Ellis Joe Ogden

Joe Ogden, 75 of Bryant, passed away July 26, 2014. He was born December 6, 1938 in Helena to the late R.V. and Edna C. Campbell Ogden. He remained in Helena until his senior year, at which time his family moved to Little Rock. He loved to reflect back on his days in Helena, often saying, "I love the Delta." Joe married the former Anna Elizabeth Vought, the love of his life, in 1969. Following graduation from Little Rock Central High School in 1956, Joe joined the Army and was in the U.S. Army Reserve for 8 years. He earned a B.S.E. from UAM in 1969 and a MSSW from the University of Missouri in 1971. While attending UAM, he served as a circuit rider in the Monticello District of the United Methodist Church. He retired as Executive Director of the Serious Offender Program in Alexander, Ark. in 1999. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his brother, Sydney R. Ogden. Survivors are one daughter, Kimberly Ann Ogden, one son, Kyle Edward Ogden, as well as two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Following almost 18 years with multiple myeloma and more than five years with stage IV colon cancer, Joe is now at peace and without pain. Joe was a member of First United Methodist Church of Bryant, Arkansas, and served as Lay Leader for 13 years, a 32nd degree Mason, a Community of Hope Chaplain, the leader of his church Hospital Visitation Team, and volunteered at UAMS as a Lay Chaplain where he encouraged other cancer patients by sharing his journey. Special thanks to Dr. Govindarajan, Dr. Jethava, and all the staff at UAMS for the special care and concern shown to Joe and Anna during the many clinic visits and hospitalizations. He truly loved you all. Donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Bryant, UAMS Family Home, or UAMS Cancer Research. A Memorial Celebration of Life, Death, and Resurrection will be held at 10 a.m., August 4, 2014 at First United Methodist Church of Bryant, 508 North Reynolds Road, with Rev. Heather Clawitter, Rev. Hammett Evans, Dr. William O. (Bud) Reeves, and Rev. Pete Weber officiating. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.