John Michael "Mike" Hargis

Dr. John Michael "Mike" Hargis, the oldest son of John Calvin and Mary Elizabeth Shannon Hargis, was born November 8, 1944. He died January 5, 2014, at the age of 69 following a long battle with cancer. He married the love of his life, Ann Linneman, on August 16, 1968. God blessed them with four beautiful children: Christy (Jason) Trantina; John (Lindsey) Hargis; Tommy Hargis (fiance'e Leslie); and Beth (Michael) Harness. They also have one foster daughter, Donna (Brad) Slatton. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Ann, their children, his brother Joe (Linda) Hargis. Mike was the proud grandfather of Ethan, Shannon, Joshua, Aiden, Faith, Cole, Luke, Eli, Cassie, and Kristian, and he had six nieces and nephews. Mike grew up in Leslie, Arkansas, where he and all of his children were graduates of Leslie High School and have remained proud alumni throughout the years. He held a BSE and MSE from UCA and earned his EdD at Indiana University. He taught school in Dallas, Texas, served as Assistant Professor of Education at Indiana State University, and was Superintendent of Leslie Public Schools. He was the first Director of Arch Ford Education Cooperative where he served for 14 years. Following retirement, he was a state team leader for Southwest Educational Development Laboratory for five years. Mike dedicated his professional life to education. During his career, his work took him to various parts of the country and provided him with opportunities to associate with many influential educators and legislators. His signature achievement was developing Arch Ford Education Cooperative with its many start up challenges. Additionally, he was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Conway, Arkansas where he served on many councils and committees. He was Eucharistic minister to the sick, sang in the adult choir, and served as a collection counter. He enjoyed volunteering for church-related work jobs at the Carmelite Monastery in Little Rock and Subiaco Abbey. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus where he served as Faithful Navigator for the 4th Degree. In his spare time, Mike also loved catching those "great big crappie." A Rosary/visitation service is scheduled for Tuesday, January 7, in the St. Joseph Catholic Church. Rosary begins at 6 p.m. and visitation at 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial is on Wednesday, January 8, at 1 p.m. Entombment will be at the St Joseph Mausoleum. Pallbearers: Jason Trantina, Michael Harness, Ethan Horton, Joel Hargis, Justin Hargis, and Adam Hargis. Donations can be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1115 College Avenue or to the St. Joseph School Endowment, 1315 College Avenue Conway, Ark. 72034. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.