Myron “Mike” Green passed away at the age 89 at Mena, Arkansas on the 15 day of October 2019 to join his loving wife Donna.

He was born on the 7th day of September 1930 in Milbank, South Dakota to the late Henry and Adela Green. Mike was united in marriage to the late Donna M. Grengs Green.  He was a military person by profession from March 1949 to June 1976. He served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was honored with the meritorious medals, Bronze Star, Korean Series with two Bronze Stars, Vietnam service with four Bronze Stars, Air Metal, Army Commendation and Bravery Gold Medal of Greece and numerous other metals He was a loving and kind father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather.

He is survived by daughter, Lillian McCombs and husband William of Mena, Arkansas; son, Myron Green, Jr. and wife Lisa of Illinois; step-son, Robert Quinumeon and wife Rose of Texas; ten grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by parents, Henry and Adela Green; his wife, Donna Green; sister, Margaret Oegler; and two brothers: Donald and John Green.

Funeral service was Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church with Brother Bill Seitz officiating.

Family and friends visitation was Friday, October 18, 2019 at 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Beasley Wood.

Ethel Elizabeth Jurgens, age 74, of Mena, Arkansas, died, Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at the Mena Regional Health System in Mena.  She was born on Thursday, May 3, 1945 to Onie Warren and Maudie Barnes Finley in Crumb, Texas.

Ethel loved her family and spending time with them.  She also enjoyed making candles and collecting owls.  Ethel was a Christian and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Mena.  Ethel was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, John Finley, Onie Finley, and Thurman Finley, and her son, Joseph Michael Bellows.

Ethel is survived by her husband, Dennis Jurgens of Mena; her son and daughter in law, Ray and Glynda Bellows of Mena; daughters and sons in law, Cynthia and Robert Via of Lewisville, Texas and Patricia and Thomas Turner of Wyle, Texas; brothers, Milton Finley of Hatfield and Ben Finley of Mena; five grandchildren, Allan Via of Lewisville, Texas, Cody and Brittney Via of Abilene, Texas, Zachary Via of Lewisville, Texas, Logan Turner of Wyle, Texas and Noah Turner of Wyle, Texas; and two great grandsons; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

No services are planned at this time with cremation services entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook:  www.bowserffh.com

Joann Stewman, age 78, of Mena, Arkansas, died, Friday, October 25, 2019 at Mena Regional Health System in Mena. She was born on Friday, May 23, 1941 to Joseph Daniel “Jodie” and Ruby Lee Looney Little in Mena, Arkansas.

Joann loved her Lord, her family and her friends. She was a member of Grace Bible Church in Mena where she served her church in the AWANA program, taught Sunday school, and was on the decorating committee. She also enjoyed floral design and crafts, traveling, bowling and spending time with her grandchildren. Joann and her husband David were involved with the Christian Motorcyclist Association prison ministries. Joann was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, David Stewman; two brothers, Joseph Blake Little and J.D. Little, and one sister, Naomi Fearno.

Joann is survived by her daughter and son in law, Leslie and Chris Daniel of Mena; her sister, Mary Little of Sherwood, Arkansas; two grandchildren, Chris Ann and Aaron Grotzinger of Houston, Texas and Mary and Jim Eaton of Eaton of Clayton, North Carolina; four great grandchildren, Harris Grotzinger of Houston, Texas, Evie, Jameson and Max Eaton of Clayton, North Carolina; several nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. at Grace Bible Church in Mena with Dr. Lamar Austin and Brother Russell Threet officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery in Mena.

Visitation will be Friday, November 1, 2019 from 5-7 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel. Arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be Danny Thrailkill, Jeff Montgomery, Aaron Grotzinger, Steve Daniel, Steve Schulte and Brian Lang. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mark Barton, Jim Montgomery, Shelton Bohlman, Glen Pearce, Rodney Holland and the elders of Grace Bible Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Grace Bible Church AWANA Program, P.O. Box 371, Mena, Arkansas 71953 or

Legacy 685 First Baptist Church Houston, Texas.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

Burtis Howard “Burt” Belknap passed away at the age of 95 in Cove, Arkansas on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at his home surrounded by family and friends.

