bank of Stuttgart. Beginning in 1984, Mr. Erwin was a consultant to the accounting firm of Erwin & Company where he continued to serve his longtime clients until his retirement.

Mr. Erwin and his wife, Pat, loved to travel and traveled extensively in Europe and throughout the United States. They took the entire Erwin family on numerous cruises and trips over the years. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed spending time at Circle “S” hunting club.

The family wishes to express their thanks and appreciation to caregivers Mary Harris, Willie Yarbrough, Sybil Netherton, Roosevelt Berry, Felicia Kilpatrick and Connie Buerkle for their dedicated service in caring for Mr. Erwin during the past several years.

A Visitation and Celebration of Harry Erwin’s life will be held at the home of Terri and Chuck Erwin, 17 Glenridge Rd., Little Rock, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 10, 2014. Funeral services will be held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 310 West 17th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2014. The Reverend Dr. Christoph Keller, III, Interim Dean and Rector of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, will officiate. There will be a private family burial. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

The family requests that memorials be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, 1 Children’s Way, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202-3591, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 310 West 17th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72206, the Humane Society of Pulaski County, 14600 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72210 or Episcopal Collegiate School, 1701 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201.

———◊———

JESSIE LEE JONES, 68, of NorthLittle Rock, Ark., passed peacefully on January 31, 2014. Left to cherish his memory: wife, Angela Jones; three daughters, Rosalin Bennett Houston, Texas, Youlanda Jones, Atlanta,Ga., and T’Angela Dickerson; three sons, Terrell Jones, Mario Jones and D’Angelous Dickerson, all of North Little Rock; three brothers, James Jones, Larry (Clara) Young and Leroy Williams, all of NLR; six sisters, Lucille Jones, Los Angles, Calif., Evelyn (Charles) Armstrong, Betty (Alvin) Williams of Little Rock, Wilma Young of Sherwood, Carol (DeWayne) Morgan of North Little Rock, Loretta (Spencer) Pennick, Fredericksburg, Va.; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one aunt and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. A celebration of his life will be on Saturday, February 8, 2014, 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Rest In Peace Memorial Gardens, Hensley, Ark. Family visitation: Friday, February 7, 2014, 6-7 p.m., both services at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home Chapel, 1200 Chester St., LR (501) 372-1305.

———◊———

DENNIS JON LITER, age 71, of North Little Rock, Arkansas,passed away February 6, 2014, at North Little Rock. He was born on November 3, 1942, in Knoxville, Iowa; he was the son of Elmer and Irene Liter. Dennis was a Managerfor AT & T for 35 years. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, and NRA. Dennis enjoyed music and boating on the Arkansas River.

He is preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife Jannine Liter, his sister Sandy Anderson, brothers Donald Liter and Ronald Liter, his children Cindy Winchell, Tracy Piatt and Jon Dennis Liter, stepson Bryan D. (Amanda) Sacco, grandchildren, Alex, Carson and Caroline.

Celebration of life will be at a later date. Arrangements by Huson Funeral Home. Sign an online guest book at www.husonfuneralhome.com.

———◊———

ELLIS (GENE) MELTON SR., 97, of North Little Rock passed awayFriday, February 7, 2014. He was born October 13, 1916 in Enola, Arkansas. Ellis was a graduate of Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway and California College of MortuaryScience. In 1943, Ellis was drafted into the United States Army Air Corps and proudly served as Sergeant and Surgical Technician in World War II, spending 13 months in Okinawa.

When his military duty ended in 1946, Ellis returned to Little Rock to seek employment in funeral service. While applying for a job at a funeral home, he learned of an opportunity with the Funeral Supply and Equipment Company as a sales representative. This job began a family history in the casket and funeral supply business. Named after Ellis, now Melton Company, Inc. is still serving his lifelong friends going on 68 years. Even years after his retirement, he would return to the office at Christmas time and make phone calls to check on friends. His passions included traveling the country with Louise in their motor home, family gatherings, and flying. He learned to fly small airplanes just before retirement,and acquired both his instrument and commercial ratings. He was a longtime member of Park Hill Baptist Church where he and his close friends served as “money counters” for many years.

He was predeceased by Louise, his wife of 69 years and his parents, Lessie and Ellis H. Melton. He is survived by his sister, NathaLee Witt of Heber Springs, two sons, Ellis Melton Jr. (Kay), of Fayetteville and Presley Melton (Jo), of North Little Rock; daughter, Ginger Smith (Danny), of Russellville; five grandsons, Brian Smith, Jason Smith (Jennifer), Andrew Melton, Mark Melton (Katie), and Adam Melton; four great-grandchildren, Anna Smith and Lauren, Jack, and Lily Melton.

