Obituaries

— Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.

INDEX

Some obituaries may appear in certain editions of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and not in others. This list shows the names of all people whose obituaries are in at least one edition. For obituaries not in this edition, please see our Web site, Arkansas Online, www2.arkansasonline.com. Choose the Obituaries link under the News section on the top navigation menu.

PULASKI COUNTY

John M. Barnett, 44, of Sherwood. Thomas Brannon of Little Rock.

Lauren Gilmore, 18, of Little Rock.

Brittney Dominique Givens, 19, of Little Rock.

Melvin LeRoy Haney Jr., 52, of North Little Rock.

John Huff, 71, of Little Rock.

Ruth C. Jones, 75, of Little Rock.

Shernell King, 19, of Little Rock.

Jewell Cavin Lawrence, 76, of Jacksonville.

ELSEWHERE IN ARKANSAS

ALEXANDER Gladys M. Ward, 88.

BEEBE Jerome Phillip Berner, 70.

Scotty Lynn Davis, 33.

BENTON Henry M. Wells, 87.

BRINKLEY David Jonathan "Jon Jon" Conyears, 23.

CARLISLE Eddie "Boone" Gates, 56.

CLINTON Ronald Dean Eder, 66.

CONWAY Ollie Mae Rose, 70.

DeWITT Ralph Grady Mitchell, 63.

FAIRFIELD BAY Elinor E. Abker, 88.

FORT SMITH Irmalee Jordan Smith, 83.

GOSNELL Tessie Cook, 88.

HAVANA Richard Franklin Lane, 86.

HIGHLAND Joan Palmer, 76.

LAKE VILLAGE Billy Eugene Gosney, 63.

LONOKE Otis Wayne Bennett Sr.

MALVERN Tommy Bell, 25.

MAYFLOWER David Wayne Shriver, 27.

McCRORY Chester L. Dewitt.

MENA Keith Watson, 38.

MONTICELLO Robert Henry Makcon Jr., 80.

MOUNT SHERMAN Dorothy Fowler, 77.

MOUNT VERNON Donald Eugene Hardy, 65.

NEWPORT Ruth King, 84.

PARIS Louise J. Dhaliwal, 73.

POTTSVILLE Benjamin E. Howard, 81.

SEARCY Julia Harmon, 70.

SPRINGDALE Doyle Wade Ward, 84.

STUTTGART Andrew Lee Thompkins Sr., 68.

TICHNOR Janie Johnson Long, 62.

WILBURN Norman Ellison Johnson, 81.

YELLVILLE Craig Eugene Cook, 56.

OUT-OF-STATE CHICAGO James Pitts, formerly of Little Rock.

Pulaski County

JOHN M. BARNETT of Sherwood passed away Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009, at his home. He was 44 years old.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Miller Funeral Home in Washington, Mo. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, at 10 a.m. from St. Peter's United Church of Christ in Washington. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

He leaves to survive: his parents, Levere and Mildred Kathryn Barnett of Washington; and two brothers, James and wife Pam Barnett of Queen City, Mo., and Paul and Jeannine Barnett of West Burlington, Iowa; and one nephew, Bradley Barnett of West Burlington, Iowa.

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THOMAS BRANNON of Little Rock, Ark., departed this life onAug. 27, 2009. He was a beloved father, grandfather, educator, friend and humanitarian. His loving survivors are two daughters, Diane (Maurice) Garnett and Linnis (Gregory)Rucks; one son, Peter McClendon; four grandchildren; two brothers; two sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Home going services will be Friday, Sept. 4, 2009, 11 a.m. at Miles Memorial CME Church, 1804 E. Capitol Ave., Little Rock, Ark. Interment will follow at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, 1501 Maryland Ave., North Little Rock, Ark. Family visitation will be Thursday, Sept. 3rd, 6-8 p.m. at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 Chester St., LR, (501) 372-1305.

