Brett Warren Walker, age 56, of Alexandria, Louisiana, passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at Pecan Grove Training Center, a residence/school for special needs children.  He was born on Wednesday, November 25, 1959 to Travis Walker and Ellie Cox.

Brett is preceded in death by his grandparents, Thelma McDuffie and Calvin and Zera Walker and numerous aunts and uncles and cousins.

Brett is survived by his mother, Ellie Cox of Mena; his father, Travis Walker of Bonne Terre, Missouri; his brother and sister in law, Brian and Norman Walker of Plano, Texas; his nieces, Emily Walker of College Station, Texas and Nicole Walker of Austin, Texas and nephew, Jack Walker of Plano, Texas.

A graveside memorial service will be held Friday, November 25, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at the Pinecrest Memorial Park with Brother Donnie Jewell officiating.  Graveside services are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

A beautiful spiritual lady graced Heaven today.

Sarah Isabell Campbell Burris, age 98 years young, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Wednesday, November 16, 2016.  Our family can only imagine the reunions that took place in Heaven.  We cherish the thoughts of A.J. and Sarah waltzing together as Frank watches.

Sarah was born in Rocky, Arkansas to Dr. and Mrs. C. A. Campbell on March 26, 1918.

She loved life and lived it to the fullest and saw so many changes in her lifetime of 98 years. Sarah was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother great-great-grandmother, and friend to all who knew her. Always saying how she enjoyed her children and families, they kept her young at heart!

Sarah was a member of First Christian Church in Mena, and was the owner of Sarah’s BeautyShop in the 50’s and 60’s and loved her customers. She was a quilter of many beautiful quilts, that she made with love in every stitch for her family. They will be forever cherished by her family.

She is survived by daughters, Linda Burris Milne and Frances Whisenhunt and husband Audry; grandchildren, Diane Tedder and husband Jeff, Andy Milne and wife Kim, Mitch Milne, Dawn Wagner and husband Mike, and Robert Milne; nine great grandchildren and ten great-great-grandchildren and a host of other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband A.J. Burris; a son, Frank Burris; eight brothers; and six sisters.

Funeral services will be Saturday, November 19, 2016, 2:00 p.m. at Beasley Wood Chapel Brother Gary Garrett officiating.  Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Park under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Pallbearers will be Andy Milne, Mitch Milne, Diane Tedder, Dawn Wagner, Greg Tedder and Chris Tedder.

Honorary pallbearer will be Robert Milne.

Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Vera Mae Reeder, age 91, of Mena, passed away Saturday, November 26, 2016 in Mena.

Vera Mae was born in Rich Mountain, Arkansas on March 8, 1925 to the late Andrew Jackson Reeder and the late Sarah Lennis Little Reeder. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Rich Mountain.

She is survived by nieces, Patricia Lacefield of Russellville, Arkansas, Lavern Beaty of Mena, Arkansas; nephews, Ronald Davis of Rich Mountain, Arkansas, Bobby Davis of Foreman, Arkansas, Charlie Reynolds of Mena, Arkansas; many other nieces and nephews from California and Maryland.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Sarah Reeder, and six siblings.

Funeral services will be Thursday, December 1, 2016, 2:00 p.m. in Beasley Wood Chapel in Mena with Brother Lewis Martin and Brother Roy Powell officiating.  Interment will follow in the Eagleton Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Pallbearers will be Anthony Davis, Jerry Davis, Mike Lacefield, TJ Frachiseur, Ronald Davis and Bobby Davis.

Elvin Huston Davis, age 77, of Mena, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 in Mena, Arkansas.

Elvin was born in Blackfork, Arkansas on November 25, 1939 to the late Johnnie R. Davis and the late Almira Ensminger Davis.  He was married to Armel Mae Byford Davis and proudly served his country in the United States Navy. Elvin worked as a paint salesman in the retail business. His hobbies included hunting and fishing with family and friends, also gardening and watching sports.  Elvin was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to all who knew him.  All will dearly miss him.

