Kenneth Earl Beaton

Kenneth Earl Beaton M.D., 97, of Wynne, died Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, at his home. Dr. Beaton was born in Paragould, Ark., on Jan. 28, 1925. He graduated from Marmaduke High School in 1942. He graduated from the University of Arkansas Medical School in 1949. He interned at Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio, Texas where he met the best surgical nurse, a Cajun girl, the love of his life, Martha Derise. They were married in December 1950 and remained married for 59 1/2 years. In July of 1950, he and his classmate, best friend, and colleague, Dr. Vance Crain opened their medical practice in Wynne. He continued servicing his community for forty years until he retired in 1990. He enjoyed playing golf, photography, woodworking and traveling. His favorite pastime was relaxing on the porch at the cabin looking over the lake. Dr. Beaton is preceded in death by his wife, Martha Denise Beaton; his parents, Earl and Jessie Wood Beaton; brothers, Leon and Zane; baby sister, Mary Ellen; and a granddaughter, Brooklyn Jean Kliethermes. He is survived by his children, Drs. Neal Beaton (Janet Udouj), Becky Rhodes (Richard), Dr. Trent Beaton (Tammy), Cindy Hathcock (Steve), Dr. Susan Manley (Michael); 12 grandchildren, Laura Beaton (Justin Denney), Katie Beaton (Dr. Gaines Fricke), John Beaton, Justin Rhodes (Adrienne), Kristin Kliethermes (Brandi Washer), Adam Rhodes (Kimberly), Robert Beaton, George Beaton, Jessie Wilson (John Paul), Dr. Ken Hathcock (Andrea), Drew Manley and Blair Manley (Jack Morgan, fiancée). Also, he leaves 14 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A special thanks to Mr. Charles Marrs, Mrs Lee Halford, Mrs. Emma Lewis and Mr. Odell McCallum for their continued care, friendship and prayers. Visitation will be held on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, at Kernodle Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 22, at 1 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church of Wynne with Rev. Matt Carter officiating. Burial will be in Cogbill Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Cross County Museum, P. O. Box 943, Wynne, Ark., 72396, Arkansas Children's Hospital, 1 Children's Way, Slot 661, Little Rock, Ark., 72202, or to the charity of your choice. Kernodle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. You may sign an online guestbook at www.kernodlefh.com.