Henry Neukam

Henry Neukam passed away at his home, Jan. 25, 2012, with his family beside him. He was born Dec. 4, 1920, the only son of John and Margaret Kittler Neukam. He lived his life within one half mile from where he was born. He attended Almyra High School, graduating in 1939 as Valedictorian of his class. In 1939 he won the honor of being the best of a number of students in the state to attend a meeting in Arkadelphia to determine the best in solving algebra problems. He received the winners ribbon and two scholarships. Being unable to use these scholarships, he started farming. On June 10, 1939, he married Edna Marie Engelkes. They worked the farm together with tractors without rubber tires, starters, lights or cabs. They worked together whether it was "rootin' in the dirt" as Henry called it, or keeping house until their retirement and their son, Louie, took over. He was a man of many talents. He could build or fix anything and was a perfectionist, what ever the project. He joined the Almyra Methodist Church as a teenager and remained a dedicated member all his life, serving on many committees and was the church's "fix-it man" for many years. He loved to read and always had a book by his chair. This reading lead to many trips to places he read about, including, most national parks. He and Edna visited every state in the U.S. but two in the far northeast, two trips to Canada, one driving the Alcan Highway in a motorhome and one cruise. One to Hawaii, Acapulco, three cruises in the Caribbean and many trips here in the states, eight by car or motorhome. Henry is survived by his wife of 72 years; son, Louie (Kay); one grandson, John (Amy); great-granddaughters, Cassie and Emery; step-grandchildren, Stacy (Adam) Ayers and their daughters, Allie and Ava of Stuttgart and Jamie Chambers and her children, Christian and Athena of Maumelle; many nieces and nephews. Henry was a very devoted and loving husband and father. Beautiful that will never be forgotten. Visitation is 1 p.m., Friday until service time, 2 p.m., at Essex Funeral Home Chapel, DeWitt, Ark. Burial will be in Almyra Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Almyra Methodist Church or donors choice.