Obituaries

Gary “Goatman” Stephen Richards, 69, passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Batesville, Arkansas. He was born on May 26, 1954, in Omaha, Nebraska. Gary was an electrician by trade and spent many years traveling and working in several states. He loved fishing and some of his biggest smiles were had when he was out on the water. Gary had a very big heart for cats. If there was a cat around, he made sure it never went hungry. He cared greatly for the river cats here in...

Billie Dean Staik, age 88, of Batesville, passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 8, 2024. Born July 24, 1935, in Salado, Arkansas, Billie was the daughter of the late Albert Roberts and the late Alma Roberts.  Billie held a bachelor's degree in Art, which she obtained after serving her country in the United States Marine Corps. She enjoyed traveling, designing clothing and collecting dolls.  She is survived by her sons, Bruce Staik, Jack Staik, Tom...

Lehman Ivy Stephens, 84 years of age, left this world on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 6:08 PM. He was born February 28th, 1940 in the Elgin, Arkansas community. He was born to Thomas Franklin Stephens and Lula Bell (Swindle) Stephens. Lehman attended Tuckerman, Arkansas school and then joined the Arkansas National Guard on November 7th, 1957, at 17 years old. He served his 6 months of active duty at Ft. Chaffee, Arkansas. He worked several jobs in Arkansas and at Farmall in Illinois. In...

Billie Sue Melton, 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and a close friend, on April 2, 2024, in Batesville, AR. She was born on February 25, 1942, in Lafferty, AR, to the late William McCance and Mae (Glenn) McCance. Billie retired from LaCroix Optical. She had many talents, including sewing, singing, and oil painting. The thing she enjoyed most was singing with her sisters, Kat, Faye, and Bobbie. They made up the McCance Sisters, and they had sang together since they were kids....

Emmanuel “Wayne” Melton, 64, passed away surrounded by his family, on April 1, 2024, in Batesville, AR. He was born on April 10, 1959, in Batesville, AR, to Chester Melton and Billie Sue (McCance) Melton. Wayne worked at Banquet Foods for several years. He loved listening to music, especially Southern gospel. Wayne was a Christian man who loved to read his Bible and talk about the Lord. Wayne also loved his family and friends and had a way of encouraging them and making them...

Stephanie Lichelle Kilpatrick entered the gates of Heaven on Friday, March 29, 2024. Stephanie was born on April 20, 1991, in Batesville, AR. Stephanie maintained a very happy and wonderful life even with the challenge of being born with Rett syndrome. For 32 years, Stephanie championed her condition by remaining filled with love and joy no matter how difficult her path got. She was a vibrant light that shined on her entire family and all of those who were blessed to know her. Stephanie...

Elizabeth Gail Thomas, age 69, of Pleasant Plains, passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 26, 2024. Born October 10, 1954, in Memphis, Tennessee, Gail was the daughter of the late Donald Carter, Sr. and the late Betty Edwards Garrison. Gail enjoyed board games with family, sitting outside on warm summer days, fishing, and planting flowers. She was an avid pool player and a loving soul that made friends with ease.  She is survived by her sons, Kenneth Cook...

Eric Shawn Howard, 45, left this earth to be with the lord on March, 23, 2024. Born in Batesville, AR, he was the son of Danny Howard and Nobie Howard. He is preceded in death by his father, Danny “Detail” Howard, and his Brother Greg Howard, along with his grandparents and other loved ones. He is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Pamala Howard, his mother Nobie Howard; his sister, Miranda Howard; his brother, Matt Howard; his children who thought the world of him, Marcus...

Mitchell Allen Duncan, 59, of Alton, IL, left this world March 21, 2024 at 8:30am in Evening Shade, AR, with his sisters by his side, due to illness.  Mitch was born in San Jose, California on March 6, 1965.  Mitch never married, but he knew love thru his siblings and children. Most important to him, his children and grandson.  Twins Allen and Britnie Duncan and Aaron Collins-Duncan and grandson Isaiah.  When we think of Mitch, the word tenacious comes to mind.  He...

Mary Elizabeth Parnell, 86, of Newark, died on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. She was born on June 10, 1938, in Smithfield, NC, to the late William Parnell and Zillar Jones. Mary grew up, settled down, and raised her family in North Carolina and was a loving, caring, and nurturing homemaker. She enjoyed reading and spending time with her family. Mary is preceded in death by both of her parents; her husband of more than 55 years, Lawrence Parnell; her daughter, Susan Jones; and her son, David...