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LAUREN GILMORE, 18, of Little Rock passed away Aug.28, 2009. She is survived by her father, Marvin (Rose) Gilmore Sr.; mother, Angela Bledsoe; brothers, Marvin Gilmore II, Christopher Manning, Austin Laing; sisters, Kelsey Bledsoe,Marliyah Gilmore; grandparents, Leona (John) Wallace, Carol Fisher (Delphia), Malachi C. Whitlow III; uncles, David (Santorey) Whitlow, Joseph Harris; aunts, Felisha Whitlow, Cynthia Harris; special friends, Keith (Melanie) Jackson and the P.A.R.K. family, Jerell Brantley, Anthony Logan Jr., Whitney and Deleisa Brown and Al'Shley Jones. Family Hour will be Sept. 4, 2009, 6-8 p.m. at Greater Trinity COGIC. Funeral Service will be Sept. 5, 2009, 11 a.m. at Greater Trinity COGIC. Services entrusted to Gunn Funeral Home, 4323 W. 29th, Little Rock, Ark. 72204, (501) 660-4323.

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BRITTNEY DOMINIQUE GIVENS, 19, of Little Rock passedaway Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009. Born Aug. 20, 1990, in Oceanside, Calif. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Andrew Patterson, and brother, Darren Smith. She leaves tocherish her memories: mother, Karen (Mike) Gordon, father, Aaron (Regina) Givens, parents, William (Sandra) Smith; siblings, Aaron H. Given IV, Moses Givens, Miriam Givens, Tawana Smith, William Smith, Legacie Smith, Shunda Davis, all of Little Rock; grandmothers, Hermean Patterson, LR, Ella Smith of Pine Bluff and Arlinda Givens of Little Rock; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, 11 a.m. at Gaines St. Baptist Church, 1601 S. Gaines St., LR. The family will receive friends Friday, Sept. 4, 2009, from 7:30 till 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Services entrusted to Premier Funeral Home, 1518 S. Battery St., LR, (501) 376-4800. "Only Heaven Can Serve You Better."

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MELVIN LeROY HANEY JR. of North Little Rock passed awayin his sleep on Aug. 30, 2009. He was born April 16, 1957, in North Little Rock.

He is survived by his parents, LeRoy and Louise Haney; two children, Shawn (Abbie) Wardand Linzy Haney; three grandchildren, Emily Lace'ann, Breanna Leigh'ann and Keely Louise; a brother, Stephen (Patricia) Haney; two sisters, Patricia (Charles) Hoeffken and Melody (Gary) Dycus; and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by a brother, Jerry W. Haney Sr.

Pallbearers are his nieces, Crystal Holsted, Charity Hagemeier, Courtney Dycus, Tiffany Moore, Brittany Brewer and Candy Blackwell. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Hoeffken III, Steve Haney Jr., Gary Dycus Jr. and Jerry Haney Jr.

The Family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all of the family and friends who have expressed their love and thoughtfulness during this time.

Memorials may be made to Scott United Pentecostal Church, 207 Mitcham Road, North Little Rock, Ark. 72117. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday at North Little Rock Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at the Mulberry Cemetery, England, Ark. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main, 758-1170. Online obituary and guest register at www.nlrfh.com.

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JOHN HUFF, 71, of Little Rock passed away Aug. 30, 2009, atBaptist Health. He never met a stranger and fed anyone that came to him hungry. He touched the hearts and lives of many; he will be forever missed by his wife Brenda J.Huff, 14 sisters, 15 brothers, 24 children and Gary Moore Brown. A host of grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and all those who came to love him, "Just Because." A celebration of life will be Friday, Sept. 4, 2009, 11 a.m. at Moody Chapel A.M.E. Church, 5630 Mabelvale Pike, LR. Services entrusted to Premier Funeral Home, 1518 S. Battery St., LR., (501) 376-4800. "Only Heaven Can Serve You Better."

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RUTH C. JONES, 75, of Little Rock passed away Monday,Aug. 31, 2009. She was born April 19, 1934, in East St. Louis, Ill., daughter of Mark and Rosalie Snyder Chambers. She was raised in Benton, Ark., and graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. While her husband attended Tulane Medical School in New Orleans, she taught elementary school.