He is survived by wife, Armel Mae Davis of Mena, Arkansas; son, Lee Davis and wife Joyce of Marshall, Texas; daughter, Dr. Kay Davis and husband Jeff Hoesel of Colterville, Missouri; grandchildren, Leanna Davis of Wichita, Kansas, Houston Davis of Little Rock, Arkansas, Clifford Dollar of Cameron, Oklahoma; step-son, Jerry Staggs and wife Tammy of Mena, Arkansas; step-daughters, Sandy Egger and husband Ron of Mena, Arkansas, Verla Kinsey and husband Dana of Mena, Arkansas; step-grandchildren, Evan Kinsey of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, Justin Kinsey and wife Dymond of Mena, Arkansas, Brenna May of Woodbury, Tennessee, Staci May and Lara May of Mena, Arkansas, Laney Staggs and Katelynn Staggs of Mena, Arkansas, Darian Shockley and husband Brett of Spiro, Oklahoma; great-grandchildren, Maycie and Wyatt Laxton of Woodbury, Tennessee, Lane Shockley of Spiro, Oklahoma; brothers, Vernon Davis and wife Judy of Decatur, Arkansas, Denver Davis and wife Leisa of Mena, Arkansas; nieces and nephews, Hal Davis, Rebecca Ebsen, Sheila Weems, Karen Stewart, Brian Davis, and Brandi Goodwin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie and Toots Davis, a daughter Nancy Gail Davis, and a brother Herman Davis.

Funeral services will be Saturday, December 3, 2016, 10:00 a.m. at Acorn Baptist Church with Brother Roger Bishop and Brother Dana Kinsey officiating. Interment will follow in the Piney Cemetery in Blackfork, Arkansas under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Family and friends visitation will be Friday, December 2, 2016, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Beasley Wood Chapel.

Adelaide “Addie” Garner, age 90, of Cove, died Sunday, December 4, 2016 at the Mena Manor. She was born on Thursday, April 22, 1926 to James Addison and Irene Stocks Williams in West Point, Texas.

Addie graduated in 1944 at Smithville High School in Smithville, Texas.  In 1948, she married her husband, J.A. Garner in Indianhead, Maryland.  In 1959, she and her family moved to Polk County and in 1965 moved to Cove.  She was a very active member of the Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church in Cove where she enjoyed church social and baking breads for them.  Addie was a loving sister in law, cousin, aunt and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved son, Jimmy Garner; sister in law and brother in law, Marie and James Andrews; very special aunts and uncles, cousins.

Addie is survived by her brother and sister in law, Hershel and Anita Garner of Gallatin, Texas; nephew, Stephen Darner and wife, Carolyn Garner of Nacogdoches, Texas; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be Friday, December 9, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. at the Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church in Cove with Brother Charles Sutton officiating.  Interment will follow in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. Visitation will be general at the Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.

Online Guestbook:  www.bowserffh.com

Steve Loyd Cole, age 59, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Saturday December 3, 2016 at his home in Mena.

Steve was born in Mena, Arkansas on October 21, 1957 to the late Loyd Jackson Cole and Vivian Maxine Jackson Cole. He was married to Michelle French Cole and worked for Arkansas Highway Department. Steve loved watching sports and was an avid Razorback fan. He was a longtime member of the Mena Elks Lodge. Steve along with wife Michelle opened their home to several foreign exchange students.  One of his favorite places was hanging out with his “men friends” at the Fox Den, sharing stories. Steve had a deep love for his family and friends and enjoyed his dogs, Lucky and Maggie. He was a loving son, husband, and friend to all who knew him.  He will be missed by all.

He is survived by wife, Michelle Cole of 32 years; mother, Vivian Maxine Cole of Mena, Arkansas; and special friend, who Steven loved as a son, Julian Latke of Germany.

He was preceded in death by his father, Loyd Jackson Cole.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, December 9, 2016 at St. Agnes Catholic Church at 1:00 p.m. with Father Norbert Rappold as Celebrant. Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Park under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Family and friends visitation will be Thursday, December 8, 2016 at 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Beasley Wood Chapel.

Pallbearers will be Mark Matejek, Tom Matejek, Roy Baker, Randy Pounds, Eric Hughes, Jerrod Posey, Chance Strother, and Brandon Craig.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Mena Elks Lodge Elderly Food Pantry.

Master Chief Quarter Master Alan “Jerry” Wilson, Sr., age 80, died peacefully in his Mena, AR home on December 01, 2016.

He was a 22-year veteran submarine sailor and river patrol boat commander in the Navy. He served three tours on River Patrol Boats in the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam War and was awarded many commendations, including a Bronze Star.