Elizabeth Allen Teed, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on Tuesday, March 19th, at the age of 92. Elizabeth was born on December 22, 1931, in Stephens, Arkansas, to Frank M. and Mabel Nelle Starnes Allen. She graduated from Stephens High School in 1950 and attended Southern State College “SAU” in Magnolia, Arkansas before going to work for Stephens Bank. While working in Stephens, she met and married her husband of 57 years, Ralph Herman Teed, Jr., who was employed with...

Carolyn Kay Young, 76, of Batesville, Arkansas, passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.  She was born on January 24, 1948, in Batesville, Arkansas, to Othel and Hazel Barksdale. Carolyn had a love for gardening and cooking for the family any chance she could get. After years of dedication, she retired from White Rogers. She enjoyed sewing and crocheting, but above all else, she loved and adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carolyn was a loving mother, grandmother, and...

Tony Ray Brooks, 58, passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, March 16, 2024. He was born on July 20, 1965, to Ruddel Brooks and Linda Holder. Tony loved beer, women, racecars, and Captain Morgan. Tony loved his trucks and his Corvette. He also enjoyed camping, playing cards, and jug fishing. Tony was always the life of every party and loved having a good time.  Above all else, Tony loved his family and spending time with them. Tony was a loving son, husband, father,...

Beverly Ann Gipson, 78, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024, in Searcy, AR. She was born on June 15, 1945, in Cord, AR to Edward Carter and Billie (Anderson) Carter. Beverly enjoyed working in her yard and collecting roosters. She loved the Razorbacks. She also enjoyed watching all sports and game shows. Beverly was a loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who will be dearly missed by all those blessed to know her. Beverly is survived by her mother,...

Daron Dewayne Roberson was called to his Heavenly home on Friday, March 15, 2024, at the age of 29. He was born on March 16, 1994, in Newport, AR. Daron was of Christian faith and worshiped the Lord at New Testament Holiness Church in Cave City. He graduated from Cave City High School, Class of 2013, and was beloved by all his friends, teammates, coworkers, and family. Anybody who knew Daron loved him. He enjoyed playing sports, especially soccer and football. He left such an impact on his...

James Ray McPherson died suddenly March 13, 2024, he was 91 years old. James was born in Grand Glaise, AR on May 16, 1932. He went to school in Bradford and graduated in 1951. After graduation from ASTC, James went into the Army for three years. He then became a teacher and moved to Colorado. After retirement, he moved to Batesville where he worked for Tripp Supply for several years. James is preceded in death by his parents, JC and Mattie McPherson, two brothers, three sisters, and two...

Tommy Randel Prickett of Batesville, AR, died on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at the age of 73. Tommy was born on November 8, 1950, in Sulphur Rock, AR, to the late V.C. Prickett and Esther (Prichard) Prickett. Tommy graduated from Batesville High School, Class of 1971, and went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Air Force. He drove delivery trucks for several years and was very proud of the fact that he had visited every one of the 48 contiguous states. He also delivered...

Cleo Duke, 89, of Cave City, AR, died on Monday, March 11, 2024. He was born on April 14, 1934, in Evening Shade, AR, to the late Otto and Ossie (Bailey) Duke. Cleo served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War Era and was a truck driver by trade. Cleo is preceded in death by both of his parents; his wife, Carol (Massey) Duke; his two brothers, Harley Duke, and W.O. Duke; and his sister, Bonnie Maxwell. He is survived by his 4 sons, Steve Duke, Kevin Duke,...

Jolene Thorn, 95, passed away on March 8, 2024, in Batesville, AR.  She was born on April 27, 1928, in Locust Grove, AR.  Jolene worked at the International Shoe Company. She enjoyed gardening in her spare time and loved to cook.  One of her favorite things she enjoyed doing was going on car rides with Carla.  Above all else, she loved her church, serving the lord, and spending time with her grandchildren.   Jolene was a loving mother and grandmother who will be...

Darlene Jeanette Lindquist, 61, of Decatur, IL, died on Friday, March 8, 2024. She was born on September 24, 1962, in Arlington Heights, IL, to the late Charles Dewy Jones Sr. (Sgt., USMC) and Wilma Lois (Grenade) Jones. Darlene was a “real firecracker”. She was a loving mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. She had a great sense of humor and loved to help people. Some of her hobbies include dancing, gardening, camping, hiking, fishing, DIY projects,...