She was a member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, became a lifetime member of the Women's Society of the Methodist Church at age 28. She had a UMW Circle named in her honor: "Ruth." She served as an officer and member of the Christian Fellowship Sunday School Class. She also served as one of the first women in the Altar Guild. Her volunteer activities included her children's activities, Meals on Wheels and SCAN among others. She was an inaugural member of the Master Gardeners of Pulaski County, a Docent at Arkansas Arts Center, and was a co-founder of Gifts of Arkansas. She loved tennis, was a member of Little Rock Travel Club, various book and garden clubs and the Little Rock Horticulture Study Group. She lovedgardening at home, watching birds and being with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, William N. Jones, M.D.; a daughter, Susan Boe and husband Tim of Little Rock; three sons, Mark Jones and wife Amber of Alexander, Stephen Jones and wife Christine of Houston, Texas, and David Jones and wife Jan of Benton; grandchildren, Elaine Ruth Boe, Vivian Boe, Lauren Jones, Amy Jones, Alex Jones and Grace Jones; and a sister, Ann Hope and her husband, William, of Benton; numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Ruthie's life will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4, 2009, at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church with Reverend Lynn Lindsey and Reverend Jeff Hampton officiating. A reception will follow in the church parlor. Interment will be at 1:30 p.m. at Pinecrest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m., Thursday at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, (501) 224-8300.

Memorials may be made to Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72205; or Heifer International, #1 World Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72202. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

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SHERNELL KING, 19, of Little Rock passed away Aug. 29, 2009.She leaves to cherish her memories: parents, Michael and Barbara Pumphrey of Little Rock; brothers, Michael Jr., Cartavious and Marquez Pumphrey; grandparents, MsCorine Reed of El Dorado, Ark., and Mr. Chester King of Urbana, Ark.; godmother, Latasha Miles; godbrother, Earl Brently; special friends, Torie, Ebony and Makayla, all of Little Rock.

Visitation Friday, Sept. 4, 2009, 6-7 p.m. at ACI Ministries, 900 S. Pine Street, Little Rock. Service Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, 11 a.m. at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, El Dorado, Ark. Superior Funeral Services, 5017 E. Broadway, (501) 945-9922, Trudean Long Brown, "Providing Services Your Family Deserves."

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JEWELL CAVIN LAWRENCE, 76, of Jacksonville died Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009. She was born April 2, 1933, in Franklin, Va., to the late Lelia Williams and Oscar Fredrick Cavin Sr. Mrs. Lawrence was a homemaker and received her bachelor's degree from UCA while attending night classes and raising her family. She worked as an Education Administrator for UCA at Little Rock Air Force Base and after retiring she wasa Customer Service Manager for Wal-Mart.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Willie A. Lawrence; and two brothers, Hugh Colgate Griffin and Russell Cavin. Mrs. Lawrence is survived by three children, William Michael Lawrence of Mountain Home, Idaho, Donna Jean Brock of Little Rock and H. Allen Lawrence of Jacksonville; as well as two brothers, Oscar Fredrick Cavin Jr. of Western Port, Md., and Wade Dorman Cavin of Waverly, Va.

Mrs. Lawrence will be interred at Arkansas National Cemetery. Arrangements are by Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home, (501) 982-2136. Please sign the online guestbook at www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.

Arkansas

ALEXANDER - Gladys M. Ward, 88, of Alexander, died August 31st at Saline Memorial Hospital surrounded by numerous loved ones and relatives. She was born May 11, 1921, in Philadelphia, Indiana, to the late Henry and Mary Welborn.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clomer E. Ward; infant daughter, Mary Jane Ward; three sisters, Mildred Peters, Hazel Anderson and Geneva Sargent; brothers, Ted Welborn, Basil Welborn, Ivan Welborn and Arthur Welborn. Survivors: sons, Tommy W. Ward of Haskell, C.D. Ward and wife, Elizabeth of San Diego, Calif., Robert D. Ward and wife, Marjorie of Great Falls, Va., daughter, Carolyn Kruse and husband, Fred of Bryant; 11 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

Church services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 10 a.m., Friday at 1st Baptist Church of Bryant with John Owen and Phillip Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Harmony Cemetery. Visitation will be at Ashbys, Thursday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.