He was born on the 21st day of December 1923 in Cove, Arkansas to the late David Belknap and the late Blanch Norton Belknap.  Burt was united in marriage to Barbara Clough.   He was a logger by profession.  He loved farming, riding in his wagon and shopping for trucks. He enjoyed telling stories, whether true or untrue, to whoever was willing to listen.  Burt was a true proud family man loving each and all of his rather large clan.   He will be dearly missed by all.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Belknap of Waldron, Arkansas; sons:  Terry Belknap and wife Jan of Smithville, Oklahoma, David Belknap and wife Regina of Smithville, Oklahoma, Mark Belknap and wife Charlotte of Waldron, Arkansas, and Stephen Belknap and wife Jennifer of Cove, Arkansas; daughters: Lavonna Davis and husband Jim of Victoria, Texas, Lou Hughes of Norman, Arkansas, Deanna Miller and husband Lonnie of Cove, Arkansas, and Robyn Conatser and husband Robert of Cove, Arkansas; grandchildren: Chad Belknap, the late Dustin Belknap, Devin Belknap, Haley Belknap, Austin Routh, Marshall Hunt, Chance Hunt, Anthony Hutson, BreAnna Hutson, Savanna Hutson, Michelle Lorenzana, Nathan Hughes, Matthew Hughes, Chris Hughes, Joseph Miller, Brooke Sanchez and Corbin Conatser; great grandchildren:   Brooke Belknap, Haley Myers, Evan Lorenzana, A.J. Hutson, Jaxon Hughes, Jaydin Hughes, Dixie Hughes, Peyton Sanchez, Malakai Sanchez, Tristan Sanchez, Chloe Belknap, Raegan , Lee, and Quinton Belknap; and sister, Mildred Young of Owensville, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Blanch Belknap; his brothers: Eugene and Leonard Belknap; and sisters:  Pauline Saling and Frankie Lou Belknap.

Funeral service will be Thursday, October 31, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. at the Cove First Baptist Church with Brothers Ron Ladd and Jerry Ford officiating.  Interment will follow in the Six-Mile Cemetery in Hatfield, Arkansas under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.  Visitation will be Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon at the First Baptist Church in Cove.

Pallbearers will be Anthony Hutson, Terry Belknap, Matthew Hughes, Chad Belknap, Joseph Miller and Jason Youngblood.  Honorary pallbearer Devin Belknap.

www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

David Scott Brainerd, age 49, of Vandervoort, Arkansas passed away on Monday, October 21, 2019 at the University of Arkansas Medical Center in Little Rock from a massive brain hemorrhage. He was born on Thursday, March 12, 1970 to Philip and Mary Lou Brainerd in Des Moines, Iowa.

David was a member of the First Christian Church in Mena when he moved to Vandervoort he regularly attended Vandervoort Baptist Church. David enjoyed deer hunting, playing golf, spending time with friends and family and loved his children and God. David was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and a great friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

David is survived by wife, Shlinda Brainerd of Vandervoort; four sons, Jack Brainerd and Paul Brainerd both of Conway and Brayden Atchley and Corbyn Long both of Vandervoort; three daughters, Brandi McMellon of Mena, Anna Brainerd of Conway and Allie Atchley of Vandervoort; his father and mother, Philip and Mary Lou Brainerd of Mena; two brothers and sisters in law, Richard and Robin Castor of Mena and Brad and Tina Castor of Mena; one grandson, Blaine Davy of Mena; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service was held Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. at the First Christian Church in Mena with Brother Gary Garrett and Brother Aaron Anglin officiating. Arrangements were entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital, 1 Children’s Way, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

Teal Elyse Lowery of Cove, Arkansas passed away on Thursday, October 31, 2019 at the Mena Regional Health System. She was born on Thursday, October 31, 2019 to Jordan Reese and Kayla Denise Jordan Lowery in Mena, Arkansas.