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Park Hill Baptist Church. Burial will be at 2 p.m. in Oaklawn Cemetery, Brinkley, Arkansas. Visitation is from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary and guest registry at www. SmithFamilyCares.com.

———◊———

SHELLEY MILLER, 52, born on January 9, 1962. Our belovedmother and friend passed away on January 30, 2014. She is survived by her son, father and two brothers. She was predeceased by her mother Melba. Memorial services will bedetermined at a later date.

———◊———

MILDRED CHRISTINE (WIEDOWER) PETERS, of Little Rock, Arkansas, age 86, went to bewith her Lord on February 5, 2014. She was born on January 29, 1928 in St. Vincent, Arkansas to the late Katherine Hartman Wiedower and Charles Wiedower.

She was alsopreceded in death by her loving husband Raymond Peters, granddaughter Kendall Peters, sisters Louise and Rose Marie Wiedower, and brothers Carl, Fred, Albert, and Otto Wiedower. She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Ray Jr. and Ann Peters of Maumelle, Arkansas; son and daughter-in-law, Eddy and LuJean Peters of Little Rock, Arkansas; son and daughterin-law, Greg and Tess Peters of Austin, Texas; and daughter Mary Kay Godwin of Little Rock, Arkansas. She is also survived by grandson and spouse, Ryan and Jessica Peters and great-granddaughter, Lakelyn Peters of Fayetteville, Arkansas; granddaughter and spouse, Sarah and Brent Barnes and great-grandsons, Trace Hawkins and Camden Barnes of Little Rock, Arkansas; grandson, Blake Peters of Little Rock, Arkansas; and grandsons, Bryce and Brody Peters of Austin, Texas. She is also survived by sister, Marie Kordsmeier ofMorrilton, Arkansas.

Mildred graduated in 1950 from St. Vincent Infirmary School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse. She retired from the Little Rock Public School System after 24 years as a school nurse. She was a member of Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church, the Ministry of Praise, Holy Souls Ladies Society, Holy Souls Senior Group and Altar Society. She was also a member of the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association.

Mildred enjoyed playing golf, reading, playing cards, and being with her friends. She had a strong belief that the family was one of the most important and cherished gifts given to a person from her Lord, Jesus Christ. She was always very proud of her husband and family and enjoyed all the moments with her brothers, sisters, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.Mildred, “Mel”, Mom, Nanny was the most kind-hearted, loving, patient and giving person her family and friends have ever known. Special thanks to Tess and Carmen who provided loving care for our beloved mother.

Visitation will be held Sunday, February 9, 2014 from 2-4 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 W. 12th St., Little Rock, Arkansas. A Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. at the same location. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church, 1003 N. Tyler St., Little Rock, Arkansas on Monday, February 10, 2014 at 10 a.m. with Fr. Thomas Marks, Celebrant. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park, 7401 Highway 5 North, Alexander, Arkansas. Memorials may be made to Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.

———◊———

FREDA SPANGLER, age 90, of Little Rock passed away onThursday February 6, 2014. She was born February 22, 1923 in Sharp County, Arkansas to Sam and Susie (Nichols) Bishop.

She was preceded in death by her parents;her husband, Bill Spangler a veteran of WWII; two sisters, Effie Thurman and Verlie Hinchman. Survivors include one sister, Wanda Ring of Little Rock; three nephews, Jim Ring of Hot Springs Village, Del Ring of Little Rock and Randy Hinchman of Albuquerque, New Mexico; five nieces, Sue Smith of North Little Rock, Joe Veazie of Bryant, La Gail Branham of Little Rock, Betty Jepsen of Rock Rapids, Iowa and Peggy Hinchman ofAlbuquerque, New Mexico; a special friend, Mack McDonald of Denison, Texas; her traveling buddies, Maurice and Jeanett Toups; her neighbors, Ross and Pauline Marrow and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 10 a.m. at the Griffin Leggett Forest Hills Funeral Home located at 10200 Hwy. 5 North in Alexander with Maurice Toups officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time. Graveside services will be at 2:30 p.m. at the Evening Shade Cemetery located at Evening Shade with arrangements by Qualls Funeral Home of Cave City.