Donna Christine McDaniel, 61, of Southside, died on Thursday, March 7, 2024. She was born Donna Christine McDougal to the late Odess McDougal and Montine (Pankey) McDougal, on July 9, 1962, in California. Donna graduated high school from Bradford High School in Bradford, AR. She was of the Christian faith and grew up Baptist. Donna was a stay-at-home mom who nurtured and cared for her family. In her spare time, she loved to watch crime shows of any kind, but lately, her favorite show was...

Katherine Anita Reynolds, 83, passed away on March 4, 2024, in Searcy, AR. She was born on July 16, 1940, in Batesville, AR. Katherine was a seamstress for many years and even owned her own business. She enjoyed fishing, cooking, and loved horses. Above all else, Katherine loved spending time with her grandkids and great-grandkids. Katherine was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend who will be greatly missed by all those blessed to know her.   Katherine is...

 Leonard Fay Wood, 79, of Pleasant Plains, Arkansas went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 4, 2024. He was born on September 27, 1944, in Batesville, Arkansas. He was the youngest son of Lester and Zella Wood.     As a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, family meant more to him than anything. He loved the Lord Jesus Christ and was a faithful member of Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Pleasant Plains. He worked as a truck driver for more...

Laura Ann Reed, 54, of Batesville, died on Wednesday, February 28, 2024. She was born on November 29, 1969, in Batesville, AR. She was of Christian faith and grew up attending Pentecostal Church services. Laura was a homemaker and loved to cook and care for her family. She was a member of the Independence County Extension Homemakers and enjoyed spending time with her canning club, the River City Canners. She also enjoyed gardening and loved working at the museum. Laura went to work at the...

Norris Wayne Guynes, of Rosie, entered the gates of Heaven on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 6, 1939, in Moro, AR, to the late Carter Guynes and Dorothy Marie (Gray) Guynes. Norris was of Christian faith and worshiped the Lord by the way he lived his life but also as a member at Salado Baptist Church, where he served the Lord and the church as a deacon for several decades. Norris was a very hard worker. He worked hard all his...

Carlos Gentry Smith, 89, passed away on February 19, 2024, in Batesville, AR. He was born on August 15, 1934, in Guntown, Mississippi, to the late Leo Smith and Audrey (Gentry) Smith. Carlos loved driving a truck and was a member of the United States Air Force. He was also a member of Harrison Street Church of Christ and was a song leader for forty years. Above all else, Carlos was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend who will be missed by all those...

Gordon Lewis Morgan, 66, of Batesville, died on Monday, February 19, 2024. He was born on April 25, 1957, in Mount Pleasant, TX, to Byrette Lois (Morgan) Hawkins and the late Billy Gene Freeman. He was of Pentecostal faith. Gordon was very artistic, he loved music, especially playing the guitar, and enjoyed drawing. Gordon will be missed by everyone who was blessed to know and love him.  He is preceded in death by his father, Billy Gene Freeman; his wife, Sandra Morgan; his daughter,...

Tony Lane Goodwin, age 50, passed away peacefully and went home to be with the Lord on February 13, 2024 in Charlotte, Arkansas. He was born on June 8, 1973 in Crossett, Arkansas. He resided in Berryville, Arkansas where he was of the Baptist faith. He was a master carpenter and his love for the outdoors was only rivaled by his passion for playing his guitar and singing. He found solace and joy in the simplicity of nature and cherished moments spent with his family. He was the heart and soul...

Jimmy Charles Barnes, 68, was called to his heavenly home on February 13, 2024, in Batesville, AR. He was born on March 24, 1955, in Batesville, AR, to Jim T. Barnes and Lavada Barnes. Jimmy enjoyed drag racing and NASCAR racing, Mopar cars, wrestling, and collecting NASCAR memorabilia. Jimmy washed trucks for Bill Davis Trucking Company for fifteen years and ConAgra for five years. Above all else, Jimmy loved his family and was a wonderful husband, father, son, grandfather,...

Veleta Faye (Wallace) England, 90, of Batesville, died on Friday, Feb 9, 2024. She was born on June 10, 1933, in Cushman, AR, to the late James Wallace and Nellie (Vickery) Wallace. Faye was of the Christian faith and worshiped the Lord at New Life Pentecostal Church in Magness. Faye was a dedicated and hard worker. She served as a 911 emergency dispatcher for 28 years, working her way up to a supervisor role. Faye loved to fish, go antiquing, and hit all the yard sales looking for bargains....