Teal is survived by her parents, Reese and Kayla Lowery of Cove; two sisters, Cadence Lowery of Cove, and Taya Lowery of Cove; paternal grandparents, Arnold and Melody Lowery of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; maternal grandparents, John Jordan and Cindy Herring of Cove; paternal great grandmothers, Betty Young of Star City, Arkansas, and Joyce Dobbins of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; maternal great grandparents, Vincent and Marie Raymond of Watson, Oklahoma; several aunts and uncles, Vanessa and Donnie Toon of Smithville, Oklahoma, Larissa and Riley Johnson of Hatfield, Samantha Jordan of Cove, Chris and Kathy Lowery of White Hall, Arkansas, and Shawn and Kim Lowery of Shawnee, Oklahoma; several cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service was held Sunday, November 3, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. at the Panther Creek Christian Church in Watson, Oklahoma with Brother Cody McDaniel officiating. Interment followed at the Panther Creek Cemetery in Watson, Oklahoma. Arrangements were entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Pallbearers were Reese Lowery and Riley Johnson.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

Bettie Jo Smallwood age 89 of Fort Smith, Arkansas passed away Monday, November 4, 2019 in Ft. Smith.

Bettie was born on January 29, 1930 in Ink, Arkansas to the late Clyde Lunsford and the late Leva Perrin Lunsford.  She was married to the late Kelsie Smallwood, who preceded her in death in 2007, and was a graduate of Cherry Hill High School.  Bettie had an elegance and class about her, never leaving the house without looking her best.  She loved to sew and cook, and took joy in hosting family gatherings with her wonderful sense of humor.  She worked for sometime in retail and ran Smallwood’s Antique Shop for over 20 years in Mena.  She was a loving mother, sister and friend to all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughter, Brenda Horton and husband Willard of Fort Smith, Arkansas; sister. Dian Lunsford Kaufman of New Orleans, Louisiana; many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Leva Lunsford; and her husband, Kelsie Smallwood.

Graveside services were held Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. in Concord Cemetery at Ink with Brother Donnie Jewell officiating.  Arrangements were under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Concord Cemetery in care of Beasley Wood.

Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Tommie Olene Scott, age 91, of Mena, Arkansas died Sunday, November 3, 2019 at her home. She was born on Sunday, July 22, 1928 to Tom and Essie Copeland Ratliff in Hollis, Oklahoma.

Tommie was a humble woman of the Baptist faith who was generous of heart and loved southern Gospel music. She was a hard worker throughout her life and held many varying jobs, but her favorite was her dog grooming business and showing Belgian Sheepdogs and Rottweilers. Tommie also enjoyed teaching 4H children how to train dogs and she served as a judge on their events. Everyone loved her pot roast, German chocolate cake, and homemade fudge. She liked to do puzzles and was always up for a game of cards. She was very proud to have raised five wonderful daughters on her own, and the big happy family that they had all created. One thing is for certain, she loved God and her family with all her heart. Tommie was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and a great friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; one son, Kenneth Wayne Scott; one son in law, Robert Tolbert; two brothers, Charlie Ratliff and George Ratliff; and one brother in law, Fred Baker.

Tommie is survived by her five daughters and sons in law, Melody and Milton Brooks of Nunley, Arkansas, Pam and Dennis Osterson of Mena, Arkansas, Barbara Tolbert of Shamrock, Texas, Diana Scott of Mena, and Sherry and Earl Rutter of Mena; two sisters and son in law, Sonya and Dickie Cummins of Hollis, Oklahoma, and Shirley Baker of Englewood, Ohio; two sisters in law, Donnie Ratliff of Hollis, Oklahoma, and Genevieve Ratliff of Waco, Texas; twenty-four grandchildren, Loyd Brooks, Melissa Brooks, Tommy and Michelle Brooks, Kevin Osterson, Kathy Osterson, Kelly Hickmon, Reid Hickmon, Kenny and Misha Tolbert, Gwen Mitchel, Bobby and Brittney Tolbert, Debbie Tolbert, Lee Tolbert, Daven and Maureen Martin, Glen and Dana Martin, Christopher Martin, Cassie Chavez, Jerry Chavez, and Catrina and Charlie Blasy; thirty-two great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A graveside service was held on Friday, November 8, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cherry Hill Cemetery with Brother Russell Threet officiating. A visitation was held Thursday, November 7, 2019 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas. Arrangements were entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.

Pallbearers were Chris Martin, Daven Martin, Glen Martin, Jake Eads, Kevin Osterson, and Tommy Brooks.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

Linda Rosemary Vieira, age 53, of Mena, Arkansas died Friday, November 8, 2019 at her home. She was born on Sunday, January 9, 1966 to Joseph Anthony and Rubie Lee Isbell Block in Lockport, Illinois.