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BEEBE - Jerome Phillip Berner, 70, of Beebe, Arkansas, was born June 3, 1939, at East St. Louis, Illinois, and died August 31, 2009, after an eight-year battle with colon cancer. He was a retired U.S. Air Force MSGT.

Jerome was preceded in death by his mother, Charlotte Allen and his beloved Pop. He is survived by his wife, Wilma Berner of Beebe; three sons, Joey Berner of Rogers, Jerry Berner Jr. of Tucson, Arizona, and Chris Berner of Clay Center, Kansas; two daughters, Andrea Juarez of Sylvan Hills and Jennifer Berner of Beebe; and 12 grandchildren. He was well loved and will be forever missed by his family and friends. The family would like to thank Dr. Patel and his wonderful nurses for all their care during Jerry's illness, and also Arkansas Hospice for their compassion and care.

Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday at Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. Graveside service will be 10 a.m., Thursday, September 3, 2009, at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. Casual attire is requested. www.westbrookfuneralhome.com.

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BEEBE - Scotty Lynn Davis, 33, of Beebe, Arkansas, was born July 23, 1976, at Jacksonville, Arkansas, and died August 28, 2009. He was a wonderful, loving dad and husband.

Scotty was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Davis Jr., grandparents, Bertha and Herbert Beard and Della and Henry Davis. He is survived by his wife, Nickie Newcomb Davis of Beebe; three children, Meghan Davis of Newark, Sydney and Dakota Davis of Beebe; his mother, Linda Beard Dillon and husband Wes of Jacksonville; his father, Larry Davis and wife Jannie of Ward; sister, Tonya Davis of Ward; brothers Jeff Fowler of Jacksonville, Burt Fowler of Ward and Scott Fowler of Cabot; grandparents Ophelia and George Boozer; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday at Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. Funeral will be 10 a.m., Friday, September 4, 2009, at Westbrook Funeral Home, with burial in Gravel Ridge Cemetery. www.westbrookfuneralhome.com.

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BENTON - Henry M. Wells, 87, of Benton, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord on August 30, 2009. He was born December 2, 1921, in Lula, Mississippi. He was member of United Missionary Baptist Church of Benton. He operated a concession stand in the Federal Building for Arkansas Enterprise for the Blind.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Gracie Louise Wells. He is survived by one son, Bobby Wells of Jonesboro; three daughters, Deane Ball of Mabelvale, Sue Wright of Haskell, Pat Talbot of Sherwood; two brothers; four sisters; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held 10 a.m., Thursday, September 3, 2009, at Edgewood Cemetery in North Little Rock with Chaplain Kim Hammer officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Saline Memorial Hospice House, 23157 Interstate 30, Bryant, Ark. 72022. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/drummond.

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BRINKLEY - David Jonathan "Jon Jon" Conyears, 23, of Brinkley, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2009. Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 29, 2009 at 11 a.m. at Mount of Olives Ministries, Brinkley. Burial was at Haven of Rest Cemetery, Brinkley under the direction of McNeal-Calahan Funeral Home, Inc., Brinkley.

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CARLISLE - Eddie "Boone" Gates, age 56, died September 1, 2009. He is survived by his wife, Yvonne Gates; a son, Don (Kim) Gates of Carlisle; brothers, Tommy Gates of Batesville and Carl Gates of Searcy; grandchildren,Seth, Keanu and Katelynn; and his sister-in-law Jackie Johnson of Carlisle. He is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Lorene and Lee Earl. Funeral Services will be 2 p.m., Thursday at Boyd Funeral Home, Lonoke with interment in Hamilton Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, 6-8 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Online guest book, www.boydfuneralhome.net.