———◊———

FRED WOODARD, 60, made a swift and complete transition from earth to Heaven on Wednesday, February 5, 2014. He was preceded to Heaven by his father, Clarence Woodard Sr. and his mother Patsy Woodard.

Remaininghere on the earth to honor his life and continue his legacy are his wife Charlye Woodard, his son, Kristhopher Woodard of Birmingham, Alabama. His children given to him by his wife, Cedrick Crawford (Lauren), Desirae Holmes, and Angelica Holmes; two granddaughters Keliah Woodard and Kasey Crawford. Two brothers, Clarence Woodard, Jr., Birmingham, Ala., Richard Woodard (Cynthia) of Hot Springs; Four Sisters, Barbara Bellamy (Weldon) of Spokane, Wash.; Cinderella Green of Blytheville; Gretchen Eugene, Russellville and Linda Lincoln of Bryant. Fred was also blessed with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends who cherished him. He placed an indelible mark on thousands of youth throughout the State of Arkansas and in every territory, school, and youth facility he encountered.

A service of honor and celebration of his life will be held, Monday, February 10 at 10 a.m. at Full Counsel Church, 1800 N. Maple, North Little Rock. Family hour, Sunday, February 9, at 5-6 p.m. at Ruffin and Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 Chester Street, Little Rock.

Arkansas

BALD KNOB - Anna Buckner, 69, died Thursday. Survivors: husband, Joe Buckner; son, Joe Buckner; daughter, Vickie Rutherford; two brothers, Charlie and Carl Elliott; two sisters, Velma Durfee and Betty Chestnut; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Visitation: Saturday, 6-8 p.m. Services: Sunday, Powell Funeral Home Chapel-Bald Knob, 2 p.m. Interment: Velvet Ridge Cemetery. www.powellfuneralhome.net.

———◊———

BANKS - Neoma Watson Berry Harvey, age 84, of Banks, Ark. died Friday, February 7th at the Bradley County Medical Center. Graveside services 1:30 p.m. Saturday, February 8th at McFarland Cemetery. Burial in McFarland Cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home. Visitation 6 p.m. till 8 p.m. Friday, February 7th at Frazer’s. Online guestbook: www.frazerfuneralhome.com.

———◊———

BISMARCK - Roy James Bray Jr., age 83, of Bismarck, died Wednesday, February 5, 2014. Services will be 10 a.m,. Saturday, February 8th at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia. Interment will follow at DeRoche Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Bismarck Missionary Baptist Church. Online guest register is available at www.ruggleswilcox.com.

———◊———

CALICO ROCK - Gerald Lee Tallman, 75, died February 4. Funeral service: Monday, February 10 at 2 p.m. at New Hope Christian Fellowship. Burial: Pineville Cemetery under the direction of Eddie’s Family Funeral Home. Visitation: Sunday, February 9 from 6-8 p.m. at Eddies Family Funeral Home.

———◊———

CONWAY - Jackie Kent Dollar, 60, of Conway was receivedinto the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 6, 2014. He was born on July 6, 1953 to D.N. and Lorene Dollar in Russellville, AR. Jack was a member of theMasons Lodge earlier in his life, a member of Grace United Methodist Church, an avid outdoors man, and enjoyed sitting on the patio watching the sunrise each day. He worked for Dillard’s in Arkansas for over eighteen years before transferring to Virginia with Phillip Morris until 2007 when he returned to Arkansas to continue work with IBM and lastly with Acxiom in Conway.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 39 years; Linda Dollar, one son; Patrick Dollar, his mother; Lorene Dollar, siblings; Patricia Reed (Doyle) and Dennis Wayne (Mary). He is preceded in death by his father D.N. Dollar, and his grandparents; Lonald S. and Winnie Shelffield Dollar.

A Funeral Service will be held in celebration of his life on Sunday, February 9, 2014 at 3 p.m. at the Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. Visitation will be from 2-3 p.m. on Sunday. Cremation Arrangements are scheduled to follow the service.

The family would like to thank Stan Henninger and Mike Kinder of Acxiom for the accommodations and compassion they showed Jack and all of the Dollar Family during his yearlong battle with cancer. Online guestbook, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

———◊———

CONWAY - Clay Goodwin, 31 of Conway, died Wednesday, February 5, 2014. Survivors include his mother, Vicki; father, Dale; sister, Lindy; and a host of other family and friends. A celebration of Clay’s life will be scheduled at a later date. For online guestbook, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

———◊———

CROSSETT - James Lurrell Pennington, 74, of Crossett died February 4, 2014 at Ashley County Medical Center. He was a member of South Main Baptist Church, served 6 years in the Arkansas National Guard and an avid outdoorsman.

