Willa Mae Howard age 81, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Sunday, June 12, 2016 in Paris, Texas.

Willa was born March 17, 1935 to the late Hugh Ryals and Era Fryar Ryals in Cherry Hill, Arkansas. Willa was married to Virgil Howard for sixty-two years and was a homemaker and raised chickens. Willa enjoyed sewing, canning, and flowers. She loved to read, shop and travel with family and friends.  Most of all she loved and enjoyed her family. She was a loving and kind wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend to all who knew her. Willa will be dearly missed by all.

She is survived by, husband, Virgil Howard; sons, Henry Howard and wife Carolyn of San Angelo, Texas, Randy Howard and wife Cheryl of Hugo, Oklahoma; daughter, Lanelle Brand and husband Stephen of Greenville, Texas;

grandchildren, Jennifer, Amy, Jonathon, Melissa, Chris, Michael and Melanie;

sixteen great-grandchildren; brothers, Leon Ryals and wife Mary of Mena, Arkansas, and Clayton Ryals and wife Nona of Lockesburg, Arkansas.

She was preceded in death by, her parents; a sister, Civilene Ford, and a brother, Gene Ryals.

Funeral services will be Thursday, June 16, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at Cherry Hill Methodist Church in Cherry Hill with Brother Mark Lyle officiating. Interment will follow in the Highland Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena. Visitation is General.

Pallbearers will be, Michael Brand, Chris Howard, Jonathon Howard, Tim Gregg, Russell Ryals and John Ryals.

Gladys McBride Reed age 88, of Mena passed away Tuesday, June 14, 2016 in Mena. Gladys was born on April 17, 1928 in Mt. Fork, Arkansas to the late Andrew J. McBride and the late Ozie Cummings McBride. She was married to the late K. B. Reed and was a loving homemaker. Gladys enjoyed fishing, crocheting, gathering and growing flowers and making candy. She was a loving and kind sister, and friend to all who knew her.

She is survived by, sister, Faye Elder of Mt. Fork, Arkansas; special friends, Judy Davis, Karen Davis, Jolena Davis, and Roy Anderle, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by, her husband, K. B. Reed and infant son, Billy Don.

Graveside service will be Thursday, June 16, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. in the Mt. Fork Cemetery with Brother Roy Anderle officiating under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

General Visitation

Frances Joyce (Peggy) Cook, passed away on June 6, 2016, in Powell, WY. She was born in Clinton, OK on August 4, 1931. She resided in Elreno, OK, Garden City, KS, Hatfield, AR, Mena, AR, Harlowton, MT, Powell, WY. She is survived by, son, John; and two daughters, Debbie and Carolynne; four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by, the love of her life (husband), Olen W. (Buddy) Cook. She loved the Lord, her family, her church, her friends and even strangers with all of her heart. Anyone that knew her was touched by her and her commitment to the Lord. She taught us all to love the Lord and to love each other, “That’s what lasts forever.” Memorial to be announced at a later date.

Charles Ray Boren, age 75, of Mena, Arkansas, died on June 5, 2016 at John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas.

He was born on July 27, 1940, and was a lifelong resident of Mena, other than time served in the Air Force. He also served in the Army National Guard. Ray was a carpenter & painter by trade. He was preceded in death by, his parents, Charles E. and Epsie L. Boren; a brother, Andrew Jackson Boren; a sister, Jeanne B. Davis; as well as a special friend, Rose Hatfield.

He is survived by, his nephew, Steve Davis; his wife, Connie of Mena; niece, Sherry Harper and husband Jerry of Mena; niece, Sandra Porter of Fort. Worth; nephew, Jack Boren of Bossier City, LA; a host of great nieces and nephews, and close friends, Tony Rexroat and Toni Collum.

There will be a private memorial at a later date.

Arthur “Ott” McLain, age 95, of Plunkettville, Oklahoma, died Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at the Mena Regional Health System.  He was born on Thursday, May 19, 1921 to William and Ola Parsons McLain in Athens, Arkansas.

Ott was united in marriage to Vera Margie Davis on July 6, 1943.  Ott joined the United States Army during World War II in 1942 and was honorably discharged in 1946. Ott was a truck driver most of his life and drove many years for Smith Pallet.  Ott and Vera spent most of their lives living in Plunkettville in a home that he had built, where he raised his cattle and she opened a beauty shop.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Vera McLain, his two brothers, Speedy McLain and Hank McLain and one sister, Marcel Dority.

