Luchen Anderson Walls

Luchen Anderson Walls Sr., 88, of Hazen, Ark. passed away peacefully Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023 with his wife, Laverne Kelly Walls, of 17 years by his side. DeeDee, as he loved to be called by his family, was born to Claude Anderson Walls and Opal Leah McCall Walls on Dec. 9, 1934 on the McCall Farm in South Lonoke County. Luchen graduated from Morris High School in England, Ark. in 1953. Luchen loved playing football and baseball. He was an All-District Center for the England Lions Football team. Luchen was a faithful servant to his Baptist faith. He was ordained as a deacon in 1969 at East Side Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, Ark. and continued to serve as a deacon at England First Baptist Church for 33 years. Luchen was a current member of the Carlisle First Baptist Church. Luchen farmed for over 70 years in the south Lonoke county area. Starting at the age of 6, he worked the family farm with his parents plowing mules. The strong work ethic that was instilled in him at this young age continued through his farming career and was passed onto his son who farmed by his side for 40 years. Luchen was dedicated to working the land and helping his fellow farmers. He served as chairman of the Plum Bayou Irrigation District, making several trips to Washington D.C. working with President Bill Clinton and Senator Dale Bumpers bringing much needed water to several thousands of acres of farmland. It was not all work and no play for our DeeDee. He enjoyed riding horses and participating in horse shows. He was one of the founding members of the England Riding Club in the early 1960's. He showed cutting horses and was honored to be a National Cutting Horse judge. Luchen loved spending time with his family; traveling to horse shows, boating on Greers Ferry Lake and Lake Hamilton, attending Razorback games, watching the New York Yankees and cooking for family gatherings. DeeDee was a master in the kitchen and garden. His banana nut bread, chicken and dressing, pear preserves and home grown tomatoes will be missed by all. Luchen was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 50 years and mother of his children, Mary Lou Hovis Walls, brother Carroll Walls, sister Helen Quick and daughter Michelle Walls Derden. He is survived by his son Luchen Anderson Walls Jr. (Lana), daughter, Melissa Hatfield (Mike), Laveren's children, Stan, Byrum and Jennifer Kelly. Grandchildren Kylie Walls Minton (Bart), Kagan Walls Ness, Luchen Anderson Walls III, Chad Hatfield, Elise Staggs (Dickey), Jeff Derden Jr. and Jansen Derden. Great-Grandchildren Olivia, Madison and Kate Henri Minton, Leah Rose Ness, Tripp Derden, and Lilly Grace Hatfield. Brother in law Shannon Hovis Jr., Sister in law Sue Walls and his longtime faithful employee Jimmy Jones. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023 at Mulberry Cemetery in England, Arkansas with visitation one hour before at 1 p.m. The family would like to thank the staff of Maple Health Care of Hazen for their compassionate care of our father and grandfather over the past six months. Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church of England, Ark. 201 East Haywood Street England, Ark. 72046.