After retiring from the Navy, Alan attended Purdue University Extension in Michigan City, Indiana where he obtained an Associates Degree in Accounting. For the next fifteen years, he worked as an accountant and subsequently as sales manager for Sullaire Corporation in Michigan City, Indiana.

He finished his working life as an independent long-haul trucker operating out of Mena, Arkansas.

QMCM Wilson was born on May 10, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois to parents Gustav Wilson and Lillian Sunderman. He married Carroll Wilson in 1972.

He is survived by his daughters, Dana and Stacey; his sons, Dave and Alan Jr.; and a sister, Barbara Rogers.

His kindness and patience touched the lives of many, and all who knew him respected and loved him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, and he will never be forgotten.

Arrangements were made under Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Levieta Faye Ehret, age 55, of Mena, passed away Saturday December 3, 2016 in Mena.

Mrs. Ehret was born in Atlanta, Georgia on December 28, 1960 to Clarence Edward Houston and Betty Joe Gentry.  She was married to William “Bill” Ehret and was a loving homemaker.  Most of all she loved serving God first and foremost, followed by taking care of her family and friends. She loved to give hugs and receiving hugs, she loved people. Faye enjoyed doing arts and crafts and enjoyed decorating. She was a dedicated wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.  She will be dearly missed by all.

She is survived by, husband, William Ehret of the home; sons, Brian Ehret and Christopher Ehret; daughters, Amber Paulson and Lisa Jo Jolley; grandchildren, Marik and Illyan Jolley, Ashlynn, Kennyth, and Nikole Denley-Ehret, Honesty London, Jeanquanette Munn, and Serenity Ehret; great-grandchildren, Hayden Ehret, Jullian Paulson, Blessing Paulson; mother, Betty Murray; brothers, Clarence Houston and Randy Houston, Sr.; sisters, Rebecca Houston, Pauline Maturo and Paula Drummond; and many other relatives and church family

Funeral services will be Saturday, December 10, 2016 2:00 p.m. at Dallas Avenue Baptist Church with Brother Justin Leonard officiating.  Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Park under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Family and friends visitation will be Friday, December 9, 2016 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Beasley Wood.

Pallbearers will be Brian Ehret, Christopher Ehret, Grady Wilds, Thomas Paulson, Wesley Schuller, and Lance Bernardini.

Carrol F. Jesse, age 86, of Mena, passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2016 in Mena, Arkansas.

Mr. Jesse was born in Mexico, Missouri on September 24, 1930 to the late Carl Raymond Jesse and the late Mayme Buchanan Burton. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 23 years, retiring as MSgt. He then worked as maintenance chief for Pepsi and retired after 25 years. He was a loving and kind father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to all and will be dearly missed.

He is survived by children, Carrol Franklin Jesse, Jr., Teresa Meisner, William “Bill” Jesse; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Jesse and Mayme Burton, his wife, JoAnn Jesse, and a daughter, Cynthia Ann Jesse.

The family would like to extend special thanks and heartfelt gratitude to Janet, LeAnn, Dr. Brown, Dr. Henderson, and the staff at Mena Regional Health System.

Mr. Jesse was sent for cremation under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena. No services are planned at this time.

Iva Mae Sikes, age 96, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away on Monday, December 12, 2016 at Rich Mountain Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Iva Mae was born on May 5, 1920 to Ora L. and Ida Jane Holmes.  She was united in marriage to Lee Sikes on November 24, 1934.  She was blessed with three children, Mildred, Larry, and Virginia.  She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and grandmother.  She worked at Renova Shirt Factory and Teague Leather Goods.  After retirement, she and her daughter, Virginia, opened a quilt shop named Stitches.  She loved her family dearly and enjoyed quilting, sewing, cooking, and ironing.  She lived for family get-togethers with homemade pizza and fried potatoes and the annual Sikes’ reunion.  She had many friends and became a special grandma to all of her caregivers at Rich Mountain.

