Joseph Walker Dugan

Joseph Walker Dugan, 83, of Wynne, Ark., passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2014, in Wynne following an illness that began with a stroke and hip fracture in December, 2013. Survivors are his wife of 58 years, Jo Annette "Jodie" Halk Dugan of the home; daughter, Ann Dugan Menendez Spearman and husband Robert of Calico Rock; son, Joseph William Dugan and wife LuAnne of Wynne; grandchildren, Walker and Katheryn Dugan; and Hope Menendez. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly. During his illness, Joe had two excellent caregivers, who were more like friends than employees – Patsy Lyons Hogue and Joe Richie. Joe was a native of Booneville, Miss. He was the son of William Walker "Wilmer" Sadler and Bina Tarbett Sadler Dugan who preceded him in death. Also preceding him were his brothers, Lonnie Holley, of Corinth, Miss., and Dr. Robert N. Sadler of Nashville, Tenn. He attended Western Military Academy in Alton, Ill. where he was a football and track standout. A few of his sports honors included being Co-Captain of an undefeated/untied team his senior year, selected by teammates as most outstanding player, and St. Louis Quarterback Club's Outstanding Back of the entire St. Louis Region. He was also a great soccer player as well as one of the speediest dashers in the state of Illinois. His academic and leadership awards included being an Honor Student, member of the National Honor Society, Cadet Major, and Commander of the Battalion. His talents on the football field as well as in the classroom caught the attention of a large number of colleges across the country. Graduating from WMA as Cadet Major, he received an automatic appointment to West Point or Annapolis, but opted for a school with a strong football program. He decided to become a Razorback, and quickly became a star running back on a team with Wynne's own Jack Bailey, Parkin's Dave "Hog" Hanner, long-time sports announcer Pat Summerall, and world class Olympic track hurdler and All American Clyde "Smackover" Scott. To this day, people still refer to him as "Jumpin' Joe Dugan," even though he claimed that he didn't know how the "jumpin" came into existence. In a Razorback track meet against Oklahoma A & M, Joe tied Dick Stolpe in the 100 yard dash. Stolpe had won the Border Olympics the week before with a world's record time of 10.4 seconds (meters). In 1949, Joe consistently ran the 100 yard dash in 9.7 seconds. His time at the University of Arkansas led to a deep love of and commitment to the Razorbacks. He followed and supported them for the remainder of his life. To quote Coach Harold Horton, "He bled Razorback Red!" The University of Arkansas has lost one of its biggest fans. After the University of Arkansas, he served for three years, with the US Armed Services in Japan. Upon his discharge, he went to work as a salesman for a clothing manufacturer. From the store owners he called on, he learned the ins and outs of the retail side of the business. It was during this time that he married Jodie, and they settled in her hometown of Wynne. Life on the road became tiring, and his vision led to the opening of a small women's apparel store in Wynne, along with Jodie's father, Robert Halk. This company, The Colony Shop, grew to include ten stores, nine across Northern Arkansas, and one in Memphis. The Colony Shops maintained its central office and distribution center in Wynne. Numerous employees worked in excess of 30 years, many of the employees still considered Joe to be a father figure or great friend, at the time of his death. He was honored in 2010 as Cross County's Citizen of the Year; an honor he earned by devoting his time, energy, and wisdom to help numerous organizations, committees, events, and people throughout his lifetime. He took great pride in the successes of others and chose to help anonymously on many occasions. He remained a true gentleman and friend to all who were fortunate enough to know him. Until his death, he remained active on the boards of The Boys and Girls Club of Cross County, and the Cross Ridge Hospital, as well as belonging to the Wynne Fumble Club, the Razorback Letterman's club, and was a longtime supporter of the Razorback Foundation and the Red Wolf Club. Along the way, he has served on the board of the First National Bank of Wynne, numerous committees and the board of the First United Methodist Church of Wynne as well as a member of the Board of Trustees of Methodist Hospitals in the Memphis area, where he was instrumental in bringing The Gamma Knife. His memory will live on in the great stories of support he provided to many, as well as the funny stories he told, and the pranks he played. He was, indeed, a terrific man. We challenge each of you reading this, to let his life of service encourage you to help someone today and every day. Two of Joe's favorite organizations were The First United Methodist Church of Wynne, and The Boys and Girls Club of Cross County. Memorials may be made to either of these, or a charity of the donor's choice. Memorial services were held Friday, March 14, 2014 at First United Methodist Church in Wynne with burial in Cogbill Cemetery. Kernodle Funeral Home in charge of arrangements, www.kernodlefh.com.