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CLINTON - Ronald Dean Eder, 66, of Clinton, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, August 29, 2009. He is survived by his wife, two sons, three grandchildren, one sister and one brother. Cremation Arrangements are under the care and direction of Roller McNutt Funeral Home Clinton, Arkansas. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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CONWAY - Ollie Mae Rose, 70, Conway, departed this life August27, 2009. Survivors: two sons, four daughters, two sisters, 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren. Funeral services 11 a.m., Saturday Rock of Ages Baptist Church, NLR. Visitation Friday, 6-8 p.m. at church. Interment Pleasant Grove Cemetery Trenton, Arkansas. Arrangements Larry G. Acklin Funeral Home, Conway, 327-1124. www.larrygacklinfuneralhomes.com.

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DeWITT - Ralph Grady Mitchell, age 63, of DeWitt died Monday, August 31, 2009. He was born March 25, 1946, in Dallas, Texas, to Troy and Virginia Thigpen Mitchell. He worked as a grain elevator manager and was a member of First Baptist Church.

Memberships include the Harley Owners Group, charter life member of American Motorcyclist Association and Antique Motorcycle Club of America, Confederate Chapter. He was an avid motorcyclist and traveler. Known by many, loved by all, he never met a stranger on all his rides. With friends all over the nation, he will be dearly missed.

Survivors include one son, Kelly Mitchell and his wife, Karri; parents, Troy and Virginia Thigpen Mitchell; brother, Joe Mitchell; grandsons, Luke and Jake Mitchell; and nephew, Blake Mitchell all of DeWitt.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Thursday at Essex Funeral Home Chapel with burial at De-Witt Cemetery. Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Cancer Research Center, 4301 W. Markham, Slot 623F, Little Rock, Ark. 72205.

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FAIRFIELD BAY - Elinor E. Abker, 88, passed away August 30, 2009. Daughters, Sharon Roper, Linda Winters and Patty Krimmel; brothers, Robert and Donald Lahann; sister-in-law, Nancee Roost; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. Funeral Mass Friday, 10 a.m., St. Francis Catholic Church. Interment Woodland Memorial Park. Memorials to Fairfield Bay Animal Shelter. Olmstead Funeral Home. www.olmstead.cc.

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FORT SMITH - Irmalee Jordan Smith, 83, of Fort Smith, died August 28, 2009, in Fort Smith. She was a former House Mother for the 4H House at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, former employee in Food Service for the Mount Sequoyah Retreat Center in Fayetteville and the Johnson County Extension Service in Clarksville. She was also a homemaker and member of the First Baptist Church.

She is survived by her husband Carl W. Smith of the home; daughters, Leamae Brown Van Riper and husband Dean of Fort Smith, Mary Elaine Brown Wilkins and husband Charley of Fort Smith, and Carl's daughter and son-in-law, Peggy Smith Pryor and husband Jim of Tulsa, Okla.; brother, Ray W. Jordan of Gilbert, Ark.

Memorial Service will be Saturday, September 5, 2009, at 2 p.m. in the First Baptist Church under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Private Family interment will be in the Gilbert Cemetery in Gilbert, Ark. Memorials may be made to the First Help Program, c/o First Baptist Church, 1400 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 72901. To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.

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GOSNELL - Mrs. Tessie Cook, 88, of Gosnell, died Monday at Blytheville. Survived by husband, Woodrow Cook, son, Harmon Cook, and grandson, Gregg Cook. Funeral services Thursday, 1:30 p.m. in Cobb Funeral Home Chapel in Blytheville. Entombment in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday, 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

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HAVANA - Richard Franklin Lane, age 86, of Havana, died Monday, August 31 at Chambers Memorial Hospital in Danville. Services will be Wednesday, Sept. 2, 10 a.m. at the Wilson Free Will Baptist Church with Bro. Jeff Henderson officiating. Burial will be in Russell Cemetery. Arrangements are by Cornwell Funeral Home, Danville.

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HIGHLAND - Joan Palmer, age 76, of Highland, died Sunday, August 30, 2009, at her home. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Tri-County Funeral Home of Highland.

