Bernard Loy Mash

Bernard Loy Mash, age 83, was born on May 26, 1928, and died on Oct. 1, 2011. He began his life being born into a farm family from Antioch. He learned to work as a boy, which helped him be successful in life. Bernard retired from ABF after a long career as a truck driver and Teamster. Once he retired from ABF, he again worked as a carpenter from time to time. If he had a vice it was the pleasure he drew from going fishing, this routinely interrupted working during retirement when the weather turned just right or rumors of fish biting somewhere required another fishing and camping trip over the next twenty years. Bernard always felt enriched by the many friends he had along life's pathway. He was a "people person", who always had time to stop and visit along his way. Normally healthy, the past few weeks his health suffered a downturn. One of his greatest joys the past two and a half years came each Monday night with the live music presented by the "Court House Square Players" followed by watching wrestling on TV in the Dining Hall of Hall 11. He was comforted and cared for by the staff of Searcy Healthcare, the care and courtesy of some special employees who made him feel as if they were family members will long be remembered and appreciated by his family. Bernard was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Wilma Dean Dove Mash; parents, James G. (Jim) and Leona Mash; sister, Maxine Mash Fulks; and two brothers, Elvin and James Rueben Mash. He is survived by a son, James (Gennie) Mash of Beebe; two daughters, Freida (Fletcher) White and Sue Leggett, both of Sherwood; one sister, Melma (Dennis) Mash Pruitt of Jacksonville; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; along with several cousins, nieces, and nephews. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 3, 2011 at Westbrook Funeral Home in Beebe. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday with burial in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. www.westbrookfuneralhome.com.