She is survived by daughter-in-law, Ginger Sikes of Silver City, New Mexico; son-in-Law, Arville Busch of Mena, Arkansas; grandchildren, Bryant Busch and wife Ellen, Bruce Busch and wife Susan, Tyra Hobson and husband Mark, and Mitch Sikes and wife Sherri, all of Mena; great-grandchildren, Brandon Busch, Chase Busch, Bradley Busch, Kris Hobson, Wade Hobson, Race Hobson, Reagan Sikes, Lauren Sikes; several great-great grandchildren; siblings, Rose Lea Beck, Charles Holmes, and Glen Holmes; and a special friend who she loved as a daughter, Sue Powell.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Sikes; children, Mildred Sikes, Larry Sikes, and Virginia Busch; and siblings, Bunnie Holmes, Jesse Holmes, Robert Holmes, Fred Holmes, Mary Lou Phillips, and Ida Jane Breitenstein.

Pallbearers will be Brandon Busch, Chase Busch, Bradley Busch, Kris Hobson, Race Hobson, John Wise, and Ryan Tipton.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Bud Graves, Allen Hale, Earl Hale, Joe Head, Mark Hobson, Ty Jones, Eddie Lunsford, Larry McMellon, and Jorli Sikes.

Funeral Services are Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Faith Missionary Baptist Church on Hwy 8 West in Mena, Arkansas. Burial will follow at Board Camp Cemetery under direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home.  Visitation will be Tuesday, December 13 at the Beasley Wood Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rich Mountain Nursing and Rehabilitation Activity Fund, 306 Hornbeck Ave., Mena, Arkansas 71953.

Opal C. Warren, age 90, of Mount Ida, passed away December 16, 2016 at Montgomery County Nursing Home, Mt. Ida, AR. She was born October 26, 1926 to Robert and Fannie Carter. Mrs. Warren is preceded in death by her husband William G. Warren, one daughter, Gwen Weibl, one brother, Floyd Carter, and one sister, Faye Gladden.

She is survived by her three sons, Duncan (Bill) Warren his wife Marcie, of Black Springs, Honnus Warren his wife Linda of Mena, Kenneth Warren his wife Donnah of Black Springs. Two daughters, Patsy Manley of Black Springs and Debbie Robbins and her husband Robby of Mt. Ida. Twenty One Grandkids, Fifty Eight Great Grandkids, Two Great Great Grandkids, one sister, Coleta Singleton of Oden, and one brother, R. B. Carter of Oden.

Our Mother was a loving mother, wife, grandma and Mama Warren. She loved her garden and working in the yard, she also loved quilting.

There will be a visitation Monday December 19, 2016 12 p.m. at Murphy Baptist Church in Black Springs; AR. Services will follow at 2:00 at Murphy Baptist Church with James (Cub) Black officiating. Pallbearers will be Travis Fryar, Marcus Warren, Patrick Warren, Dylan Robbins, Josh Warren and Jason Chaney. Honorary Pallbearers are the staff of Montgomery County Nursing Home, especially 400 Hall. Thank you for taking care of our mother.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home of Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com

Larry Lawayne Stricklin, age 65, of Hatfield, Arkansas went to meet his Savior, Wednesday, December 14, 2016 in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.

Larry was born in Mena, Arkansas on June 16, 1951 to the late Omen and Wanda Jean Stricklin. He was married to Ramona “Mona” Willis for 28 years and was a man of all trades. Larry was a genuine character, he never met a stranger, talking and telling stories to everyone he met. He was a wheeler and dealer, an avid collector of junk, and there wasn’t much he wouldn’t buy or sell. Larry loved watching his old westerns, giving out pocketknives, playing spades, cooking and Facebooking. Larry proudly served as Mayor of Hatfield for 16 years. Most of all Larry had a deep love for his family, friends, and grandchildren. He was a loving and caring husband, son, dad, papa, bub, and friend to all who knew him. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by wife, Ramona “Mona” Stricklin, of the home; sons, Beau Stricklin and wife Laurel of Dublin, California, David Willis and companion Katherine Hardaway of Pickens, Oklahoma; daughters, Tonya Thacker and husband Ron of Mena, Arkansas, Toni Stricklin Gay and husband Brad of Washington, Oklahoma, Tasha Stricklin and Charles Strickland of Little Rock, Arkansas; grandchildren, Brittanie Dayle Willis of Mena, Arkansas, Paris, Elvis, Tucker, and Sailor Stricklin of Dublin, California, Tateli, Taylor and Ty Thacker of Mena, Arkansas, Ashleigh and Alexis Gay of Washington, Oklahoma; brother, Garry Dale Stricklin and wife Donna of Mena, Arkansas, niece, Terah Stricklin of Mena, Arkansas; and a host of special friends too numerous to mention.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Omen and Wanda Stricklin, and nephew, Garreth Stricklin.