He is preceded by his parents, Coy Ed “Coot” and Louise Pennington; one brother, Charles Pennington; and an infant son. He is survived by his wife, Mar-tha Montgomery Pennington of Crossett; daughter, Phyllis Pennington Kovar (Charles), and son, Jamey Pennington (Julie) both of Lufkin, Texas; and son, Scotty Pennington (Milissa) of Crossett; and one brother, Doyle “Butch” Pennington. He was also blessed with 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, at South Main Baptist Church of Crossett with Bro. Lyle Hern and Bro. Jon Kovar officiating, followed by an interment at Unity Cemetery under the direction of Medders Funeral Home of Crossett. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, February 7, at South Main Baptist Church.

———◊———

DE VALLS BLUFF - Bryce Anthony Griffin, age 5, of De Valls Bluff, died Thursday, February 6, 2014. He is survived by his parents, Stephen and Amie Griffin; grandparents, Ricky Guenther, Margaret Hartley, and Joey Griffin; great-grandparents, Joseph and June Griffin, Jimmy Guenther, and Donna and James Fricker; uncles, Jacob and Lee Hartley, Jeremy and Jerry Griffin, and Scott Guenther; aunt, Monica Griffin; aunt and uncle’s, Michael and Stacy Sawyer and Hayden and Raven Walton; Wilma and Junior Lovell and family of Oklahoma, Darla and J.W. Thompson, and John and Nikki and Trey Thompson.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Sunday, February 9, 2014 at the Westbrook Funeral Home Chapel in Hazen. The family has requested that this service be private; immediate family and close friends only. Burial will be in the Biscoe Cemetery. Arrangements by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen. Online obituary at www.westbrookfuneralhomehazen.com.

———◊———

HEBER SPRINGS - William Baldwin, age 74, passed away Thursday. A Deacon of First Baptist Church he enjoyed golf. Survivors: wife Gail, daughters, Beth Baldwin, Texarkana, Stacey Hammons (Jim) Little Rock, Lynda Gail Teague (Chad) Newark, son, Bill, Knoxville, Tenn.; seven grandchildren Josh, Sydney, Kaleigh, Carley, Will, Abby, Colt. Visitation: Saturday, Family Funeral Service, 5 to 7 p.m.Funeral Service: Sunday, 2 p.m., First Baptist Church. Interment: Heber Springs Cemetery. www.dwightfamilyfuneral.com. (501) 362-2088.

———◊———

HICKORY FLAT - Douglas Gordon Tharp, 81, of HickoryFlat was born to the late Walter and Mary Ellen Reaper Tharp on September 24, 1932 in Olive Branch Community and went to be with his Lord February 6, 2014. He was deeply lovedand will be greatly missed.

Douglas was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters; Doris Martin and Dagmar Tharp, and two Brothers; F.W. Tharp and V.O. Tharp. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 62 years, Patty of the home, five sons; Randall Tharp of Georgia, Rick Tharp of Pangburn, Phillip Tharp of Pangburn, Felix Tharp of Heber Springs, Greg Tharp of Pangburn, and one daughter; Teresa Tharp Edwards of Searcy, one brother; Vernon Tharp of Pangburn, and three sisters; Alton Stone of Dallas, Texas, JoAnn Luallen of Forrest City, Lynda Williams of Columbia, Mississippi. Douglas was blessed with 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and many other family and friends.

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, February 9, 2014 at the First Assembly of God Church in Pangburn. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, February 9 at the First Assembly of God Church in Pangburn. Online guest book www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

———◊———

HOT SPRINGS - Graveside services for Mrs. Jeannelle Harper, 81, of Hot Springs, Ark., formerly of East Texas will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, February 10, 2014 at Bethel Cemetery. Interment will follow under the direction of Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home. Mrs. Harper passed from this life on February 7, 2014 in Hot Springs, Ark. She was born August 24, 1932 in Freer, Texas to the late Joseph B. and Grace Bailey Sampson. Mrs. Harper was a homemaker and of the Presbyterian faith. Visitation will be from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Monday, February 10, 2014 at the funeral home.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Robert M. Harper. Survivors include: sons, Bobby Harper and wife Lisa of Little Rock, Ark., Brian Harper of Texarkana, Texas; daughter, Karen Parker and husband Phil of Hot Springs, Ark.; brothers, Clyde Sampson of Nacogdoches, Joe Sampson and wife Jody of Tomball; five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.crawfordacrim.com.