Tracy Lee Martin, 61, passed away on February 8, 2024, in Batesville, AR. She was born on August 30, 1962, in Wichita, Kansas, to the late Jimmie T. Martin and Bobby Jean (Wren) Martin. Tracy enjoyed traveling, shopping, animals, and swimming. She never said a bad thing about anyone, and everyone always liked her as well. Above all else, she loved spending time with her family. Tracy was a loving daughter, sister, niece, aunt, and friend who was cherished by all those blessed to know...

Janet Marie Hardin, 64, passed away on February 8, 2024, in Horseshoe Bend, AR. She was born on August 4, 1959, in Batesville, AR, to the late Carl Witten Lyons and Violet Sipes (Ledford). Janet enjoyed crocheting and needlepoint. She had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed playing games. Above all else, Janet loved spending time with her kids and grandkids.   Janet is survived by her son, Joshua Mohlke; daughters, Amber Harris and Angela Merrill (James); grandchildren, Haleigh...

Anthony Allen Mellor, 55, of Southside, AR, died on Tuesday, February 6, 2024. He was born on September 30, 1968, in Antioch, CA. He was of the Christian faith and attended high school at the Christian Center School in Pittsburgh, CA.  Anthony served his country honorably in the United States Army.  He believed in the value of hard work. He worked at the Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Searcy for over 30 years and was very proud of the fact that he started at an entry-level...

Timothy Joseph Cody, 65, passed away on February 3, 2024, at the Blossoms in Newport, AR. He was born on December 17, 1958, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late John Dale Cody and Jean (Hartness) Anderson.   Timothy is survived by his two children, Timothy and Helen Cody; his brother, John Cody; and his niece, Brandice Walter-Combs. He is preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Kathleen Rene Cody.

Bobby Ray Reeves, 74, passed away surrounded by his family, on January 30, 2024, in Batesville, AR. He was born on April 30, 1949, in Batesville, AR, to the late Theodore Reeves and Audrey (Nicholson) Reeves. Bobby was a truck driver for fifty-eight years and taught his grandkids how to drive an eighteen-wheeler. He was also a hog farmer and raised Blue Heelers. Bobby enjoyed riding four-wheelers, picking up cans, and loved dancing and music. He spent a lot of his time spending time with his...

In loving memory of Janet Faye McKeen, 68, of Batesville Arkansas. Born August 8th, 1955, and departed this life surrounded in love by her family and friends on January 29th, 2024. Janet was the beloved daughter of the late Billy and Alma Thorne, and beloved sister to Donald and David Thorne and the late Jimmy Thorne. Janet is going to be greatly missed by her four children and their spouses. John and Tara Smith, Danny and Dawn Smith, Joey and Anita Smith, and daughter Brandy Baker...

Shannon Don Malloy, 53, of Mount Pleasant, AR, died on Saturday, January 27, 2024. Shannon was born on June 9, 1970, in Batesville, to Larry Malloy and the late Darlene (Moser) Malloy. He was of the Christian faith. Shannon loved to hunt, fish, and be outdoors. He also enjoyed tinkering around with car engines and staying busy working around the house. There wasn’t much that Shannon couldn’t fix. Shannon was a truck driver by trade and drove for PECO for the past 7 years. The...

Peggy Ann Creel, 65, passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024, in Jonesboro, AR. She was born on January 21, 1958, in Newport, AR to the late Amos J. C. Miller and Wanda Lee (Wallis) Miller. Peggy liked animals, especially her dogs, cooking, coffee, and spending time outside. She loved the Lord and spent a lot of her time reading her Bible, which she had read completely through five times. Peggy always tithed faithfully and enjoyed watching the SBN channel on TV. Above all else, she loved her...

Norleen "Nory" Barbara Cherry Brown, 88 of Ash Flat AR, born November 9, 1935, received her wings on January 13, 2024.  She was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Rose Cherry, husband John Paul Brown Sr., brother Robert Cherry (Betty), and son John Paul Brown Jr. She is survived by her sons Dan Brown of Ash Flat AR, Dave Brown (Laura) of Jackson MO, daughter-in-law Claire Brown of Colorado Springs CO, Grandchildren Grant and Clark Brown, Sister-in-law Nancy...

Olivia Celeste Acklin gained her angel wings on Friday, January 12, 2024, at the age of 2 years, 2 months, and 21 days. Olivia was born on October 22, 2021, in Batesville, AR. Though her time on earth was short, her love and impact on her family will last forever. Olivia loved being read to, she loved cuddling with her favorite teddy bear, and she enjoyed watching her favorite shows, like “Cocomelon”. Olivia was a ball of sunshine and a blessing to her family's lives. She is...