Linda was a wonderful mother and her family was always the most important things in life to her. She worked at James’ Grocery for six years in Mena and was passionate about the Relay for Life. Linda was proud of getting her GED and enjoyed anything to do with water, but especially going fishing. She absolutely loved every minute spent with her grandchildren. Linda was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and a great friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Joseph “Butch” Block and Jimmy Kirkland; and one sister, Kay Hensley.

Linda is survived by her son, Joseph Vieira of Mena; her daughter, Tabatha Vieira of Mena; the loving father of her children, Joseph Vieira Sr.; one brother, Ken Kirkland of Lockport, Illinois; four sisters, Judith Leathers of Morris, Illinois; Kathy French and husband Russell of Diamond, Illinois, Debbie Stepiens of Mena, and Patricia Block of Chicago, Illinois; three grandchildren, Chloe Grace Ferguson of Mena, Jaxson Ryder Vieira of Mena, and Emma Lee Vieira of Mena; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held by the family at a later date. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

Brenda Joyce Cecil age 67 of Mena, Arkansas passed away Monday, November 4, 2019 in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Brenda was born on January 7, 1952 in Mena, Arkansas to the late Jesse Curtis Eldridge and the late Minta Joyce Morris Eldridge.  She was a local business owner. Brenda was a member of the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church where she played the piano for many years. Brenda enjoyed playing cards, quilting and going to the beach with family and friends. She loved spending time with her grandchildren. Above all she loved God and her family.  She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend to all who knew her. Brenda will be dearly missed by all.

She is survived by her son, Kevin Yahn and wife Shawnee of Hot Springs, Arkansas; daughter, Tresa Craig and husband Tony of Mena, Arkansas; grandchildren:  Aarika Cox and husband Chris,  Katelynn Davis and husband Joey, Austin Yahn, Clarance Yahn and wife Katelyn, Brandon Craig and wife Callie, and Greg Craig and wife Hannah; great-grandchildren:  Jayden Cox, Avery Cox, Taylor Cox, and Adelaide Davis; and brother, Jay Eldridge of California.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Clarance Yahn; her second husband, Don Cecil; and brothers:  Victor Eldridge and Jesse Eldridge.

Funeral service was Friday, November 8, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church in Mena, with Brother Jack Smith officiating. Interment followed in the Mt. Gilead Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley -Wood funeral Home of Mena.  Visitation was Thursday, November 7, 2019 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Pallbearers were Brandon Craig, Greg Craig, Austin Yahn, Clarance Yahn, Joey Davis, Chris Cox, Duane Ezell and Tim Rodgers.

Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Arvid DuWayne Hoxie Jr., age 87, of Mena, Arkansas died peacefully Friday, November 8, 2019 at his home surrounded by loved ones. He was born on Wednesday, October 5, 1932 to Arvid DuWayne Sr. and Rose Sao Hoxie in El Segundo, California.

Arvid was an incredibly patient and loving husband and father. He was an extremely talented foundry man and prototype machinist. He enjoyed fixing and building things and his family’s remote homestead in the woods reflected his many talents. Arvid loved God, adored his wife and spoiled his dogs rotten. Arvid was a loving husband, father, uncle and a great friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Harry Hoxie and Dale Hoxie.

Arvid is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Kathy Hoxie of Mena; one son, Arvid Lester Hoxie of Mena; one daughter, Susan Ferrero of Utah; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

Ruby Marie Duplessis, age 80, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at her home. She was born on Tuesday, August 15, 1939 to Sabas O. Duplessis Sr. and Leontine Lavigne Duplessis in Gonzales, Louisiana.

Ruby was a loving mother, daughter, grandmother, sister, aunt and a great friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Harry Kling and four sisters, Eloise Duplessis, Rose Fontenot, Millie Gaudin and Dolores Cosper; and some Nicky Wilkinson.