Funeral service will be Saturday, December 17, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Hatfield School Auditorium. Interment will follow in the Six Mile Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Family and friends visitation will be Friday, December 16, 2016, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Beasley Wood.

Pallbearers will be Mike Oglesby, Ray Cathey, Gerry Rose, Terry Keener, Ken Miller, and Jeremy Owens.

Honorary pallbearer is Terry Lunsford.

Trent Wade Lunsford passed away December 15, 2016.  He was born September 16, 1976 in Mena, Arkansas to Terry and Sandy Lunsford.

Trent had a such a vivacious and charismatic personality, a contagious hunger for life and a gigantic, compassionate heart for others. He was skilled in construction, butchering, and craftsmanship. But it was through Trent’s struggles, he gained his greatest calling. The call of ministry on his life was heavy and when fully surrendered to that call, he was operating in exactly who God created him to be. He was a student of, completed, and went on to work with, multiple ministries including Teen Challenge, an addiction and recovery ministry. The marks he left here with the many men he ministered to through his own testimony of trials and victories was one that extends way beyond this life and into the eternal and heavenly realms. He was cherished and loved by all that truly knew him.
He is survived parents, Terry & Sandy Lunsford; grandmother, Madine Lunsford; son, Ethan Winkley; brother, Troy Lunsford & wife, Ginger; sister, Trina Mitchell & husband Jon Mitchell; nephews, Trey Lunsford, Grant Mitchell and Callan Mitchell; nieces, Kaylee Lunsford and Wynn Mitchell.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, December 22, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Assembly of God in Mena.  Cremation services are entrusted to the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Virginia Evah Keebler Lunger, age 76, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Sunday, December 18, 2016 in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.

Virginia was born in Ontario, California on June 12, 1940 to the late Martin Owen Keebler and Wynnette Alexander Keebler. She worked for Hughes Aircraft in soldering of electronics. Virginia enjoyed bowling and country dancing with family and friends. First and foremost she loved taking care of her family and raising her children.  She was a loving and kind mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to all knew her.

She is survived by son, William Quantz of Lake Charles, Louisiana; daughters, Linda Nodes of Mena, Arkansas, Lisa Pochmara and husband Kenneth Boldwell of Mena, Arkansas; grandchildren, Randall Pochmara and wife Ashley, Kandace Pochmara, Micheal Nodes, Robert Valenti, and Haley Quantz; great-grandchildren, Elaina and Emily Pochmara, and Vanessa Valenti; brother, Arthur Keebler; nephews, Raymond Keebler and Bill Keebler.

Mrs. Lunger was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, Tom Guerrero, Lewis Quantz, and Dennis Lunger, and son, Robert Quantz.

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

Memorial service will be Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 3 P.M. at the Beasley-Wood Chapel.

Doris Aline Varner, age 96, of Alder Springs, died Wednesday, December 21, 2016, at her home.  She was born on Friday, June 11, 1920, to Amos Adams and Rosie Drew Sullivan Alexander in Houston, Texas.

Doris loved helping others. She lived her life by the Bible. She served as a Sunday school teacher, for the Home Extension Office and was a Girl Scout Leader.   She was a member of Hatfield Church of Christ. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, reading, tending her roses and spending time with her children and family. She was an excellent cook who made delicious cinnamon rolls and yeast bread.  Doris was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Carl Matzke, and second husband, Foy Varner, Sr.; two sons, Timothy Matzke and Carl Matzke, Jr.; two brothers, Warren Alexander and Ward Alexander; and one sister, Wilma Mann.

Doris is survived by her son and daughter in law, Foy and Helen Varner, Jr. of Greenville, Texas; four daughters and sons in law, Cynthia & Phillip Clayton of Chapel Hill, Texas, Hope Motz of Luling Texas, Carla & Ron Broussard of Mena, and Darla & Allen Smith of Mena; 20 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren, one great- great grandchild, several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be Friday, December 23, 2016, at 10:00 A.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel with Ron Broussard and Kevin Randolph officiating. Interment will follow services at Six Mile Cemetery in Hatfield.  Visitation will be Thursday, December 22, 2016 at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena from 6-8 P.M.

