Mr. Larry McKee, age 64, of Black Springs, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at National Park Medical Center.

He was born in Acorn, Arkansas, on April 17, 1952 to J.C. McKee and Hortense Golden McKee.  Larry was as a machinist, a computer programmer and metallurgist, working for Street and Performance and for Brodix, then owner/operating 4M, Inc.  He was also a veteran, proudly serving his country in the United States Navy.  Larry was into woodworking and liked to pass his time fishing and repairing guns and was something of a rock hound!  He was a good brother, a loving father, grandfather and a friend to all who knew him.

He is survived by daughter, Charity Cogburn and husband Andy of Black Springs, Arkansas; step-son, Patrick Bates of Black Springs, Arkansas; sister, Judy Allen of Mena, Arkansas; brothers, Johnnie McKee and wife Belinda of Mena, Arkansas, Jerry McKee and wife Becky of Acorn, Arkansas; grandchildren, Johnathan Nickelson and Matthew Boor; nieces and nephews, Shannon Hunter, Cory Allen, Jason McKee, Justin McKee and Jay McKee; and a host of relatives and friends too great to mention.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J.C. and Hortense McKee, and his brother, Kenneth Lynn McKee.

Memorial services will be held Friday, July 29, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Mena Church of God with Brother Mark Lyle officiating.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jason McKee, Justin McGee, Jay McKee, Ray Hunter, Cory Allen and Pat Bates.

JoAnn Bunch, age 82, of Mena died Monday, July 25, 2016 at the Mena Regional Health System in Mena. She was born on Thursday, January 18, 1934 to Joe Jr. and Evelyn Sims Vaught in Mena, Arkansas.

JoAnn loved the Lord and her family. She was a person that loved playing her piano and from the age of fourteen began playing in churches where she attended until she was 79. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Mena for many years and enjoyed her Esther Sunday school class. She also was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma, PEO and Good Sam’s.  JoAnn served as an elementary teacher for 28 years where she taught several generations of Polk County Students. Some of JoAnn’s hobbies included playing Skipbo, going to all her grandkids ballgames, and playing hymns on her piano. JoAnn loved her kids and grandchildren and was so proud of their accomplishments in life and supported them in everything they ever wanted to do. JoAnn was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

Jo Ann is preceded in death by, her parents; and her husband, Jim Bunch.

Survivors include, her sons and daughters in law, Joe and Laura Bunch of Mena, Brian and Becki Bunch of Morrilton; her daughter and son in law, Patricia and Chris Oglesby of Mena; her brother and sister in law, Sammy and Genell Vaught of the Villages, Florida; five grandchildren, Jake Bunch of Mena, Bailey Bunch of Mena, Tate Oglesby of Mena, Jamie Oglesby of Mena and Julie Bunch of Morrilton; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be Friday, July 29, 2016 at 3:00 P.M. at the First Baptist Church in Mena with Brother Russell Threet officiating. Interment will follow in the Nunley Cemetery with the services entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. Visitation will be Thursday, July 28, 2016 from 6-8 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel.

Pallbearers will be, Joe Bunch, Brian Bunch, Chris Oglesby, Jake Bunch, Tate Oglesby, Dwight Vaught and Stephen Bunch.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com.

Frances (Peggy) Cook, age 84, born in Oklahoma, passed away early Monday, June 6^th, 2016 in Powell, Wyoming. She was born August 4, 1932. She was married to Olen (Buddy) Cook for 48 years.

Frances had a servant’s heart for her God and family and her church. She witnessed for Christ wherever she went. Frances loved her God, her family, her friends, and helped others whenever she could. She will be dearly missed.

She is survived by, her three children, Debby, Carolynne, and John; her four grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. She also had many other family and friends throughout the country; Arkansas, Oklahoma, Wyoming, and Montana.

She was preceded in death by, her husband, Olen (Buddy) Cook in August of 2000.

Graveside memorial service will be held Saturday, August 6, 2016 at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Cove, Arkansas at 10:30 a.m., Brother Ron Tilley will be officiating. Family and friends are all welcome to attend. Please bring your own lawn chairs.

Emma Leona Denton, age 94, of Smithville, Oklahoma passed away Monday, August 1, 2016 at her home.