Darrell Lee Wooldridge, 80, passed away in Batesville, AR on Thursday, January 11, 2024. He was born on July 15, 1943, in Harrisburg, AR to the late Master Boyce Wooldridge and Gladys (Bynum) Wooldridge. Darrell enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was a member of White Drive Baptist Church and enjoyed driving the church bus for many years. Darrell started working for Batesville Manufacturing in 1967 and retired from GDX in 2007. Above all else, Darrell was a loving husband, father,...

Ronallien “Roni” Mae Crider, 75, of Batesville, died on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Roni was born in Council Bluffs, IA, on January 29, 1948, to the late Louis Fisher and Mabel (Belt) Fisher. Roni was of the Christian faith and worshiped the lord as a member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Southside. Roni was an educator for close to 30 years. Most of her career was spent at Southside School District. Roni loved to serve others and especially enjoyed dedicating her life to the...

David Joe Blagg, 65, passed away at his home in Strawberry, AR, on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. He was born on January 1, 1959, in Savannah, TN, to the late Kelly Dean Blagg and Lou Hazel (Lambert) Blagg. David was a master carpenter and enjoyed woodworking and crafting. He loved music, especially Classic Rock, and watching Old Westerns and TV shows from the 80’s. When he wasn’t outside working around his house, David enjoyed riding his Harley. Above all else, David was a...

Gerald Wayne Mason, 80, passed away on January 7, 2024, in Rosie, AR. He was born on September 5, 1943, in Batesville, AR, to the late Lewis Mason and Velma C. (Scribner) Mason. Gerald enjoyed playing guitar, hunting, and fishing. He was an Evangelist, always sharing God’s Word and his testimony. Gerald spent the majority of his life alongside his twin brother, Thurl. They owned businesses together and were both enlisted in the US Air Force. Above all else, Gerald loved spending time...

Glenda Mae (Fisher) Keener, 81, of Bethesda, AR, died on Friday, January 5, 2024. Glenda was born on August 29, 1942, in Bethesda, to the late Hayden Fisher and Alene (Wooten) Fisher. She was of the Christian faith. Glenda’s faith became very important to her in her later years and was baptized on October 1, 2023. She was a traditional Southern woman who was extremely proud of her heritage. She loved learning and talking about history, especially the history of Arkansas, Independence...

Brandon Shawn Hooten, 36, of Batesville, died on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. He was born on July 13, 1987, in Redlands, California, to Tony Hooten and the late Jamie Deanna Bock. Brandon loved animals of all types. He loved gaming, especially the game Dungeons and Dragons, and he also enjoyed watching Hockey and cheering on his favorite team, the San Jose Sharks. Brandon is preceded in death by his mother, Jamie Deanna Bock; his grandparents, Rollie and Janice Bock, and his...

Colena Louise Fox (Stanley), 61, of Batesville, died on Tuesday, December 26th, 2023. Colena was born on January 29th, 1962, in Crossett, AR, to Eddie Stanley and Mary (Bardin) Brantley. She spent the formative years of her life in Crossett, which is where she met the love of her life, Stanley Fox. For the next 48 years, the relationship grew and grew, leaving a love-filled legacy that included 43 years of marriage, two children, and multiple grandchildren. Colena was of the Christian faith...

Joel Bennett West, 92, of Evening Shade, AR, died on Monday, December 25, 2023. He was born on December 12, 1931, in Old Salem, TX, to the late Edom Bennett West and Irene (Wingate) West. Joel was of the Christian faith and loved to read the Bible. He served his country honorably in the United States Air Force, serving in Japan and Korea during the Korean War era. Joel continued his selfless service after the military by earning his master’s degree in sociology and serving as a...

Marsha Lynn Smith, 72, passed away on December 20, 2023. She was born in Newport, AR, on October 25, 1951, to William and Imajean Thompson. Marsha was outgoing, strong-willed, and caring. She loved to dance, listen to Elvis, and watch soap operas and WWE. But most of all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend whose memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who were lucky enough...

Linda Kay Lawrence, 71, passed away on December 17, 2023, in Batesville, AR. She was born on August 3, 1952, in Russellville, Arkansas to the late Leon and Edith Syfert. Linda enjoyed playing bingo, cooking, and baking. She was always the life of the party and kept everyone around her laughing. Linda loved her kids and grandkids more than anything else. Above all else, Linda loved the Lord. Linda was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who will be missed by all those...