———◊———

MALVERN - Clarence E. “Buck” Drennan, 87, of Malvern died Friday, February 7, 2014.Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, February 12, 2014 in the chapel of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home (315-4047) with interment in New Rosemont Memorial Park in Benton. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, February 11th at the funeral home. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ballard.———◊———

MALVERN - Melanie Marie Pankey, age 61, of Malvern Ark. passed away February 6, born to Freida and Dwight Pankey on October 16, 1952 in Prescott, Ark. Survivors include: son; Jason Graham, Daughter; Mandi Dixon, brother; Corky, sister; Randy Gatlin, and four grandchildren. Services privately held. Arrangements by Rosewood Cremation obit/guestbook www.rosewoodcremation.com.

———◊———

MENA - Timothy Paul Copelin, age 37, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2014 in Mena. Funeral services will be Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 10 a.m. at the First Assembly of God in Mena. Interment follows in Concord Cemetery at Ink under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.———◊———

MINERAL SPRINGS - James T. Riley, Jr. (Jim), 62, Mineral Springs, passed away on February 5, 2014. Graveside services are 2 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2014, Murfreesboro Cemetery under direction of Latimer Funeral Home, Murfreesboro. Visitation is February 7, 2014 from 6 to 8 p.m. You may send an online sympathy message to www.latimerfuneralhome.com.

———◊———

PINE BLUFF - Inez T. Montgomery Merrill, 98, of Pine Bluff,died Thursday, February 6, 2014. She was born March 15, 1915 in Morrilton, Arkansas, daughter of John and Ella Brook Montgomery. Mrs. Merrill was a loving homemaker. She worked at thePine Bluff Arsenal during World War II on the bomb line. Mrs. Merrill loved flowers, particularly roses and was a member of the National Association of Federal Employees.

She was preceded in death by her son, Robert Merrill; her parents; and two sisters, Wilma Morning and Lucille McCarty. Survivors include her husband, James Joseph Merrill; son, Glenn Edward Merrill of Pine Bluff; and nephew, Don McCarty and his wife, Mary, of Pine Bluff.

Services will be 10 a.m., Monday, February 10, 2014 in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son with Father Frank DuPreez officiating. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday evening from 2-4 p.m. at Robinson’s. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 7434, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71611. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandsons.com.

———◊———

SEARCY - Kayla Ann Harris, 25, of Searcy, formerly of HotSprings, left this world on Wednesday, February 5, 2014, with her mother and brother by her side. She was a beautiful soul who knew no strangers. Kayla was an inspiration toeveryone she met and has left a mark on many. She battled cancer three times from age 3-25, with the courage and grace of a true warrior and the spirit of an angel. She rarely complained and instead seized every opportunity to strengthen and encourage everyone around her. She was a blessing and a glorious light, and the world will be a darker place without her.

Kayla is survived by mother, Laura Coney of Searcy, and father, David Harris of Texas; brother, Danniel Cyle Harris; grandparents, Jim and Mary Starbuck, David and Pat Harris, and Glen and Coleen Haney; and her many friends from Pathfinders. She is preceded in death by grandfather, Curtis Coney, great-grandmother, Vera Mae Zimmerebner, and cousin, Tabitha Powell.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Sunday, February 9, 2014, at Arkansas Funeral Care, Jacksonville. Funeral service will be 11:30 a.m. Monday, February 10, 2014, at the funeral home, with Rev. Bill Mills officiating. www.arkansasfuneralcare.com.

———◊———

SHERIDAN - Michael Dan Forte, 69, of Sheridan, Arkansas,passed away from this life into his eternal life to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 6, 2014, in his home surrounded by his family, that he dearly lovedso much. Mike was born July 20, 1944, to the late D.B. and Edythe Garber Forte.

Besides his parents, Mike was preceded into heaven by two brothers, Timothy Forte and Patrick Forte, and one sister, JoAnn Forte LaVelle. Mike is survived by his wife, Linda; one son, Ben Forte (Julie); two daughters, Lisa Forte (Wayne), and Michelle Metzger (Roger), all of Sheridan; mother of his children, Eloise McGinley Davis of East End; grandchildren, Dalton Forte, Zack Reynolds, Nikki Hansen, and Shelby Metzger, all of Sheridan; one brother, Matthew Forte (Janis), and one sister, Bekky Forte, both of Sheridan; a special nephew, Billy (Rooster) Forte of Sheridan, and a host of family and friends.

