John Addison "Sonny" Cantrell Jr.

John Addison "Sonny" Cantrell Jr. of Edmond, Oklahoma, passed away on Sunday, April 10, 2011, at the age of 65. Sonny was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, on November 23, 1945, to John Add and Frances Cantrell, making a big entrance into the world weighing in at 9 1/2 lbs. He attended schools in Altheimer, Sherrill and England, Arkansas. Sonny anxiously awaited his 17th birthday so he could enlist in the U.S. Army. He was proud to have served with the 101st Airborne Division, completing 39 successful jumps. Following discharge from the Army, Sonny worked in car sales until 1971 when he moved to northern Minnesota to manage a large ranch. On arrival at his destination in Minnesota, the first person Sonny met was Donna Peterson. Sonny and Donna were married January 22, 1972 in Lake Bronson, Minn., a union lasting over 39 years. They moved to Springfield, Missouri in 1976 where Sonny worked on development of a recreational property in the Ozarks. Following a year of residency in the Twin Cities, in 1980 they moved to Oklahoma, where they have since made their home. Sonny worked in car sales from time to time and worked with entrepreneurial ventures towards development of rural communities and agriculture. He devoted great time and passion promoting development of the Kenaf plant as a renewal source for paper and other products. He took great pride in having two books on the subject dedicated to him and having testified before a Congressional Committee in Washington, DC. He also worked towards establishing an agricultural department in the State of Arkansas. Sonny had great compassion for people and was currently devoting his time and effort developing a foundation and programs to assist disabled American Veterans. Sadly, with his early passing, he was unable to see his vision through. Sonny loved life, family and his host of friends around the country. He was known as Pop Pop by his grandkids Tanner, Brandon and Logan, who he loved so much. Sonny had great compassion and acceptance of people and a love of animals. Sonny was preceded in death by his father John Cantrell and brother Tony Cantrell. Sonny is survived by his wife, Donna; mother, Frances Oyler; son John, and grandchildren Tanner, Brandon and Logan of Waverly, N.Y.; sisters, Beverly Kennedy (Bill) of Hot Springs, Ark,, Joy Bresee (Jim) of Springfield, Mo., Lisa Cantrell of Jonesboro, Ark., and extended family Mary Louise (George) Newcomb and Gene (Melinda) Oyler. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and a host of great friends. Services are under the direction of the Roller-England Funeral Home, England, Ark. Visitation will be held 6-8 p.m., Thursday, April 14th, at the Roller Funeral Home, 202 Stuttgart Highway, England, Ark. 72046 www.rollerfuneralhomes.com. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, April 15th, at the First Baptist Church of England, 201 E. Haywood, England, Ark. 72046. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Folds of Honor Foundation www.foldsofhonor.org 5800 N. Patriot Drive,Owasso, Okla. 74055 Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.