Ruby is survived by her daughter, Vickie Trosclair (Ronnie) of Mena, Arkansas; son, Mickey White of Gonzales, Louisiana; five brothers, Sabas Duplessis Jr., Johnny Duplessis, Aaron Duplessis, Paul Duplessis and Roger Duplessis; five sisters, Winnie West, Iris Gautreau, Ada LaVoie, Libby Moran and Belva Crain; five grandchildren, Dustin Trosclair, Brandon Trosclair, Jordan Trosclair, Tyler Trosclair and Cameron Wilkinson; three great grandchildren, Brianna Trosclair, Peyton Trosclair and Wyatt Trosclair; several nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service was held at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas on Monday, November 18, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. with Brother Joe Thibeau officiating. Interment followed in the Pinecrest Memorial Park. No visitation was planned. Arrangements were entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

Beverly Mae Lyle Philpot was born on her mother’s birthday, January 17, 1961 into a large loving family. She was the 7th of nine children born to George and Mae Rose Lyle. Beverly was a vivacious youth loving sports, riding horses and competing in local rodeos. She was married to the love of her life Steve Philpot for 42 years and11 months and out of that union they had 5 children, Andy, Tosha, Tawaynea, Colby and Clay.  Beverly loved working in her yard, camping with family and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Beverly was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and her family was always the most important thing in life to her.  She had a servant’s heart and loved helping anyone in need. Beverly was a friend to many and willing to go the extra mile to help.

She is survived by her husband, Steve Philpot; sons:  Andy Philpot and wife Jenni of Woodland, Washington, Colby Philpot and wife Daniella of Acorn, Arkansas, and Clay Philpot and wife Jennifer of Board Camp, Arkansas; daughters:  Tosha Bissell and husband Otis of Acorn, Arkansas and Tawaynea Tedder and husband Chris of Acorn, Arkansas; grandchildren:  Cody, Samantha, Clayton, Tuker, Justin, Luke, Aaron, Morgan, Ashlynn, Ally, Aaden, Kaylee, Sarah, Daniel, Tina, Monica, Colten, Treyton, Madison, Lane, Braxton, Hadley, Ryker, and Emmy; brothers:  Gene Lyle and wife Barbara of Hatfield, Arkansas, Ronnie Lyle, Rick Lyle and wife Sandy of Mena, Arkansas, and Mark Lyle and wife Lori of Mena, Arkansas; sister, Julie Daniels and husband David of Acorn, Arkansas; mother-in-law, Betty Philpot of Cherry Hill, Arkansas; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents,George and Mae Lyle; father-in-law, Jim Philpot; sister, Glenda Blake; and brothers: Jerry Lyle and Danny Lyle.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, November 20, 2019, 2:00 p.m at Mena Church of God in Mena, Arkansas with Brother Mark Lyle officiating. Interment will follow in the Highland Cemetery in Cherry Hill, Arkansas under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons.  General visitation.

Online at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Lynda Duke Mead age 76 of Mena, Arkansas passed away Thursday, November 14, 2019 in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

She was born on June 02, 1943 in Miami Beach, Florida to the late Orville Duke and the late Lita Standridge Duke Martin.  Lynda was married to Robert Mead for 36 years and was devoted to him. She was obsessed with all things hummingbird and shopping Being a girly girl, she loved dressing up with make-up and jewelry and always looking her best. Lynda was a wonderful wife; caregiver, mother, and her family was always the most important thing in life to her.  She had a servant’s heart and loved helping anyone in need. Lynda was a friend to many and loved spending time with them.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Mead of Mena, Arkansas; son, Dr. William Duke Jones and wife Melinda of Bolivar, Missouri; step-son, Adam Mead and wife Paula of Marble Falls, Texas; daughters:  Sheila Jones and husband Skip Hadaway of Texarkana, Texas, and Mish Cush of Cedar Creek, Texas; step-daughter, Lora Mead of Texas; grandchildren:  Eric Fair, Cori Fair, Molly Hutchinson, Simon Hutchinson, Taylor Jones, Spencer Hutchinson; step-grandchildren:  Robert Mead, Stephanie McNamara, and Alan Mead; and great-grandchildren:  Damien, Zane, Axel, Marlee, Ava, Lucas, and Becca.

Lynda was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Lita Duke; and stepfather, Paul Martin.

Graveside service was Sunday, November 17, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at Pinecrest Memorial Park with Dr. William Duke Jones officiating under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena.  Visitation was Sunday, November 17, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Beasley Wood Chapel prior to private service.

Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Betty Lou Marcum, age 76 of Mena, Arkansas passed away Thursday, November 14, 2019 in Hot Springs.

She was born in California on November 25, 1943 to the late Maurice Monroe Ogden and the late Mable Annabelle Krebs Ogden.  She was a cook at Queen Wilhelmina Lodge, where she shared her love of the holidays and giving, earning her the title “Mrs. Santa Claus”.  She loved to read and watch movies and was a die hard Elvis fan.  Betty was a beloved friend, mother, grandmother, and sister and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by daughter, Darla Larkin of Kansas City, Kansas; sister,  Barbara Phegley and husband Tom of Lake Havasu, Arizona; grandchildren:  Madison Larkin, Nikki Williams, Jesi Haukap, and Leo Larkin, Jr.; and special friends:  Karen Cook of Mena, Arkansas, Tracey Rudman of Mena, Arkansas, Marion Cunningham of Plano, Texas; and all the fellas in the campground.

She was preceded in death by her parents and by four sisters.

Ms. Marcum was sent for cremation under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home.  No services are scheduled at this time.

Online obituary available at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Donald Ray Dearing, 83, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, formerly of Cove, Arkansas, died peacefully in his sleep on November 23, 2019, exactly twenty weeks after losing his loving wife Nelda of 63 years.  Don was born on Friday, May 29, 1936, to Buford and Katie Dearing in Wynne, Arkansas.

Don was the youngest of nine children and led an interesting life where he never met a stranger along the way.  He met and shortly married his dear Nelda in Wichita Falls, Texas while at Sheppard Air Force Base.  He served our country in the US Air Force stationed in Japan and after the service, went to work for the Army at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma, as a civilian instructor in the aviation field.  Don was a pilot and always had a love for aviation.  He and Nelda started out on a small farm in Rush Springs, Oklahoma.  He loved the Lord and served as a Deacon and Choir Director in the First Baptist Church there.  Eventually, they made the decision to move the family to Cove, Arkansas, to purchase a farm where they raised cattle and chickens.  For a while, Don had a construction company where he built and equipped many of Polk County chicken houses.  Don also started working for Lane Poultry as a service technician and eventually retired from Tyson Foods as a Breeder Technical Advisor. After retirement, he and Nelda moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas, to live on the lake where he would fish almost daily and sit in the coffee shop spinning tall tales with his friends.  Everyone that knew him knows of the great love he had for his grandchildren and spending time with them on the lake.  He walked a life kindness and grace and passed those traits along to his children and grandchildren. Don always had a big smile and a joke to share and was so loved for his gentle soul.  The world has lost a good man, but Heaven has gained an angel.

He is preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings, Joy Dearing Hall, Troy (Jab) Dearing, Pauline Dearing Murphy, Carl Dearing, twins Leona Dearing Hubbard and infant Leon Dearing, twins Winston Muriel (Blackie) and Wayne Earl (Whitey) Dearing.

Don is survived by his two children, his son and daughter in law, Steve and Felita Dearing of Cove, Arkansas and his daughter and son in law, Laura and Will Robbins of Pearl River, Louisiana, grandsons, Arkansas and grandson, Chance Dearing of Richmond, Virginia, granddaughter Harly Dearing of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and great grandson, Beau Hawkins of Arkadelphia, Arkansas and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

A graveside funeral will be Monday, November 25, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Cove with Brother Steve Bradley officiating.  Visitation will be Monday, November 25, 2019 from 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena.  Arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

The family wishes to thank everyone for all of your support during this difficult time.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

Lois “Wanda” Elwanda Harper age 90 of Mena, Arkansas passed Thursday, November 21, 2019 in Waldron, Arkansas.

Wanda was born on September 27, 1929 in Sand Springs, Oklahoma to the late Ausborn Newton Mitchell and the late Vera Lee Burris Mitchell. She was very creative and enjoyed redecorating. Wanda loved her family and cherished Sunday family dinners with

her family. She was a talented seamstress. Above all she was devoted to her family and friends. Wanda was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friends to all who knew her.