He is survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, all with fond memories of “Uncle Ott,” as he dearly loved being around children. He loved watching children catch fish, riding horses and just about anything else that children enjoyed.  He was a loving uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

A graveside service will be held Friday, July 1, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery with Brother Todd Webb officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. Visitation will be general.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com.

Cynthia Jo Jacobs, age 72, of Mena passed away Wednesday, June 29, 2016 in Mena, Arkansas.

Cynthia was born April 29, 1944 in Pampa, Texas to the late Joe Jacobs and late Anita Hubbard Jacobs. She dearly loved and enjoyed her family and was loved dearly by her family. She was a loving and kind aunt and cousin, and will be missed.

She is survived by nephew, Jimmie J. Jacobs and wife Peggy of Benton, Arkansas; nieces, Quanah Bernardini and husband John of Rogers, Arkansas and Elena Cannon and husband Todd of Mena, Arkansas; cousins, Tommy Hubbard and wife Judy of Mena, Arkansas and Kathleen Parmenter and husband Carl of Texas.

She is preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Jimmie Jacobs.

Graveside services will be Friday, July 1, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. in the Gann Cemetery with Brother Jerry Taylor officiating under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Visitation will be general.

Travers Austin Mitchell, age 64 of Acorn, died Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at his home. He was born on October 15, 1951 to Richard Warren and Edith Murroll Hight Mitchell in Bryan, Texas.
He was a Christian and served the Lord with all his heart. Travers worked over 40 years in construction and worked in Talihina for many years at the Choctaw Nation Hospital as the construction supervisor. He loved building things and was a perfectionist at it. He served his country in the United States Marine Corp during the Vietnam Conflict. Travers enjoyed going camping and fishing. Travers was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Travers is survived by his wife Sandra “Sandy” Mitchell of Acorn; his daughter, Carly Jo Rich of Cummings Georgia; his stepson, Steve Stillwell of Acorn; one brother, Richard Mitchell of Bryan, Texas; one sister, Andrea Usrey of San Antonio, Texas; three grandchildren, Everett Rich, Cole Rich and Jackson Rich; two nephews, Brian and Mitchell Usrey and a host of other relatives and friends.
A celebration of Travers’ life will be Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 1:00 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena with Steve Stillwell officiating. Cremation services are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.
Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

Myrtle Marie Roberts, age 86 of Mena, Arkansas, formerly of Cove, passed away Sunday, July 3, 2016 in Mena.

Myrtle was born July 6, 1929 in Bigelow, Arkansas to the late William Thomas Knighten and the late Mary Nettie Miller. Myrtle was married to the late Bishop Curtis Billings, together they raised 12 children. She was a headstrong woman, with a mind of her own. She enjoyed music, fishing, dogs and playing softball with her children when she was younger. Most of all Myrtle loved the Lord and her family. She had many struggles in life, but always found the strength to pick herself up. She loved being around her family and laughing about the good times. Myrtle was a loving kind mother, and grandmother of 24, great-grandmother of 32, great-great grandmother of 3, aunt, sister and friend to all. She will be missed.

She is survived by, children, Patrick C. Billings of Cove, Arkansas, Freda M. McCullah of Mena, Arkansas, Joshua O. Billings of Cove, Arkansas, Frances F. Sanders of Mountain View, Arkansas, Charles R. Billings of Chetopa, Kansas, Vesta M. Broach of Hatton, Arkansas, Ruby J. Billings of Vandervoort, Arkansas, Loretta A. Stites of Hillsboro, Oregon, Ralph D. Billings of Colorado; brother, Mickey Knighten of Mena, Arkansas; host of nieces, nephews and other family.

She was preceded in death by, her parents; her husband, Bishop Curtis Billings; and 3 children, Billy D. Billings, AC Jody Billings, Jimmy E. Billings, and a brother, David Knighten. Graveside service will be Wednesday, July 6, 2016, 10:00 a.m. at Foote Cemetery in Cove, Arkansas with Brother Reuben Crump officiating under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena

Sandra Brewer Arceneau, age 70 of Hatfield passed away Sunday, June 26, 2016 in Hatfield, Arkansas. Sandra was born February 21, 1946 in Pensacola, Florida to the late Landon John Brewer and Zetta Mae Ussery Brewer. She was married to the late Leo Arceneau and worked in the clerical office business. Sandra was a loving and kind mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. She will be dearly missed by all.