Mike was a 1962 graduate of Sheridan High School. He was a letterman on the football team his Freshman, Junior and Senior years of High School. He was respectfully called “The Bull” by his team mates. Mike also received a full paid 4-year football scholarship to Texas A.M. College butwas unable to attend due to a serious knee injury.

Mike worked in Heating and Air Conditioning all his life except for a few years that he worked as a pipe fitter while the power plant at Redfield, Ark., was being built. Mike worked for H.D. Voss Heating & Air Conditioning in Little Rock for many years. He also worked for Riverside Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing in North Little Rock, Ark., as supervisor over that Company for 26 years. Mike was a hard worker all his life. He was a friend to many people. His countless acts of friendship to others was done quietly never wanting any praise or acknowledgment.

His love for country living was known and felt by his family. He loved riding on the tractor, watching the fish jump in the pond, raising a garden and one of his most favorite things was “tomatoes.” He loved to can tomatoes and I mean a “lot” of tomatoes. Mike was a member of the Sheridan Church of Christ where he attended until his health prevented him from doing so.

A Memorial Service will be 3 p.m. Sunday, February 9, 2014, at Sheridan Church of Christ with Ken Bolden and Tom Warmack officiating. A time of visitation will be from 1:30 p.m. until service time. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, American Diabetes Association, Arkansas Chapter or American Heart Association, Arkansas Chapter.

Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan (870) 942-1306. To sign the online guestbook, www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.

Linda, We know that this has been a long tough time. We appreciate your care for our Dad. Bekky, how do we say “thank you” for your months of companionship, care, and love that you gave to Dad. You brought laughter, music and smiles to his days like no one else could do. Special thanks to Hospice Home Care for all the love and support shown to our dad.

———◊———

SPRINGFIELD - William Eugene Tilley, age 83, of Springfield, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, February 6, 2014. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Monday, February 10, at Adams Cemetery by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. The family will receive friends 6-7:30 p.m. Sunday, February 9th at the funeral home.Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net.

———◊———

TRASKWOOD - Mary McDade Stonebraker, 92, Traskwood, died Thursday. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Stonebraker, daughter, Patricia Stonebraker, one sister, five brothers. Survivors, son, Harley Stonebraker, Traskwood, daughter, Janette Smith of Santa Maria, Calif. Cremation was through Ashby Funeral Home. On line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.

———◊———

VANDERVOORT - Arlis Ray Baker, 74, of Vandervoort, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2014, in Mena.Funeral services will be Saturday, February 8, 2014, at 2 p.m. at the Pleasant Grove Church of the Nazarene with interment at Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

———◊———

WARD - Reubena Jeanne (Donovan) Franklin, aged 71,dedicated wife, mother and dear friend, passed away and is now home with those who left before her. A vibrant and strong woman, she touched all those who knew her and left a lastingimpression. Mrs. Franklin was a longtime resident of Ward, and had been living near her children in Katy, Texas, for the past two years. While for now she will be missed and remembered, she will rest in eternal peace. May the circle remain unbroken.

In 2011, she was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Carles Lee Franklin; they are now once again together in the house of God. She is survived by her two sons, Andrew Lee Franklin and his wife, Deborah White, of Bay City, Texas, and Robert Winfield Franklin and his wife, Shawnda, of Katy, Texas; her two grandchildren, Melisa Franklin and Robert Franklin, both of Houston, Texas; her sister, Patricia (Donovan) Jardine of Dothan, Alabama; and brothers, Richard Donovan and his wife, Lorraine, of Huntsville, Alabama, and Robert Donovan and his wife, Carlene, of Washburn, Maine.

Visitation will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, February 9, 2014, in the chapel of Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home with funeral services immediately following at 2 p.m. Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday, February 10, 2014, in Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. Arrangements are by Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home, (501) 843-5816. Please sign the online guestbook at www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com.

Out-of-state

MEMPHIS - Mrs. Mildred Jackson, 88, of Memphis, formerly of Blytheville, died Thursday, February 6. Survivors, children, Patsy Sharpe, Sandra Stone, Jerry Jackson, Ronnie Jackson and Brenda Lay. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 8, at 11 a.m. in Cobb Funeral Home. Visitation, 10 a.m. Condolences expressed at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.