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LAKE VILLAGE - Billy Eugene Gosney, age 63, of Lake Village, died Monday, August 31, 2009, at his home. He was born November 30, 1945, in Lake Village, the son of Walter Neal Gosney and Ollie Johnston Gosney and was a farmer and truck driver and a member of Bayou Mason Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ollie Gosney. Survivors are his wife, Barbara Ann Gosney of Lake Village; a son, Marc Gosney of Lake Village; a stepson, Wesley Peters of Oxford, Mississippi; two daughters, Judy Busby of Vicksburg, Mississippi and Jamie Demmelmaier of Lake Village; two stepdaughters, Roseanne Russell of Germantown, Tennessee, and Cheyenne Peters of Lake Village; two brothers, James Gosney of Russellville and Ronnie Gosney of Monticello; three sisters, Barbara Ann Turner of Monticello,Linda Barber of Star City and Patricia Potter of Cabot; six grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, one step-great-granddaughter and the mother of his children, Barbara Gosney of Lake Village.

Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, September 2, 2009, at Bishop Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Thursday, September 3, 2009, at Bayou Mason Baptist Church with Bro. Ken Johnson and Bo Nix officiating.

Burial will follow in Lake Village Cemetery under the direction of Bishop Funeral Home of Lake Village.

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LONOKE - Otis Wayne Bennett Sr., Lonoke, Arkansas. Wayne Bennett lived a life of grateful service to his family, friends and country. He was born in the Sandhills community of northern Lonoke County in 1920.

Like so many, he was deeply affected by the Great Depression, yet largely insulated from deprivation by the family farm which, with hard work, provided food. From an early age, he worked for his father on their small farmstead. His father, even in lean times, was a talented businessman. Wayne deeply admired his father's abilities, and dreamed of one day going into business with him.

In 1935 his family moved to Lonoke, where he completed high school. He worked his way through the University of Arkansas and received a degree in Agricultural Science.

In 1941 he volunteered for service, trained as a fighter pilot and served in the Pacific Theatre with the 7th Army Air Force, 318th Fighter Group, 333rd Squadron. Flying the P-47 "Jug," he participated in operations at Saipan, Tinian, Truk and Le Shima, among others. The 318th routinely flew missions of up to 1,500 miles over open water using rudimentary navigation. On May 30, 1945, three flights from his squadron were caught in bad weather, and became disoriented and separated in the clouds. One group was never seen again, while Bennett and some others found their way to base. Every day after that one, he said, was a gift.

With his father, and soon joined by his brother, he cofounded the farming and seed company J.O. Bennett & Sons in 1946. His first rice crop was damaged by an early frost, netting the partnership a hefty loss. He applied for a job as a county extension agent, hoping to pay off the loss; realizing that it would take many years to pay back his debt, he resolved to try another year farming and continued for 60 more years.

In 1947, he married Betty Ann McHaney of Little Rock; they had a wonderful, active life together. Their marriage was a true partnership, and he credited Betty as being the key to his success and happiness.

He participated in and led many industry and charitable organizations, including the American Soybean Association, the Arkansas River Navigation Project and The National Crittenton Foundation.

He was a man of strong ambition and achievement, just as comfortable at the country store as at the country club. He was well-known in his day as the aviator farmer of Lonoke.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gertrude (Glover) and J.O. "Pete" Bennett, his brother Neil Bennett, Sr., his cousin and friend Ross Glover, and his adored wife Betty. He is survived by sons Wayne Bennett, Jr. of Lonoke and Mac Bennett of Nashville, Tennessee; a grandson, Jesse Bennett; and daughters-in-law Camille Bennett and Maura O'Connell.

Funeral Services for Mr. Bennett will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, September 3, 2009, at the Lonoke First United Methodist Church with interment in Lonoke Cemetery, arrangements by Boyd Funeral Home, Lonoke. The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The National Crittenton Foundation, (http://www.thenationalcrittentonfoundation. org/), or to the Alzheimer's Association (http://www.alz.org/ alzokar/).

Online guest book, www.boydfuneralhome.net.

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MALVERN - Tommy Bell, 25, died August 29.

Survivors, father, step-mother, Michael and Carolyn Bell; mother, Kitty Buyard; brothers, Dexter Buyard, Brett Davis; sisters, Jessica Bates, Monica Bell, Crystal Davis, Ciarra Centers; grandmother, Darlene Breashears.