Online Guestbook:  www.bowserffh.com

Solomon “Buck” D. Cureton, age 93, of Vandervoort, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, December 22, 2016 in Mena.

Buck was born in Cove, Arkansas on July 23, 1923 to the late Tom Dolton Cureton and the late Vona Fair Cureton. He was married to Clara Quigley on July 7, 1948 until her death in 2005. Buck worked in the logging business in Oregon and was a chicken and cattle farmer. He proudly served his country during World War ll. While serving in the military he earned the Silver Star and two Bronze Star medals. Being civic minded he served on several committees and boards, such as the Welfare Board, FHA Board, Farm Bureau Board, and Van Cove School Board. Buck enjoyed spinning yarns about his life experiences with his friends. Most of all he loved family and enjoyed spending time with them.  He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend to all who knew him.  He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by daughter, Karlene Owens and husband Jock of Smithville, Oklahoma; son, Bruce Cureton and wife Susan of Cove, Arkansas; grandchildren, Trevan, and Valerie Cureton, Nikki Cureton, Jenise and Jesse Charlton, Sondra and Steven Hoobler; great-grandchildren, Clay, Megan, Quinton, Allie, Adan, and Bryce; brothers, Nick Cureton and Sherill Cureton; sister, Daisy and Kenneth Jacobs; brother-in-law, Ronnie Fleming; sister-in-law, Dorothy Castie; and special friend, Bonnie Blackburn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Vona Cureton, wife, Clara Cureton, sisters, Myrtle, Adele, Peggy, Louise, Wanda (Nubin) and Glenda.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, December 27, 2016, 10:00 a.m., at First Baptist Church in Cove, Arkansas with Brother Ron Ladd, Brother Todd Webb, and Brother Donnie Jewell officiating.  Interment will follow in the Witherspoon Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Visitation will be Monday, December 26, 2016, 5:00-8:00 p.m., at Beasley Wood.

Pallbearers will be Steve Dearing, Kenny Romine, Tewayne Watkins, Terry Jewell, Dale Baker, Dewight Barrett, Rex Johnston, and Mike Harwood.

Honorary pallbearers will be Sonny Dees, Billy John Davis, Roger Harwood, Maurice Manasco, David Dutton, Gary Dutton, Terry Belknap, and Terry Scott.

Catherine (Katie) Plunkett, age 85, of Mena, Arkansas, died Monday, December 26, 2016 in Mena.  She was born on July 3, 1931 in Helena, Arkansas to Hiram Argus Anderson and Louise Espy Anderson.

Katie was a devoted wife, mom, granny, nenaw, aunt, and friend. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Mena. A Hot Springs High School graduate, she spent over forty years as a registered nurse working for a number of doctors as well as a surgical nurse at the Mena Hospital. She also spent several years working as a home health nurse and spent countless hours alongside her husband Bill at their pharmacy, Plunkett Drug Store in Mena. In retirement, she and her husband, Bill, served their community faithfully through their work with the Ninth Street Medical Clinic.

Katie was known for her wonderful bedside manner in her many years as a nurse,  She had a caring, generous spirit, and loved the Lord and her family. Katie enjoyed sewing and needlework and found great joy in spending time with her husband and family.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bill, who was the love of her life for nearly 62 years; her parents, Hiram Argus Anderson and Louise Espy Anderson; and her brother, James Anderson.

She is survived by her sons, Terry Plunkett of Mena; Tim Plunkett and wife, Penny of Prescott, AR; P.T. Plunkett and wife, Christy of Mena; her daughter, Judi Plunkett White and husband, Tom of Mena; ten grandchildren, including Amanda Posey, Ty Plunkett and Ashlie Harris of Mena; Amber Hendrickson of Grand Rapids, MI and Abbi Peoples of Fort Smith, AR; Zach Plunkett of Cave Springs, AR, Caitlin Plunkett of Siloam Springs, AR, and Josh Plunkett of Magnolia, AR; and Drew Plunkett of Fayetteville, AR, and Jake Plunkett of Mena; thirteen great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

A celebration of Katie’s life will be Thursday, December 29, 2016 at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Mena with Brother Russell Threet and Brother Ray Peoples officiating. Interment will be at the Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena immediately following the service. Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Katie’s memory can be made to Ninth Street Ministry, a ministry of the First Baptist Church at 811 Port Arthur, Mena, AR 71953; Clarice’s Room of Hope at 403 Morrow St. N, Suite C, Mena, AR 71953, or the organization of your choice.