She is survived by, son, Jeff Bolin and wife Victoria of Mena, Arkansas; daughters, Debbie Hughes and husband Daniel of Mena, Arkansas; Sheila Mayhall of Gary, Indiana; grandchildren, Britni Casten, Michael Bolin, Kayla Phillips, Ashley Freeman, Brandon Sweeten, Tabatha Edwards, Chris Cant, and Austin

Mayhall; great-grandchildren, KassidyValdez, Alanna Valdez, Azellia Freeman, Xander Freeman, Baby Freeman, Hunter Phillips, Charity Casten, Caylee Casten, Sean Phillips, Nevaeh Edwards, Shiloh Edwards, and Bryson Sweeten; brothers, Dave Brewer of Little Elm, Texas, Bob Brewer of Hatfield, Arkansas; sisters, Diane Brewer of Deerfield Beach, Florida, and Mildred Brewer of Hatfield, Arkansas

She was preceded in death by, her parents; her husband, Leo Arceneau; and brother, Landon J. Brewer.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in First Baptist Church of Hatfield, with Brother Scott O’Rear officiating. Interment will follow in the Six Mile cemetery under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Mr. Seldon Dewey Goss, age 80, of Mena passed away Monday, July 4, 2016 in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Seldon was born on February 19, 1936 in Oden, Arkansas to the late George Dewey Goss and Nora McKay Goss. He was married to the late Betty Sue Goss until her death in 2015. Seldon proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was a Barber by profession, and a rancher. Seldon never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone in need. He was an avid horseman, who enjoyed training and riding horses, a “true cowboy.” Singing was always a part of his life. Most of all he loved God and his family. Seldon was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. He will be dearly missed by all.

Seldon is survived by children, Susan Howard and husband Nathan of Mena, Arkansas, Kim Trickey and husband Mark of Benton, Arkansas, Greg Goss and wife Kim of Mena, Arkansas; grandchildren, Tosha and Mike Lance of Waldron, Arkansas, Kyle and Treell Gorden of Benton, Arkansas, Brittany Trickey and Drake Trickey, MaKaila, MaKenzie and MaKenna Goss, Adrianna and Nick Wolfenbarger; great-grandchildren, Kailie Brewer, Abbie Lance and Andrew Lance, Timber Gorden and Archer Gorden; brother, Elgie Goss; sisters, Spellma Wennberg, Pat Gideon, and Cortez Reynolds.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Nora Goss, wife, Betty Sue Goss, brothers, Selwyn Goss, Dee Goss, sisters Gladys Cagle, Inez Bright, and Glennis Stacy.

Funeral service will be Thursday, July 7, 2016, 2:00 p.m. at Cherry Hill Methodist Church in Cherry Hill with Brother Lloyd Allen Taylor officiating.  Interment will follow in the Gann Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Visitation is general.

Pallbearers will be Greg Goss, Nathan Howard, Mark Trickey, Kyle Gorden, Nick Wolfenbarger, and Josh Davis.

Honorary pallbearers are Chad Goss and Jason Conaster.

Jessie Merle Collins Schweinle, age 77, of Mena passed away Monday, July 11, 2016 in Mena.

Jessie Merle Schweinle joined the world of the Living on August 5, 1938 and has been waiting for the Lord to come get me on July 11, 2016.  My parents were Jessie and Mattie Collins and I was born in Alvin, Texas, as an unwanted girl as my parents wanted a boy. I joined the world of the dead with my ghost on July 11, 2016. My son Woody Fregia was the Love of my life, but he did not really know it.

Mrs. Schweinle was sent for cremation under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Tony Dewayne Curry, age 39, of Mena passed away Saturday, July 2, 2016 in Mena. Tony was born in Mena, Arkansas on July 29, 1976 to P. Dewayne Curry and Perri Annell Brown Curry. He was married to Naomi Beatrice Williams and painted airplanes by profession.  Most of all Tony loved his children. He never missed a football game his boys played. Tony enjoyed fishing with family and friends, watching Nascar and football. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend and will be dearly missed by all.

He is survived by, wife, Naomi Beatrice Curry of Mena, Arkansas; sons, Corey Curry, Curtis Curry, Cody Curry, Morticai Ryan and Ash Rath; daughters, Cora Curry, Courtney Curry, Emily Ryan and Mikayla Rath; parents, Dewayne and Perri Curry; sisters, Ashley Chumley and Amy Curry.

He was preceded in death by, his grandfathers, Carl Curry and Ernest A. Brown; a cousin, Sally Wigger, and aunt, Linda Tarkington.