She was born March 10, 1922 in Yanush, Oklahoma to the late William Caylor Williams and the late Emmer Letha Williams. Mrs. Denton enjoyed many things like cooking, sewing, quilting, working on word puzzles and listening to Christian music. Her other hobbies were gardening and cooking for family and friends. Most of all she loved and treasured her children and grandchildren. Leona was a loving and kind mother, grandmother, sister, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother and friend to all. She will be dearly missed.

Leona is survived by, children, Troy and Jan Denton of Potter, Arkansas, Gary Denton of Ludlow, Oklahoma, Wanda and Wayne Holt of Poteau, Oklahoma, Virginia Rose of Talihina, Oklahoma, Kenneth and Yvonne Denton of Mena, Arkansas, Kathie and Floyd Branson of Honobia, Oklahoma, Sherri and Larry Pollard of Watson, Oklahoma; daughters-in-law, Mary Shreve of Watson, Oklahoma, and Gladis Denton of Potter, Arkansas; sister, Mina Williams Lee of McAlester, Oklahoma; forty grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and great, great, great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by, her parents, William and Emmer Williams; husband, Zack Aude Denton; daughters, Fern and Laverne Denton, and Shirley Denton; sons, Alvin Denton, Alfred (Doodle) Denton, Dillard Denton, Zack Denton, Jr.; brothers, Jimmy William Caylor Williams, Jacki Williams, Marion Williams, Elvie Williams, Lil Brother Williams, Sammy Williams, J.D. Williams, and R.L. Williams; daughter-in-laws, Anna Marie Denton, Hazel Denton, and Juanita Denton.

Funeral service will be Friday, August 5, 2016, 10:00 a.m. at Beasley Wood Chapel with Brother Donnie Jewell and “Jug” Denton officiating. Interment will follow in the Ludlow Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Family and friend’s visitation will be Thursday, August 4, 2016 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Beasley Wood.

Singers are Kay Hammon, Tyler Denton and Mina Lee.

Pallbearers at Beasley Wood Chapel are, Don Cline, David Denton, Todd Denton, Larry Pollard, Corey Pollard and Kody Branson

Pallbearers at cemetery are, Ricky Denton, Gary Dale Denton, Gary Loyd Holt, Kenny Denton, Jeff Denton, and Kent Branson.

Oscar Almon Blake, age 79, of Watson, Oklahoma passed away Monday, August 1, 2016 in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.

Mr. Blake was born on August 4, 1936 in Buffalo, Oklahoma to the late Herman L. Blake and the late Nola Bee Parnell Blake. He was married to the love of his life, Opal Williams Blake, for 56 years. Mr. Blake worked for 30 years at U. S. Motors as a machine operator.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, farming and working in his garden. Most of all he was a family man who dearly loved and enjoyed spending time with children and grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all.

He is survived by, sons, Buddy Blake and wife Jimmie Anne of Aztec, New Mexico, James Mikel Blake and wife Kayla of Red Oak, Oklahoma; daughters, Loretta Keiss and husband Troy of Watson, Oklahoma, Elizabeth Ann Blake of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Becky Hilton and husband Brett of Octavia, Oklahoma;

brothers, Tommy Gene Blake and wife Louise, and Richard Blake and wife Karen;

sisters, Mayola Perish, Mable Martin and husband Edward, Mary Lou Phillips and husband Buck, Edith Sinyard and husband Gene, Anna Lois Stafford and husband Roy, Donna Smith and husband Jimmy, and Frances Hartley and husband Gary;

18 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren, and

a host of friends and other family.

He was preceded in death by, his parents, Herman and Nola Blake; sister, Joyce Spicer; brother, Mikel Blake; daughter, Lida Marie Loyd, and son-in-law, Leon Owens.

Funeral service will be Thursday, August 4, 2016 2:00 p.m. at Sulphur Springs Missionary Baptist Church in Watson, Oklahoma, with Brother Archie Phillips and Brother Landon Murray officiating. Interment will follow in the Watson Cemetery in Watson, Oklahoma under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Family and friend’s visitation will be Wednesday, August 3, 2016 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Beasley Wood.

Pallbearers will be, Clint Owens, Ethan Owens, Cliff England, Stephen Hilton, Thomas Hilton and Blake Loyd.

Honorary pallbearers will be, Chance Blake, Chantry Blake, Alman Martin and Quinten Casper.

