Mr. Vernon H. “Bill” Rucker, age 82, of Mena, Arkansas,
passed  away Tuesday, January 31, 2012 in Mena.
He was born August 6, 1929 in Mena, Arkansas. He was a self-employed by
  profession, but also served his country in the United States Army. Bill married
  Ella “Marie” Harrell on August 2, 1952 and was devoted to her and his entire
  family. He had many passions in life, including hunting and fishing and all
  types of sports, and he had a particular affection for horses. Overall, Bill
had  a zest for living, and loved his family and friends who will miss and love
him  in his passing. He is survived by: Wife: Ella “Marie” Rucker of the home
Daughters: Debbie Frost and husband Benny of Mena, Arkansas Verna Metscher
  and husband J.G. of Tontitown, Arkansas Caroline Rucker of Mena, Arkansas
Grandchildren: Tiffany Williams and husband Kevin of Mena, Arkansas Shane Frost and wife Lauren of Fayetteville, Arkansas
Great-Grand- Children: Tessa Williams of Mena, Arkansas Barrett Frost of Fayetteville, Arkansas Sister: Barbara Magnino of Tulsa, Oklahoma Brother: Doyal Dean Beck of Mena, Arkansas He was preceded in death by his parents, Clara Williams Beck and step-father,
  Elvis “Bub” Beck, and infant brother, Noel Beck, and a step-brother, E.D. Beck. Funeral services will be Friday, February 3, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Beasley-Wood Chapel with Brother Gary Garrett officiating. Interment follows in Pinecrest Memorial Park under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.Visitation will be general. Pallbearers will be Benny Frost, J.G. Metscher, Shane Frost, Kevin Williams Steven Beck, Greg Beck, and Shawn Beck.

Mr. Charley Banks, age 67, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away
  Tuesday, January 31, 2012 in Mena.
He was born July 5, 1944 in Little Rock, Arkansas and was united in marriage
  to Nancy Warren. He was a file clerk by profession and was a member of the
  Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness. He was a loving husband, brother,
  step-father, and friend and will be missed by those who knew him.
He is survived by: Wife: Nancy Banks of Mena, Arkansas Brothers: Lonnie Banks of North Little Rock, Arkansas Johnnie Banks of North Little Rock, Arkansas Step-Son: Steve Van Der Linden of Topeka, Kansas Step-Daughters: Betsy Reynolds of Bella Vista, Arkansas Barbara Van Der
  Linden of Mena, Arkansas Janet Johnson of Mena, Arkansas Numerous step-grandchildren He was preceded in death by his parents and by a sister. Memorial services will be held Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness with Brother Billy J. Bates officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.Visitation will be Wednesday evening, February 1st, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Joan Dunkum Carver, of Mabelvale, formerly of Hot Springs died  January 30, 2012. She was born January 2, 1934 in Hope, AR. She was retired as  Office Manager of International Computer Systems for 30 years. Joan was preceded  in death by her husband William S. (Bill) Carver and her parents Archer and  Lovena Dunkum. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law Bill and Gwen Dunkum of Mabelvale, and nephews and their wives Chris and Sammie Dunkum and John and Robbin Dunkum of Little Rock. Joan was a member of Mabelvale United Methodist Church and an avid Razorback fan. A graveside service will be held at Pinecrest Cemetery in Mena, AR at 2:00pm February 1, 2012. A memorial service will be held at Mabelvale United Methodist Church with Reverend Bob Marble officiating on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to Mabelvale United Methodist Church 10500 Woodman, Mabelvale, AR 72103 or to the Arkansas
  Rice Depot 3801W 65th Street, Little Rock, AR 72209. Arrangements will be by Beasley-Wood Funeral home of Mena.