Funeral services will be Saturday, July 9, 2016, 10:00 a.m. at Dallas Avenue Baptist Church in Mena with Brother Victor Rowell and Brother Michael Sanchez officiating under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Family and friend’s visitation will be Friday, July 8, 2016 at Beasley Wood from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Mac McClain age 82, of Acorn passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2016 in Mena.

Mac was born on September 14, 1933 in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma to the late Roy McClain and the late Cora Ronsley McClain.  He was happily married to Betty Treece for 63 years. Mac served his country in the United States Navy and was a power lineman by profession traveling from Alaska to New York and in between the United States. He also was a Barber instructor. His passion was being a “True Cowboy”, who loved his horses, training and riding. Most of all he loved his family. Mac was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to all who knew him. He will be dearly missed by all.

He is survived by, wife, Betty McClain of Acorn, Arkansas; daughter, Jeanne McClain of Hot Springs, Arkansas; grandsons, James Roy Morrison and wife Ashley, and John Lee Morrison; daughter, Julie Pascoe and husband Sean; grandchildren, Ryan Pascoe and wife Michelle, Sara Pascoe, and Bear Pascoe and wife Katie; brother, Myrl McClain.

He was preceded in death by, his parents, Roy and Cora McClain.

Mr. McClain was sent for cremation under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Mr. Fred Marion Alston, age 77, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at his home.

Fred was born on November 24, 1938 in Holly Springs, Arkansas, the son of Claude Gilbert Alston and Everette Jewel Jones Alston.  He was married to Margie Ruth Dowell for 41 happy years, sharing a long life of family and love.  Fred worked for US Motors for 32 and half years but was also a farmer, with what could be called an obsession for Angus Cattle!  He was also an avid bowler for over 50 years and enjoyed hunting and running his dogs.  Fred loved his sweets, (especially chocolate pie) as well as sports and had a love/hate relationship with the Razorbacks.   He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and a friend to all and he will be most greatly missed.

He is survived by, wife, Margie Alston of the home; sons, Claude Lucas “Luke” Alston and wife Deedee of Mena, Arkansas, Danny Hurst and wife Kim of Mena, Arkansas; daughters, Carolyn Tanner and husband Al of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Debbie Dilbeck and husband Larry of Knob Noster, Missouri; brother, Ronald “Dude” Alston of Mena, Arkansas; sister, Janet Alston Corcoran and husband Joe of Mena, Arkansas; grandchildren, Joe Willie Kirk, Jeff Hurst, Wes Hurst, Chandra Henderson, Jim Ed Hurst, Amber Judd, Adam Hurst, Cody Dilbeck, Mark Hurst, Tyler Hurst, Austin Hurst, Alex Hurst, Ryan Ozanich and Drey Ozanich; 21 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by, his parents, Gilbert and Jewel Alston, and a son, Eddie Lee Hurst.

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 15, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Concord Baptist Church in Ink with Brother Bernard Rusert and Brother Jerry Taylor officiating. Interment will follow in Concord Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be general.

Pallbearers will be, Eddie Price, Seth Guinn, Rick Cole, Joe Willie Kirk, Jerry Hansbrough, and James Gentry.

Honorary pallbearers will be, Kenneth Cole, Gary Cole, Hoyt Graves and all of Fred’s friends at US Motors.

Wilma Louise Johnson, age 84, of Nella, passed away, Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at her home. She was born on Wednesday, November 4, 1931 to Fred and Annie Hudgens Staggs in Nella, Arkansas.

Wilma loved life and enjoyed the outdoors working side by side with her loving husband, Leon for 69 years. She enjoyed working in her garden, making quilts, and cooking for her family and community; where she is best remembered for her homemade breads and cinnamon rolls. She worked outside of the home in Mena at the shirt factory then moved to Oklahoma where she worked for Griffins Grocery Company and a daycare in her home for many years. Wilma dearly loved the children she cared for and talked about them frequently. She was a lifelong member of the Shiloh Baptist Church in Nella and spent the first years of her retirement with her husband, Leon making improvements and building a fellowship hall. Wilma was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by, her parents; two brothers, Gene and Billy Staggs and one sister, Irma Van De Wiele.