Pallbearers honoring Katie will be her grandchildren.

Dorothy Mae Tash, age 82, of Farmersville, California, formerly of Mena, passed away Tuesday, December 20, 2016 in Farmersville, California.

She was born June 25, 1934 in Mena, Arkansas to the late James and Martha Coffey. She was united in marriage to the late Herbert Lee Tash. Dorothy loved her pets. She especially loved spending time with her family and friends under the big tree in her back yard. She was dearly loved and will be terribly missed.

Survivors are sons, Milton Foshee of Farmersville, California, Herbert Eugene Tash of Farmersville, California, Jimmy Foshee of Farmersville, California, Brian Foshee of Exeter, California; daughters, Lola Sanchez of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Gail Sharrah of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Shirley Foshee of Las Vegas, Nevada, Wanda Tash of Hemet, Calfiornia; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Martha Coffey, her daughter, Susan Marshall, and her brother, Eddie Coffey.

Funeral services will be Friday, December 30, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in the Beasley-Wood Chapel. Interment will follow in the Rocky Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Dewayne Oglesby, Jimmy Malone, and Brian Foshee.

Tony Randall Hickson, Sr., age 56, of Vandervoort, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, December 31, 2016 in Vandervoort.

Tony was born in Lewisville, Arkansas on October 6, 1960 to Truman Hickson and Lela Lee Walker.  He was married to Suzanne Roser Hickson and worked at Tyson’s in the maintenance department since 1999. Tony enjoyed working on cars and riding motorcycles. He also loved hunting with family and friends. He was a loving and kind husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend to all who knew him. He will be missed.

He is survived by wife, Suzanne Hickson of the home; son, Tony R. Hickson, Jr., and wife Tanya; grandchildren, Serenity, Jaylan, and Tegan Hickson; daughter, Carolyn E. Hickson and husband Ivan Flanary; grandchildren, Adrien Hickson and Katelyn Flanary; daughter, Kathryn Watkins and husband Adam; grandchild, Xane Watkins; brothers, Gary Hickson and wife Stacy, Lonnie Hickson and wife Cindy, Robert Hickson and wife Shirley; sisters, Onita Bolton and husband Billy, Peggy Guyton and husband Wayne, Margret Daniels; best friend, Roy G. Shearer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Truman A. Hickson and Lela Lee Walker, brother, Doyle Hickson, and sister, Maxine Guyton, and best friend, Mary C. Shearer.

Memorial service will be Wednesday, January 4, 2017, 10:00 a.m. Beasley Wood Chapel with Brother Reggie Fryar officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

www: bwfuneralhome.com

Violet J. Reed Cox, age 78, of Mena passed away at home Friday, January 6, 2017 in Mena, Arkansas.

Violet was born in Acorn, Arkansas on April 16, 1938 to the late Clarence H. Reed and Grace Viola Emmons Reed. She was married to Jerry Cox, Sr., for 61 years and was a loving homemaker. Violet had a heart to serve others and often volunteered to help with many local causes and organizations.  She also enjoyed quilting, gardening, and loved nature hikes She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend to all who knew her.

She is survived by husband, Jerry Cox, Sr., of Mena, Arkansas; sons, Jerry Cox, Jr. and wife Betty of Potter, Arkansas, Richard (Ricky) W. Cox of Satellite Beach, Florida; daughter, Teresa Marshall and husband Chester of Batesville, Arkansas; grandchildren, Beverly Cox Gilbert, David Cox, and Ella Grace Marshall; great-grandchildren, Matthew Gunner Gilbert, Katelyn Gilbert, Ramsey Gilbert, Brylee Cox and Cason Cox; brothers, Oscar J. Reed, and wife Beverly of Lockesburg, Arkansas, Jesse Reed of Mena, Arkansas; sister, Marge Kemp and husband Billy of Acorn, Arkansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, William Reed and Richard Reed and sister, Peggy Reed Beaver.

Memorial service will be planned later.  Arrangements were made under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.