Dorothy “Dotty” Zink, age 86, of Springdale, Arkansas
formerly  of Mena, passed away Thursday, January 26, 2012 in Springdale.
She was born December 24, 1925 in Lockhart, Texas to the late Luther Arthur
  Whitlock and Nora Mae Roden Whitlock. She was united in marriage to George
Zink.  Mrs. Zink was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mena and
Ladies  of the Elks. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and
friend.
Survivors are:
Sons: Robby Zink and wife Robin of Springdale, Arkansas Randy Zink of
  Springdale, Arkansas
Brother: Art Whitlock of Lomita, California
Grandchildren: Carli Zink, Jack Zink, and Rikki Ann Zink
She was preceded in death by her parents, Luther and Nora Whitlock, her
  husband, George Zink, a son, Ricky C. Zink, and a sister, Virginia Turner.
Graveside services will be Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the
  Pinecrest Memorial Park under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.
  Visitation will be general.
Memorials may be made to the Arthritis Foundation.

Neomi Jo Hess, age 87, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away
Tuesday,  January 24, 2012 in Mena.
She was born November 26, 1924 in Waters, Arkansas to the late Dan Davis, Sr.
  and the late Mollie Emaline Chambers Davis. Jo as she was known by friends and
  family, was a “Hello Girl” for Southwestern Bell, where literally over the
  phone, she met the love of her life, Verner Hess. They married February, 16,
  1947 and became owner/ operators of Hess' Florist. She was of the Baptist faith
  and was a loving sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend and will be
  missed by those who knew and loved her.
She is survived by:
Brother: Dan Davis and wife Eula of Searcy, Arkansas
Grandchildren: Kristi Gilbert Elam and husband Kris of Van Buren, Arkansas
  Ryan Gilbert and wife Angela of Mena, Arkansas
7 great-grandchildren
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dan and Mollie Davis, her husband
  Verner Hess, a daughter Pam Gilbert, and a granddaughter April Gilbert.
Funeral services will be Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the First
  Baptist Church in Mena with Brother David McCord officiating. Interment follows
  in Pinecrest Memorial Park under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral
Home.  A visitation for family and friends will be Friday evening, January 27th
from  6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Kris Elam, Ryan Gilbert, Jeff Davis, Aaron Ferren, and
  Derrick Jeffress.

Stacy Michelle Bookout, age 40, of Mena, Arkansas, passed
away  Tuesday, January 24, 2012 in Mena.
She was born August 26, 1971 in Athens, Tennessee to the late Jerry Charles
  Broome and the late Susan Marie Fritz Broome. She was engaged to be married to
  Mr. Christopher Staggs of Mena and was of the Baptist faith. Stacy was a loving
  mother, sister, step-daughter, and friend and those who knew her will miss her
  greatly.
She is survived by:
Daughter: Amber Bookout of Mena, Arkansas
Brother: Chris Broome of Cahoun, Georgia
Step-father: Danny Bookout of Tellico, Tennessee
Fiancé': Christopher Staggs of Mena, Arkansas
Father-in-Law: Willis Staggs of Waldron, Arkansas
Brother and Sister-in-Law: Ronnie Staggs and Debbie Loyd of Norman, Arkansas
Sister-in-Law: Kathy Brown of Cahoun, Georgia
She was preceded in death by her mother, Susan Marie Bookout and an uncle,
  Donnie Brown.
Graveside services will be Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Walnut
  Grove Cemetery in Waldron under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.
  Visitation for family and friends will be Saturday evening, January 28th, from
  6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers are Dale Loyd, Chuckie Rose,
  Ronnie Staggs, Dawn Brown, Geoffrey Gibson, and Chris Staggs.

BILLY DON KIMZEY AGE 83 PASSED AWAY ON FRIDAY HE IS SURVIVED BY  HIS BELOVED WIFE DOROTHY ANN GALLOWAY KIMZEY, HIS THREE DAUGHTERS LINDA MCCASLIN OF  NORTH LITTLE ROCK, DONNA LINDSAY OF TEXARKANA, KAREN KIMZEY OF HOT SPRINGS, SIX GRANDCHILDREN, SIX GREAT GRAND CHILDREN, HIS BROTHER IN LAW AND A NUMBER OF NIECES AND NEPHEWS, GRAVESIDE SERVICES WERE HELD ON SATURDAY JAN 21ST IN PENCIL BLUFF

_

Stephen Dale Hooper age 61, of Mena, died Thursday, January
19,  2012 at his home. He was born on Saturday, April 29, 1950 to Raymond Dale
and  June Genevie Hagel Hooper in Hastings, Nebraska.