Wilma is survived by, her husband of 69 years, Leon Johnson of Nella; one son and daughter in law, Ollen and Linda Johnson of Porter, Oklahoma; two daughters and sons in law, Jo

Ann and Marvin Hahn of Phoenix, Arizona and Glinda and Mike Huitt of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma; six grandchildren, Gerald Hahn of Phoenix, Arizona; Denise Peck and husband Shane of Phoenix, Arizona, David Hahn and wife, Bonnie of Phoenix, Arizona, Alissa Backes of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Renee Johnson of Porter, Oklahoma and Mike Wicks of Porter, Oklahoma; five great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be Monday, July 18, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at the Shiloh Baptist Church in Nella with Brother Terry Benton officiating. Interment will be Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at the Citizens Cemetery at Fort Gibson, Oklahoma under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. Visitation will be Sunday, July 17, 2016 from 5-7 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena.

Pallbearers will be, Gerald Hahn, David Hahn, Mike Huitt, Marvin Hahn, Randall Beaty and Tom Murdock.

Online Guestbook:  www.bowserffh.com

Stella “Sally” Johanna Nolte, age 92, of Mena passed away on Saturday, June 18, 2016 in Mena, Arkansas.

Stella was born on May 15, 1924 in Galveston, Texas to parents Rudolph Garbat Nolte and Elsie Dee Franklin.

Her trades included underwater welding, secretary for Kellogg, artist, Rodeo Queen, and competion riding such as barrel racing and trick riding. She was also a talented seamstress and made custom costumes for stars such as Gene Autry and Roy Rogers.

Her hobbies included cooking, knitting, crocheting, and bead work.  She was extremely devoted to her family and loved every moment. She lived her life with a strong free spirit and had a bold, spunky personality with wonderful sense of humor with a full belly laugh.

Stella is preceded in death by, her parents, Rudolph and Elsie Nolte; husband, Melvin Raymond Davison, Sr.; daughter, Paula Dee Wentzel; son, John Dee Davison, and a daughter-in-law, Robyn Lynn Davison.

She is survived by, a son, Melvin Raymond Davison, Jr.; grandson, Harley Davison; grand-daughters, Joni Davison, Melinda Davison, Debra Davison Randles, Bonnie Davison Peterson, Jennifer Davison Zarnes, Amanda Davison Sorel, Rebecca Davison Scull, and 22 great-grandchildren.

Ms. Nolte was sent for cremation under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

The family will have a private service at a later date.

Josh Abbott, age 37, of Mena, died Thursday, July 14, 2016 in CHI St. Venice in Hot Springs. He was born on Sunday, October 29, 1978 to Timothy Spaulding and Arlene Gwen Liles Aboott in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Josh was a person with a servant’s heart; always there to help someone in need, never looking for anything in return. He loved taking care of his wife and being the best father and that he could. Josh enjoyed fishing, camping and floating the river with his boys. Josh was an artist and enjoyed drawing, doing sculptures and wood burning. Josh was a great husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

Josh is survived by, his wife, Shannon Abbott of Mena; two sons, Zakary Abbott of Mena and Cody Abbott of Mena; one step son, Justice Self of Mena; one step daughter, Charliegh Self of Mena; his father, Tim Spaulding of Oklahoma; his mother, Arlene Abbott of Okay, Oklahoma; step father, Brian Abbott of Mena; his grandparents, Jimmy and Wynona Abbott of Mena and Billie Jean Liles of Okay, OK; two sisters, Jessica Lambert of Mena and Hannah Abbott of Conway; nephew, James Lambert; two nieces, Hailee Pullen and Tatelynn Pullen, and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date with cremation services entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

Roy Joe Bradley, age 69, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away on Thursday, July 14, 2015 in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

Roy was born to Roy D. and Lila E. Meridieth Bradley in Board Camp, Arkansas on September 16, 1946. Roy served his country in the United States Army and made a lifetime career as an X-Ray Technician in the Pipeline Industry. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion as well as the B.P.O.E. Mena Elks Lodge.

He is survived by, his wife, Sherry Lee Bradley; sons, David Alexander and Kerin Wade; grandchildren, Austin Alexander, Kelsey, Kylie, and Kori Wade; sister, Mary Lee Bradley; and several cousins and a host of friends.

Roy was preceded in death by, his parents, Roy D. and Lila E. Meridieth Bradley; grandparents, Boss and Birdie Bradley, and Joe and Mary Sells Meridieth, and nephew, Tory Bradley.

Funeral services with military honors will be held Friday, July 22, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Beasley Wood Chapel with Brother Donnie Jewell officiating. Internment will follow at Pinecrest Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be, Jerry Ralls, Vester Parks, Bobby Copelin, Jewel Watkins, Billy Martin, Terry Davis, Wendell Henry, and Travis Venable.

