Howard Curtis Eddins

Howard Curtis Eddins, 85, of Hot Springs died Thursday, September 15, 2011, at St. Joseph Medical Center in Hot Springs. He was born December 21, 1925, in Stuttgart, Arkansas, to the late Curtis Holder Eddins and Rosa Joerns Eddins. He was a partner in Eddins Sales and Service of Stuttgart, maker and inventor of the Eddins Grain Carts. Howard graduated from Stuttgart High School and attended College of Ozarks he enjoyed playing football in high school. Howard was part of the "Greatest Generation" serving in World War II in the 3rd Army, 5th Infantry Division, campaigns in Rhineland and Central Europe. He crossed the Rhine River with General Patton in March 1945. He received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He was affiliated with the First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs. Howard was a very civic and community leader during his life in Stuttgart as well in Hot Springs. He belonged to the Purple Heart Society, Elks Lodge VFW and American Legion Post 48 of Stuttgart. He also served on the Board of Stewards of the First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs. He loved sitting on his deck with his radio, binoculars, checking out everything on the lake. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Bobby Eddins; his mother-in-law, Betty M. Burke; and daughter, Holly Eddins Smith. Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Donna Jean Eddins; daughter, Diane Eddins Relyea and son-in-law David Relyea; daughter, Tracy Eddins Zimmer and son-in-law and Steve Zimmer; son–in-law Rusty Smith and his son Brian; grandsons, Heath (Angel) Relyea and Mark (Ashley) Relyea; great-granddaughters, Sidney, Harlie and Christan Relyea; and new great-grandson Relyea arriving in December. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Purple Heart Society of Hot Springs and members of the Friendship Sunday School Class. Memorial service will be Monday, September 19, 2011, at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs with military honors, Reverend Bud Reeves officiating. Graveside services will be Tuesday, September 20, 2011, at 2 p.m. Lone Tree Cemetery in Stuttgart with military honors. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs or the donor's choice.