Mr. Douglas “DoLittle” Baker age 69, of Vandervoort, Arkansas passed away Tuesday, August 2, 2016 in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.

Douglas was born on February 01, 1947 in Cove, Arkansas to the late James Elmer Baker and the late Mattie Pearl Cornelius. He was married to Marie Morrison Baker on June 29, 1967 and was in the logging business.  Douglas was just a “good old country boy” by nature, who loved God and had a strong Christian faith which he lived.  He enjoyed hunting, bailing hay and riding his tractor.  Above all he loved his family. He was a loving and kind husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend to all. He will be dearly missed by all

He is survived by, wife, Marie Baker of Vandervoort, Arkansas; son, Dale Baker and wife Debbie; daughters, Terisia Hartley and husband Jasper of Vandervoort, Arkansas, Connie Case of Cove, Arkansas; brother, Charles Baker of Cove, Arkansas; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, and special loved ones, Darla Barrett, Freddie and Diane Baker.

Special places, Scotty’s, Watkins Station and deer camp.

He was preceded in death by, his parents, Elmer and Pearl Baker; brothers, Buddy Baker Arnold Baker, Alfred Baker, Arlis Baker, and Benny Baker.

Graveside services will be Friday, August 5, 2016, 10:00 a.m. at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Cove, Arkansas with Brother Ronn Ladd officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Honorary pallbearers are, Tewayne Watkins, Michael Baker, Terry Ray Baker, Dwight Barrett, David Baker, Cody Baker, Bruce Cureton and Larry Watkins.

James Everette (Cotton or Jim) Downs, age 86, of Mena, passed from this world on Friday, August 5, 2016.  He was born in the Rich Mountain community on August 9, 1929, to the late Horace S. Downs and Eppah E. Mackey Downs.

James attended Eagleton and Acorn schools, graduating from Acorn High School in 1948.  Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned initially to the Fourth (4th) Infantry Division at Fort Ord, CA, then to the Forty-Sixth (46th) Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion for basic training.  Afterward, James was deployed to active duty during World War II occupation and the Korean War, stationed in Japan.  He also served in the Arkansas National Guard.

Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Military, James earned his B.S. degree in Engineering from Oklahoma State University at Stillwater, OK.  He was credentialed as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) and worked in the aerospace industry (Boeing, LTV/Ling-Temco-Vought, Lockheed) and rail industry (Servitron, AEP/SWEPCO until retiring from AEP, returning home to the Mena area in 1995.

James was preceded in death by, his parents, Horace S. Downs and Eppah E. Mackey Downs; his brother, Melvin Downs, and an infant sister. He was married to the late Marjorie Copelin Downs, and is survived by their children, daughter Rita Downs Lawrence, and son-in-law, Tommy Lawrence of Hallsville, TX, and son, James E. Downs, Jr., of Little Rock, AR. He is also survived by, his brother and sister-in-law, Joe & Faye Downs; nephews and nieces, Tom (Brenda) Downs, Karen (Jerry) Downs Carter, Dexter Downs, and Margaret (Anthony) Downs Baker, as well as several great-nephews and a great-niece.

A viewing for all family and friends will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, August 9, 2016, at the Beasley Wood Funeral Home in Mena followed by funeral services with military honors at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow at the Eagleton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ouachita River Schools, Acorn Campus, FBLA 143 Polk 96, Mena, AR  71953.

Christie Mae Pollard, 37, of Broken Bow, OK passed away August 10, 2016 in Paris, TX. She was born May 15, 1979 in Mena, AR the daughter of Dale and Revena Mae (Hunkapillar) Pollard.

Christie enjoyed hunting, fishing, arrowhead hunting, being in the outdoors and spending time with her nieces and nephews.

Christie leaves to cherish her memory; one sister, Dala Aleshire and Shane; nieces and nephews, Makenzie, Katie and Brody Aleshire, all of Cove, AR; a host of aunts; uncles; cousins, and friends.

A Celebration of Life Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, August 13, 2016 at Watson Cemetery, Watson, OK with Bro. Steve Bradley officiating.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 P.M. Friday, August 12, 2016 at Brumley Funeral Home Chapel, Broken Bow, OK.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Dwayne Morris will be held on Tuesday, August 16, 2016, at 2 p.m. in the Hugo Agri-Plex, with Pastor Dean Young officiating. Dwayne passed away Thursday, August 11, 2016, in Mena, AR, at the age of 52.