Visitation, Wednesday, September 2, 5-7 p.m., Regency.

Services, Thursday, September 3, 10 a.m., Regency Chapel. Guestbook, regencyfuneralhome.com.

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MAYFLOWER - David Wayne Shriver, 27, of Mayflower diedSunday, August 30, 2009, due to injuries from a motorcycle accident. He was a welder, a member of 1st Assembly of God in North Little Rock and a loving husband andfather.

He is survived by his son, Gabriel David Wayne Shriver, of Mayflower; two daughters, Emma Lynn Shriver and Samaria Mae Shriver, both of Hannibal, Missouri; two stepdaughters, Shelby Owings, of Mayflower and Oceanna Lane, of Hannibal, Missouri; wife, Lisa (Owings) Shriver, of Mayflower; stepfather and mother, Ricky and Theresa Long Brown, of Mayflower; father, Stanley G. Shriver, of Moccasin Flat, Missouri; sister, Sabrina Lynn Morgan, of Mayflower; special grandparents, James and Loretta Hoover, of North Little Rock, Kenneth Shriver, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri and Irene Shriver, of Piedmont, Missouri; aunt, Vanessa Gilmore; uncle, Alphonse Guidry; extended family and a host of special friends.He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Paul David Long.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m., Friday at North Little Rock Funeral Home Chapel.

Burial will be in Rest Hills Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Online obituary and guest register at www.nlrfh.com.

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McCRORY - Mr. Chester L. Dewitt, resident of McCrory, died Tuesday. Memorial services will be announced at a later date.

Survivors: five brothers, James Dale, Harvey, Gilbert, Clarence, and Arnold Dewitt; one sister, Conita Kiser.

Preceded by his parents, Homer and Goldie Dewitt; wife, Nanie Bell Taylor Dewitt; sister, Ruby Lee Murrow. Thompson-Wilson Funeral Directors, McCrory, (870) 731-2551.

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MENA - Keith Watson, 38, of Mena, died August 30, 2009. Services are Thursday, September 3, 2009, at 10 a.m. in the Beasley-Wood Chapel.

Graveside services are Thursday, at 2 p.m. in the Malbrook Cemetery in Blevins, Arkansas, under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com.

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MONTICELLO - Robert Henry Makcon Jr., 80, of Monticello, Ark., died August 25, 2009.

Funeral services are September 2, 11 a.m., at Cromwell Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Levi Tolefree officiating. Burial at Westview Cemetery under the direction of Cromwell Funeral Home of Hamburg. www.cromwellfuneralhome.net.

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MOUNT VERNON - Donald Eugene Hardy, 65, of Mount Vernon died August 23, 2009. Survivors: wife, Miriam Hardy; son, Michael Lein, North Carolina; daughter, Michaele Housley, Conway; grandchildren, Jennifer, Lauren, Josh; two sisters, one brother. Memorial Service 10 a.m., Saturday, September 5, Bethesda Living Word Church, Romance, Ark. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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NEWPORT - Ruth King, 84, of Newport died Monday. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul King and her parents, George and Gladys (Mallen) Dodson. Funeral services will be 3:00, Wednesday, September 2, 2009, at Dillinger Funeral Home Chapel. There will be no visitation. Arrangements provided by Dillinger Funeral Home. www.dillingerfuneralhome.com.

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POTTSVILLE - Benjamin E. Howard, 81, of Pottsville, died Sunday. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday at Rest Haven Memorial Park under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service. Full military honors will be provided by Rogers-Rye VFW Post 2283. Internet obituary and on-line guest book are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com.