She is survived by: Sons: Jerry Harper and wife Sherry of Mena, Arkansas. Fred Harper and wife Sandra of Benton, Missouri. Dennis Harper and wife Stacey of Mena, Arkansas. Daughter: Theresa Davis and husband Kenny of Mena, Arkansas. Eleven grandchildren, Twenty great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. Brother: Kenneth Mitchell of Gladstone. Missouri

Sister: Sylvia Ventris of Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Ausborn and Vera Mitchell, her first husband James Harper, second husband Russell Dunagan, brothers, Edward Mitchell, Jimmy Mitchell, and Raymond Mitchell and sisters Jewell Hilton, Norma Drager, and Helen Mitchell and a granddaughter Rita Genung.

Funeral service will be Monday, November 25, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Beasley-Wood Chapel. Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Park under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Family and friend visitation will be Sunday, November 24, 2019 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Beasley-Wood. Pallbearers will be Michael Harper, Joshua Harper, Martin Adkins, Rick Foster, Richard Hilton, and Glenn Erickson.

Honorary pallbearer will be Stephe Harper.

Online obituary available at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Judith Lucille Fast, age 74, of Mena, Arkansas died Thursday, November 21, 2019 at the Mena Regional Health System. She was born on Monday, July 23, 1945 to Leonard Jerome and Dorothy Lucille Clausen Slechta in Denison, Iowa. Judy was an active member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Mena and served her faith devoutly for forty-nine years after being baptized in 1970. Her spiritual family was very important to her and she cared deeply for them all. Judy loved helping people and her faith, family, and husband, Jack, were the most important things in life to her. She was close with her sisters, and enjoyed every moment spent with Jack and all the family they had been blessed with. Judy enjoyed reading, watching Westerns, country music, fishing, and

especially loved to camp and travel. Judy was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother and friend and will be missed by all who knew her. She is preceded in death by her parents. She is preceded in death by her parents.

Judy is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Jack Fast of Mena; one son and daughter in law, Joseph and Tammie Fast of Benton, Arkansas; one daughter and son in law, Julie and Mike Brown of Mena; two sisters and brother in law, Joann Wood of Manning, Iowa, and Janice and Lloyd Dieber of Denison, Iowa; six grandchildren, Trenton Fast, Tait Fast, Nikki Henry, Colby Miles, Tori Stockton, and Sumer Brown; ten great grandchildren; several nephews and nieces and a host of other family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 1509 S Reine St, Mena, AR 71953

No services are planned at this time. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

Cecil F. “Tex” Baker went home to be with his Lord on October 26, 2019.  He was 94 years old.  “Tex” was born in Ada, Oklahoma, on September 21, 1925 to Frank and Leola Baker.

Tex was in automobile sales and later in life an entrepreneur.  He was a musician who loved Country and Western music and sang and played his guitar at various venues across the country.  His music idol was Ernest Tubb who he met many years ago and said he was his friend. Wherever Tex went, he would share the love of Jesus Christ.  He never met a stranger and loved everyone.  He was a kind man who always had a positive attitude.

He is survived by his son Richard Baker and daughter Barbara Sloan, and stepson Royce Hanson and wife Staci, as well as special friends Hope and Tony Main, who he considered his family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia; his parents; and all his siblings.If you knew Tex, you were indeed blessed. Tex will be dearly missed by his friends and loved ones.

His graveside service was at Owens Chapel Cemetery in Acorn last Sunday, November 24, 2019 with Pastor Steve Ellison officiating.

Cecil F. “Tex” Baker went home to be with his Lord on October 26, 2019.  He was 94 years old.  “Tex” was born in Ada, Oklahoma, on September 21, 1925 to Frank and Leola Baker.

Tex was in automobile sales and later in life an entrepreneur.  He was a musician who loved Country and Western music and sang and played his guitar at various venues across the country.  His music idol was Ernest Tubb who he met many years ago and said he was his friend.

Wherever Tex went, he would share the love of Jesus Christ.  He never met a stranger and loved everyone.  He was a kind man who always had a positive attitude.

He is survived by his son Richard Baker and daughter Barbara Sloan, and stepson Royce Hanson and wife Staci, as well as special friends Hope and Tony Main, who he considered his family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia; his parents; and all his siblings.

If you knew Tex, you were indeed blessed.

Tex will be dearly missed by his friends and loved ones.

His graveside service was held at Owens Chapel Cemetery in Acorn at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, November 24, 2019 with Pastor Steve Ellison officiating.