Steve loved to go
  hunting, fishing and shooting. Steve joined the United States Navy in 1970 and
  served on the USS Oriskany. He was honorably discharged in 1975 with the rank
of  MS3. He was very proud of this service and is where he began a career as a
chef.  He was an excellent chef and work in many different restaurants and a
couple  here in Mena, the Holland House and Queen Wilhelmina State Park
Restaurant. He  loved to go traveling. He was a member of the First Church of
the Nazarene in  Mena for many years and a member of the American Legion and VFW
here in Mena. He  was a loving son, brother, and uncle and will be missed by all
who knew him.

Survivors include his father, Ray Hooper of Ink; one
brother and sister  in law, Paul and Barbara Hooper of Mena; two nephews,
Zachary and Jordan Hooper  of Mena; one niece, Emilee Langford and her husband,
Shannon of Owensboro,  Kentucky; and a host of other relatives and
friends.

Funeral Service will  be Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 2:00 P.M.
at the Bowser Family Funeral Home in  Mena with Brother Niles White officiating.
Interment will follow in the Concord  Cemetery in Ink. Visitation will be
Friday, January 20, 2012 from 6-8 P.M. at  the Bowser Family Funeral Home
Chapel.

Pallbearers will be Matt Glover,  Bob Pack, Burt West, Zachary
Hooper, Jordan Hooper, and Tony Hooper.

Honorary pallbearers will be
Stokes Herod and Les  Carlson.

Memorials can be made to the Gideon’s
International P.O. 781,  Mena, Arkansas 71953.

Mr. Chester G. Starr, age 94, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2012 In Mena. He was born July 12, 1917 in Schoolton, Oklahoma to the late John W. Starr and the late Ora Johnson Starr. He was united in marriage to Geneva Thomas. He was a aircraft testing technician on Tinker Air Force Base and was also a veteran, serving his country in the United States Army during World War II. Mr. Starr was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend and especially enjoyed spoiling his beloved poodles, Bo and Princess. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him. He is survived by: Wife: Geneva Starr of Mena, Arkansas Sons: Allen Starr and wife Brenda of Mena, Arkansas Norris Starr and wife Ruth of Mena, Arkansas Charles Starr and wife Wynona of Mena, Arkansas Brother: Hudson Starr of Roswell, New Mexico 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ora Starr, and by a daughter, Glenna Wilson, and his first wife, Gracie Mullinicks Starr. Graveside services will be Friday, January 20, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Gilead Cemetery with Brother Ron Tilley and Brother Bob Miller officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation for family and friends will be Thursday evening, January 19th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Honorary pallbearers will be his great-great-grandchildren: Colten Philpot, Caysen Morgan, Abree Goodner, Ezabella Smith, Austin and Dawson Davis and Trinity And Rayven Wislon.