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SEARCY - Julia Harmon, age 70, of Searcy passed away athome after a brief battle with cancer on Monday, August 31, 2009 with her family by her side. She was born Monday, March 20, 1939, in Searcy, Ark., the daughter of the late Haroldand Elba Hendrickson of Mount Vernon.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Larry Harmon and older sister, Patty Johnson. She is survived by her two daughters, Tammy and husband Bernard Knoppers of Buffalo, Texas, and Kimberly and husband JD Yingling of Searcy, six grandchildren, Karen, Justin, and Victor Boedeker of Texas, and Kevin, Trent, and Derek Yingling of Searcy, one sister, Nancy Patton of Wooster, one brother, Dennis Hendrickson of Mount Vernon, and a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Julia was a former employee of International Shoe Company and retired from J.C. Penney. She was a member of the West Side First Baptist Church in Greers Ferry and a former long-time member of Park Avenue Baptist Church in Searcy. During retirement she enjoyed her Bible study group at Greers Ferry, Red Hat Society, Home Extension Club,and Bunco group.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 3 from 6-8 p.m. at Roller-Daniel Funeral Home in Searcy. Funeral services will be Friday, September 4 at 1 p.m. at Park Avenue Baptist Church in Searcy with interment following at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens in Searcy. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to support missions at the West Side First Baptist Church in Greers Ferry or Park Avenue Baptist Church in Searcy. Online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com or (501) 268-3546.

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SPRINGDALE - Doyle Wade Ward, 84, of Springdale, Ark., passed away Sunday, August30, 2009. He was born March 6, 1925, in Damascus, Ark., to the late Jason and Thelma Ward. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Eva Nelle Farley.

Mr. Wardwas and employee with Entergy Corporation from 1951 to 1990. As an employee of Entergy he lived in Bald Knob, Pine Bluff, and retired in Harrison, Ark. He was a member of Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, Ark., and longtime member of the Lion's Club. He was a WWII Army veteran.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Faye Ward; two daughters, Sondra Stone of North LittleRock, Ark., and Nancy Ervin of Springdale; and by four grandchildren, Tracy Ervin McElhattan, Brian Wade Ervin, David Stone, and Kathryn Stone.

Funeral services will be Friday at 1 p.m. at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. Interment will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Conway.

Visitation is Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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STUTTGART - Mr. Andrew Lee Thompkins Sr., 68, of Stuttgart died Wednesday, August 26, 2009. His services will be Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009 at First Baptist Church in Humphrey by Rev. Charles Boyd at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff.

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TICHNOR - Janie Johnson Long of Tichnor was born April 5,1947 in Springfield, Mo., and died August 31, 2009.

She was preceded in death by her father, Roy L. Johnson.

Survivors are her mother, Louise Johnson of Little Rock;

her husband of 41 years, Billy Murl Long; two sons, Heath Long (Betsy) of Tichnor, Wes Long (CaSondra) of Benton; two grandchildren, Shelby and Sydney Long of Tichnor.

She was Chairman of the Arkansas County Election Commissioners, Chairman of the Democratic Party for Arkansas County, past president of the DeWitt Hospital Auxiliary, former DeWitt Hospital Board member, active member of Gillett United Methodist Church where she was president of United Methodist Women and chairman of the Parsonage Committee.

Her strength and courage in the face of her cancer was a inspiration to all who knew her. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at UAMS for their kindness and support.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Sept. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Essex Funeral Home, DeWitt. Funeral service will be Thursday, Sept. 3, 10 a.m. at Gillett United Methodist Church with burial at Gillett Cemetery by Essex. Memorials may be made to Gillett United Methodist Church.

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WILBURN - Norman Ellison Johnson, 81, passed away August 31, 2009.

Survivors: wife, Earlene Johnson and two sons, Norman (Dean) Johnson of St. Louis, Mo., and Brian Keith Johnson of Wilburn. Visitation Thursday, 6-8 p.m., Olmstead Funeral Home. Funeral Friday, 10 a.m., Olmstead Chapel. Interment Pleasant Ridge Cemetery at Ida. www.olmstead.cc.

Out-of-state

CHICAGO - James Pitts of Chicago, Ill., formerly of Little Rock, Ark., passed away August 27, 2009.

He was a graduate of Dunbar High School.

Survivors include: sister, Effie Lee of Chicago, Ill., and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Graveside memorial will be held Thursday, September 3, 2009, 10 a.m., at Haven of Rest Cemetery. Arrangement by: Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 Chester St., LR, (501) 372-1305.

Arkansas, Pages 16, 17 on 09/02/2009