Dwayne was born October 7, 1963, in Hugo, OK, to Bud and Barbara Morris. Dwayne was a graduate of Hugo High School and had lived in Choctaw County most of his life, up until the last fourteen years, moving to McCurtain County, then to Mena, Arkansas, for the last nine years.  He was a member of the Elk Club.  Dwayne loved garage selling and making a deal.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, being outside, camping, and he was a hard worker at everything he did.  He established three feed stores in Idabel, DeQueen, and Mena.  He also owned a health food store in Mena.

Dwayne is survived by his parents, Bud and Barbara Morris; sons, Jake Morris, and wife, Cortney, of Idabel, OK, Josh Morris, of Idabel, OK, and Dalton Dill, of Durant, OK; daughter, Madison Morris, of Mena, AR; brother, Jeff Morris, and wife, Candie, of Owasso, OK; sister, Connie Akin, and husband, Frank, of Hugo, OK; granddaughter, Jake’Lee Morris; along with a host of co-workers and friends.

Dwayne is preceded in death by his grandparents, Lois and Dorothy Flanagan and George and Clara Morris.

Family will receive friends, Sunday, August 14, 2016, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM, at the Prater-Lampton-Mills and Coffey Funeral Home Chapel, Hugo, OK.

Family and friends are invited to sign the guest book or send private condolences to the family at www.praterlampton.com.

Jess Wallace (Dick) Buck, age 90, of Mena, passed away August 10, 2016, at the Veterans Center in Talihina, Oklahoma. He was born on March 20, 1926, in Alf, Arkansas, and lived at Old Forrester, Arkansas, until joining the U.S. Navy. He lived many years in Oregon where he had a trucking business before retiring and moving to Mena. He enjoyed traveling, exploring and seeing new places, was an avid reader, and liked telling stories of growing up at “Old Forrester”, a small community built around a large sawmill operation.

He was preceded in death by, his parents, John Jess Buck and Myrtle Wehunt Buck. Also, two of his children, Julie Buck and John Buck.

He is survived by, his son, Robert Buck of Florida, Jeanette Buck of Payette, ID, and his companion of 28 years, Willis M. Newbolt of Mena, Ar. He has four grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; two nephews, and several cousins.

He was sent for cremation by Beasley-Wood Funeral Home, with a memorial service to be announced at a later date.

Christine Diane Reed Hahn, age 64, of Hatfield, Arkansas passed away Monday, August 15, 2016 in Mena.

Christine was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 15, 1952 to Terrence Reed and the late Loretta Smith Reed. She was born into a large family and had a large family of her own. She was a loving and kind mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and a friend to all who knew her. Christine will be missed by all who love her.

She is survived by, children, Donald Thomas, David and Sarah Thomas, Daryl Thomas, Daniel Howard, Deanna and Matthew Andrews, Dennis Richardson, Darcie Richardson; brothers, John Reed, Joe Reed, Allen Blackwell, Dennis Reed, Jacob Reed; sisters, Teresa Henderson, April Reed, Laura Perez, and Leslie Rawlins, and 18 grandchildren,

She was preceded in death by, her mother Loretta, and brothers, Mike Reed and Pat Reed.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, August 19, 2016, 10:00 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church with Father John Tran. Interment will follow in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena. Visitation will be Thursday, August 18, 2016 at St. Agnes Catholic Church from 6:00-7:00 p.m. with Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

Gene McKinney Shuttlesworth, age 84, of Mena, died Thursday, August 11, 2016 at her home.  She was born on Friday, March 11, 1932 to Michael and Helen Perry McKinney in Edinburg, Texas.

Gene excelled in everything she accomplished; she was a high school English teacher, a caseworker for the retired senior volunteer program, an accomplished musician, decorator/designer, genealogist and pencil artist.  She was a Mensa and did not suffer fools lightly.  Gene held high standards for her behavior and proud of it.  She visited Ireland on several occasions and was well educated in Irish history.  Gene also traveled extensively in the United States, Canada and Europe.  Her home was decorated with antiques, which she loved.  Gene was of the Methodist Faith and those fortunate enough to know her will remember her well.  Although she was a private person, her influences were an inspiration to all who knew her.  Gene 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, and her son, Mike Stanberry.