Honorary Pallbearers will be, Cecil Rose, Roy (Pee Wee) Gilbert, Marty Caldwell, and Gerald Liles.

Visitation is general.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Clarice’s Room of Hope or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Arrangements were made under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home in Mena.

Melba Dean Treece, age 79, of Mena Arkansas, passed away Monday, July 18^th, 2016.

She was born on May 7^th, 1937 to the late Arlin and Estella Martin in Panama, Oklahoma.  She was united in marriage to Donald Treece on December 12, 1953 and they owned and operated Don’s Upholstery in Mena for over 30 years.  After selling the business, she was a seamstress for Quilts, Etc. until she retired.  She served as a trustee on the church board at Union Mission Pentecostal Church of God, where she attended for 40 years.  She was a Proverbs 31 woman who loved the Lord, her family, her church, and her community with all her heart.

She is survived by, brothers, Doyle Martin and wife Sandy, Bobby Martin and wife Gatha, Don Martin and wife Shirley; daughters, Donna Sloan and the late Phillip Sloan, Reginna Hennings and husband Richard; grandchildren, Amanda Baker and husband Dewayne, Wes Hennings and wife Kelly, and Chase Sloan and wife Alexa; great-grandchildren, Charles Webb and wife Elizabeth, Christopher Webb, Abigail Baker, Annalyse Baker, Rayven Grace Baker, and Graham Hennings; great-great-granddaughter, Liberty Webb; several nieces and nephews and friends.

She is preceded in death by, her parents, Arlin and Estella Martin; brothers, Marvin Martin, Johnny Martin, Thiral Martin; sister, Shirley Walls; husband, Donald Treece; and son-in-law, Phillip Sloan.

Pallbearers are, Doyle Martin, Bobby Martin, Don Martin, Richard Hennings, Wes Hennings, and Chase Sloan.

Honorary pallbearers are, Dewayne Baker, Charles Webb, and Christopher Webb.

Funeral services will be Friday, July 22^nd, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Union Mission Pentecostal Church of God in Mena, with Reverend Bill Dunahoo, Reverend Mike Shaddon, Reverend Billy Nash, and Brother Scott Martin officiating.

Interment will follow at the Pinecrest Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.Visitation will be Thursday, July 21, 2016 at Beasley Wood from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

William Buck (Bill) White, Sr. of Mena, Arkansas died in Mena, Arkansas on July 22, 2016.  He was born on October 20, 1930 in Anniston, Missouri to Thomas Barbee White and Edna Nora Black White.

Bill was a devoted husband, dad, grandpa Bill, papa, papa-de-bill and friend. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Mena where he served as a deacon. He retired after 30 years in the propane gas business in Scott, Polk and Montgomery Counties, and then worked for seven years for the Polk County Road Department.

He was a member of the Pinecrest Cemetery Board for over 40 years, and worked for many years on call to assist families at the cemetery. He was also a member of the Dallas Valley Volunteer Fire Department. He liked to garden, and was an avid bird watcher. He loved his family, and enjoyed time with them.

Bill loved to laugh, and was known for his great sense of humor. He was a hardworking man of integrity, honesty, and dependability.

He was preceded in death by, his parents, Thomas Barbee White and Edna Nora Black White; his oldest son, William Buck White, Jr; his brothers, Barbee Larkin White, Thomas White, Marion White, George White, J.C. White, and Terry White; his sisters, Virginia Pearl White, Alma White Arington, and Amanda White Pearson.

He is survived by, his wife and the love of his life of 64 years, Peggy Ann Taff White; sons, Marshall White and wife Linda of Lone Star, Texas, Tom White and wife Judi of Mena, Arkansas, and John White and wife Rita of St. James, Missouri; his 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 1 great great-grandchild, and many nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, 10:00 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Mena with Brother Garry Garrett and Brother Ray Peoples officiating. Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memoral Park, immediately following the service under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Family and friend’s visitation will be Monday, July 25, 2016 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Beasley Wood.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory can be made to Pinecrest Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be, Heather Handley, Stephanie McClurg, John Carl White, Kara Whie, Amber White Hendrickson, Kyle Hendrickson, Abbi White Peoples, Ray Peoples, Adria Manuel, Leah Hughley, David Restine, Kay Sebo, Jason Restine, Margaret Graham, Jeremy Restine, and Jennifer Ferguson.

Honorary pallbearers will be, past and present members of the Pinecrest Cemetery Board.