Gilbert M. Depner

Gilbert Marvin Depner, 82, of Conway, passed from this earthly life on June 25, 2013 in Little Rock, Ark. He was born on Dec. 13, 1930 in Farmington, Mont. to Martin Depner and Emilie Galster Dodds. He was a veteran of the Marine Corp and served in the Korean War. It was while serving as a Marine that he met Miss Helen Maureen Joyner of Bee Branch and they were married March 23, 1952 in Yuma, Ariz. He was an educator, working in numerous school districts as teacher, principal and superintendent and retired from the Southside Bee Branch Schools. "Pop" was always tinkering with his old cars, woodworking and loved writing and telling about his family history and experiences with the Marines and the Korean War. He was of the Christian faith and loved reading his bible. Nothing made his eyes light up more than when his grandchildren came into the room. Both them and his children were the pride of his life. Gil was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Maureen; brothers Delmer Depner of Washington and Erwin Lining of California; sisters, Edith Steiner of Oregon, Ruby Leonard of Washington and Hildegard Lining of Montana. He is survived by his children; Susan Hall (Wes), Steve Depner (Tanya) and Sheila Sterka (Christian); grandchildren, Tiffany Hall, Alexandra Depner, Matthew Depner, Ethan Sterka, Erin Sterka and Bevin Sterka, all of Conway; and brother Reuben Depner (Joyce) of Washington. Visitation will be at 6 p.m. Monday, July 1 at Roller McNutt Funeral Home with a memorial service to follow at 7 p.m. Burial will be private. For online guestbook, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.