Gene is survived by her husband, Dr. Guy E. (Doc) Shuttlesworth of Mena; two daughters, Jenna Shaunessy of Lakewood, California and Melissa McKinney of New Hampshire; three stepchildren, J.R. Shuttlesworth and wife, Glenda, Jean Klein and husband Larry of New Braunfels, Texas and Dr. Bill Shuttlesworth and wife of Victoria, Texas; her granddaughter, Meghan Leithead of Norfolk Virginia; several nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Gene will be sent for cremation by Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas and at Gene’s request no services will be held.

Online Guestbook:  www.bowserffh.com

Daniel “Dan” R. Parmenter was the most vibrantly alive person anyone could know, overflowing with energy, fearless ability, raw strength and crazy humor. Dan left us on August 17, 2016 at age 50 which was quite a feat given that he believed that he wasn’t going to live past 30 due to his racy lifestyle as a motorcycling chick magnet, refusing to live by the rules.

Dan served in the Army Corps of Engineers where he developed his vocation in building and carpentry while perfecting the art of digging holes and doing pushups. Skilled in all aspects of construction he particularly enjoyed working with wood and timber as displayed in his grand finale log home, which he proudly and stubbornly built with his own two hands.

Dan grew up in Hawaii where he started a lifelong love of the ocean & dress code of flip flops and shorts, honed his amazing balancing skills while surfing, and missed an ADHD diagnosis by a few dozen years. Being a Navy brat he developed a deep-rooted distaste for canned ham and American cheese although he often told the story of his mother carving a block of luncheon loaf into the shape of a turkey which could have contributed to his later woodcarving creativity. As an adult on the mainland he determined that if a meal did not include beef or bacon he would prowl around until his carnivorous cravings were satisfied.

He enjoyed animals, playing pied piper to his chicken and duck minions and spoiling the dachshunds aka “empty nest snooters.” His sister-in-law noted if she came back as a dog she would want to be one of Dan’s wiener dogs. The gardener of the family, he planted a fruit orchard and cultivated a lawn in the midst of a wilderness, no small feat, which will probably turn back into forest due to a lack of interest from his family. A self-proclaimed dominoes champion, he was confident that anyone who beat him was obviously cheating. He loved kids probably because he was a big kid himself and once he had one of his own, he wanted 20, most likely for the free labor.

No doubt his wit came from his Mom, Claudette (Roy), while his stubbornness could have been from his Dad, Wm. David.  His off color humor and salty language were developed over years of living in the moment running from the law while listening to Motown jams. Although he was born in Groton, CT, he claimed he was not a Yankee since he was born on a military base.

Due to a misguided belief that finishing his house would be his last accomplishment, he refused to finish construction, possibly to lengthen his life, a strategy that did not pay off. An addiction to cigarettes which he enjoyed so very much like only a smoker could understand did what he swore “wouldn’t happen to me” and developed into an advanced lung cancer diagnosis in April 2016. After successfully avoiding doctors for years he was subjected to batteries of tests, needle pokes, procedures, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and medical testing fit for a guinea pig.

Dan was fiercely loyal to his surviving family; his long suffering, chief hand holding, wife of 22 years, Missy, and his greatest achievement, his pride & joy, his son, Jack. While at one time his wife accused him of having the heart of a little black ant and divorced him, after it appeared to have grown at least 3 times, she agreed to remarry him.

His family asks that you get regular medical checkups, hold hands, learn to forgive, put down your phone, get to know Jesus, laugh often, stop smoking/dipping/chewing, forego the gamble that it won’t happen to you, and truly cherish and relish each moment of God’s creation and the life He has given you because that’s what Dan would have wanted.

Family and friends are invited to a Home-Going Celebration in Dan’s honor. Bring your favorite side dish, memory of Dan, and a carnivorous appetite for brisket. Saturday, August 27 at Noon in the Grace Bible Church Fellowship Hall, 1911 US 71 N, Mena, Arkansas 71953.  Arrangements by Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.

In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution of ‘Jesus Loves Me’ Lambs for Operation Christmas Child which go to many hurting children around the world to bring a smile to their faces and the message of God’s love to their hearts. Send to: Samaritans Purse, “Dan Parmenter Memorial,” PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, or online at http://bit.ly/2aZVLzD.

Arrangements by Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.

Funeral Services for Graham Taylor Hennings, age 16 months, who entered into rest August 9, 2016, were conducted Friday afternoon at 3 o’clock from Stevens Creek Church. Dr. Marty Baker officiating. Interment in Sunset Memory Gardens.
Graham Hennings was diagnosed at six months old with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1, but with the love, care and support of his family he far out lived his diagnosis. He was dedicated at Stevens Creek Church and his family is active within the church.
Graham packed a world-changing legacy into his short time on earth. With a boundless joy and contagious smile that couldn’t be contained or defined by his physical limitations, Graham inspired all who met him. He enriched the lives of his family, his church, his caregivers and countless others who were somehow touched by his story. Graham truly made the world a brighter place, and now, he’s making heaven an even brighter place.
Survivors include his parents, Wes and Kelly Hennings; maternal grandparents, Mike and Paula Williford, Fitzgerald, GA; paternal grandparents, Richard and Reginna Hennings, Mena, AR; maternal great-grandmother, Evelyn Parker, Valdosta, GA; aunts and uncles, Jenny and Justin Kennedy, Rutledge, GA; Lanie and Levi Hibbard, Valdosta, GA; paternal great-aunts and uncles, Donna Sloan, Joyce Bissell, Donald Hennings, Sr., and Cassius Hennings, Jr., Mena, AR, along with many cousins from Mena, AR.
Memorials may be made to Stevens Creek Church, www.stevenscreekchurch.com
The family would like to thank all of the Doctors, Nurses, Therapists and Caregivers for their kind, compassionate and loving assistance.
Posey Funeral Directors of North Augusta in charge of arrangements (803.278.1181). Visit the registry at www.poseycares.com

Lyle McBee, age76, of Mena, Arkansas died, Friday, August 19, 2016 at the Mena Regional Health System in Mena.  He was born on Sunday, November 19, 1939 to Lyle McBee Jr. and Verla McBee in St. Louis, Missouri.

Lyle was a devoted husband and loved his family very much.  He attended St. Agnes Catholic Church with his wife, Maria.  Lyle was a college professor at the University of Davis in Davis, California for 32 years.  He loved traveling all over the world, reading and hiking.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Lyle is survived by his wife of exactly 23 years, Maria McBee of Mena; his daughter, May McBee; and his sister, Linda.

A memorial mass was held Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. with Father John Tran as celebrant.  Cremation services entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

Curtis Daniel Yates, age 42, of Mena, Arkansas died Sunday, August 28, 2016 at his home.  He was born on Tuesday, June 25, 1974 to Hershel H. Yates Jr. and Betty Jane Hendrick Yates Pate in Springfield, Missouri.

Curtis graduated from Mena High School in 1992.  He enjoyed the outdoors and going hunting and fishing.  He was a carpenter by trade and loved woodworking.  Curtis was known for making birdhouses.  He loved his family and spending time with them.  Curtis was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his father, two sisters, Teresa Campbell and Melody Yates, grandparents, Curtis M. Hendrick, Betty R. Love Hendrick, Hershel H. Yates, Sr. and Thelma Yates.

Curtis is survived by his mother and stepfather, Jane and Glen Pate of Mena; his brother and sister-in-law, Nathan and Regina Yates of Smithville; uncle and aunt, Ed & Sunny Hendrick of Granite Bay, California; nieces and nephews, Zachary Campbell of Watson, Oklahoma, Lindzy Campbell Henry of Jacksonville, Florida, Tylor Williams of Fort Smith, Ryan Williams of Brownwood, Texas, Kaitlynn Yates of Wynn, Arkansas and Izik Yates of Wynn, Arkansas and a host of other relatives and friends.

Graveside services will be Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. at the Pinecrest Memorial Park with Brother Ron Ladd officiating.  No public visitation.  Arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.

On September 1, 2016, Wilma Taliaferro, at the age of 89, peacefully left this earth while surrounded by loving family and caregivers. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Leslie Taliaferro. Her family would like to express our heart-felt gratitude to friends and caregivers for their loving friendship and care. Wilma and Leslie moved from Dallas, Texas to Mena in 1980. They are survived by son, Leslie Taliaferro and his wife Susan; daughter, Virginia Topley and her husband David; granddaughter Jennifer Paradise and her husband Nash; great grandson Nash, Jr.; nieces and nephews and their families.

No services are planned with cremation services entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena.

Online Guestbook:  www.bowserffh.com

Benedict “Joe” Joseph Osborne, Jr., age 71, of Hatfield, Arkansas died Friday, September 2, 2016 at his home.  He was born Saturday, June 9, 1945 to Benedict Joseph Sr. and Orvella Mae Amos Osborne in Louisville, Kentucky.

Joe, as he was known to all, was a man that loved his family and his country.  He served in Vietnam in the United States Air Force for 4 years and was honorably discharged. Joe was a patient man and had his own way of doing things. Joe enjoyed the outdoors, going deer hunting, setting on his porch enjoying the birds and squirrels in the yard, and going backroading. He was a lifetime member of the Mena Elks Lodge #781 and was a big Arkansas Razorbacks Fan. Joe worked many years at U.S. Motors and then for over 25 years for Rose Aircraft. Joe was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Sheila Osborne; and two grandchildren, Joey Karstedt and Matthew Karstedt.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Diane Osborne of Hatfield; one son and daughter-in-law, Shawn and Lori Osborne of Shawnee, Oklahoma; two brothers, Terry Osborne of Louisville, Kentucky and Mike Osborne of Sellersburg, Indiana; seven grandchildren, Kyle Karstedt of Arkansas, Brandi Karstedt of Lake Charles, Louisiana, D.J. and Katie Osborne of Travis Air Force Base in California, Tyler Osborne of Smithville, Oklahoma, Dustin Danner of Shawnee, Oklahoma and Javen Osborne of Shawnee, Oklahoma; three great-grandchildren, Abigayle Karstedt of LaGrange, Texas, Debra Broch of Cove and Conner Osborne of Travis Air Force Base in California; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Graveside Services with Military Honors will be Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Six mile Cemetery in Hatfield with Brother Ron Tilley officiating. Visitation will be Monday, September 5, 2016 from 6-8 p.m. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena.

Pallbearers will be Butch Cecil, Greg Cecil, Shawn Osborne, D.J. Osborne, Dylan Cecil and Tyler Osborne.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Lamar Martin, Felix “Bud” Davis, Carl Foster, Cecil Rose, Keith Foley, James McCulley, Ray Baker, Jim Franz, Charlie Campbell, Jamie Anderson and Henry Cogburn.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Mena Elks Lodge #781 in honor of Joe Osborne, Mena, Arkansas 71953

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

R.R. “Dock” Price, passed away on September 4, 2016, at the age of 99.  He was born in Cove, Arkansas on October 10, 1916, and was a graduate of Cove High School.

Dock worked in the grocery business in Smithville, Oklahoma, Cove, and California. He worked at Texas Steel in Fort Worth, Texas during World War II and also worked for Exxon Pipeline until he retired in the early 1980’s.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Nettie Wise Price, wife, Billie Morgan Price, two sisters, Nell Golden and Mildred Kelley, and three brothers, Elbert Price, Fred Price and Bart Price, and a great-grandson, Josiah Wisinger.

He is survived by daughters, Jannell Wisinger of Mena, Arkansas and Becky Price of Convent, Louisiana; one grandson, John Wisinger and wife Lesley of Grannis, Arkansas; five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Thursday, September 8, 2016, 11:00 a.m. at Salem Baptist Church with Brother Jack Schoeppey and Brother John Wisinger officiating. Interment will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Cove, Arkansas under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Family and friend’s visitation will be Wednesday, September 7, 2016,6:00-8:00 p.m. at Beasley Wood Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Russell Price, Bill Kelley, James Seal, Bobby Siears, Jose Hernandez, and Vernon Payne.

David Allen Morganstern, age 83, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Friday, September 2, 2016 in Mena.

He was born July 6, 1933 in Mansfield, Ohio and was a factory worker by profession. David had an interest in everything and curiosity of everything. He enjoyed classical music and loved to argue and debate. David enjoyed making people laugh; he also was head strong and very intelligent, having a thirst for knowledge. He was a professional con-man and would get one over you if you let him.

He is survived by wife, Linda Copper of Mena, Arkansas; children, David Morganstern, Penny Morganstern and Rebecca Morganstern of Tuledo, Ohio; brothers, George Morganstern and Joe Morganstern of Florida; and sister, Christina Shindeldecker of Missouri.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Jenny Morganstern

Mr. Morganstern was sent for cremation under the arrangements of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.