_  Billy Gene Barrett, Jr., age 29, formerly of Vandervoort,
  Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2012 in Jourdanton, Texas.
He was born September 6, 1982 in DeQueen, Arkansas to Billy Gene Barrett, Sr.
  and Sandra Moore Barrett. He was united in marriage to Samantha Bell of Hatton,
  Arkansas on November 6, 2006. Billy was a Fracker in the gas and oil industry
  but his passion was hunting and his family, his pride being his son, Jacob. He
  was a member of the Vandervoort First Baptist Church and was a loving husband,
  son, father, brother and friend. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and
  loved him.
He is survived by:
Wife: Samantha Barrett formerly of Vandervoort, Arkansas
Son: Jacob Creed Barrett formerly of Vandervoort, Arkansas
Parents: Billy Gene Barrett, Sr. and Sandra Barrett of Vandervoort, Arkansas
Brothers: Cody Barrett of Vandervoort, Arkansas Justin Barrett of
  Vandervoort, Arkansas
Mother and Father in Law: Don and Teresa Bell of Hatton, Arkansas
Maternal Grandparents: J.C. and Dorothy Moore of Zafra, Oklahoma
Great- Grandmother: Myrtle Hopper of Zafra, Oklahoma
Paternal Grandparents: Shirley and Jerry Scott of Cove, Arkansas
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Doyle “Doc” Barrett.
Funeral services will be Saturday the 21st of January, 2012 at 1:00 pm at the
  Vandervoort Baptist Church with Brother David Rowe officiating. Interment will
  follow at Witherspoon Cemetery at Vandervoort under the direction of the
  Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.
Visitation will be Friday the 20th from 6 – 8 pm.
Pallbearers will be Carl Broach, Derek Pollard, Cody Barrett, Justin Barrett,
  Derek Barrett, Dylan Barrett, Jerry Oliver, Grant Clark, and Scotty Barrett.
Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Barrett, Randy Milam, Hank Sandefur,
  Donnie Barrett, Perry Barrett,Allan Lowrey, and Lucas Minton.

_  ANNIS DALE KINSEY OF STORY  PASSED AWAY ON TUESDAY SHE IS SURVIVED BY HER SON TERRY KINSEY, HER SISTER RETHA MINTON—HER TWO BROTHERS PHIL AND MARSH CLINE OF CALIFORNIA—AND STEVE AND LINDA CLINE OF ARIZONA---VISITATION WILL BE TODAY FROM 2PM TO 6PM SERVICES WILL BE  FRIDAY AT PRAIRIE GROVE CHURCH IN STORY AT 10AM WITH BROTHER ED DEPRIEST OFFICIATING  INTERMENT WILL BE AT OAKWOOD CEMETERY UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THORNTON FUNERAL HOME

_
Jimmy Jack Nelson, age 83, of Cherry Hill, Arkansas passed away Sunday, January 15, 2012 in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

He was born December 23, 1928 in Murphy, Texas to the late Tom Nelson and the late Mary Ruth Miller Nelson. He was united in marriage to JoAnn Wheelock August, 1950. Mr. Nelson employed with Bell Telephone Company where he worked as a lineman. He enjoyed fishing and camping but most loved traveling with his family. He was a United States veteran and a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.

Survivors are:

Wife: JoAnn Nelson of Cherry Hill, Arkansas

Children: Frank G. Nelson of Pulaski, Tennessee Judy Higgins and husband Jim of Indianapolis, Indiana Tracy Lee Nelson and wife Joan of Black Springs, Arkansas Kristy Cooper and husband Shawn of Plainfield, Indiana Mari Anne Wilhite and husband David of Acorn, Arkansas

Brothers: Tommy Joe Nelson of Killen, Alabama Dennis M. Nelson and wife Peggy of Mesquite, Texas

4 Grandchildren 10 Great Grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom Nelson and Mary Ruth Miller Crockett.

Funeral services will be Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Grant Geiger officiating. Interment will follow in the Cherry Hill Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Josh Nelson, Scott Nelson, Russell Nelson, Ed Cagle, Buddy Newbolt and Stan House. Honorary pallbearers will be Earl Burkey and Kenneth LaBuy.

Visitation with family and friends will be Wednesday, January 18 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home.

_  JAMES ALLEN JENKINS M.D.  AGE 84 PASSED AWAY ON FRIDAY HE IS SURVIVED

BY  HIS WIFE , DRUZELLE OF THE HOME—HIS THREE SONS, JEFF AND WIFE

CINDY OF  CABOT---JON OF CALIFORNIA---STEVEN OF  NORTH LITTLE ROCK--

HIS TWO SISTERS SARA WARD OF LITTLE ROCK AND RUBY PENNINGTON OF EL

DORADO—-FUNERAL SERVICES WILL BE  TODAY AT 10AM AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, ENTRUSTED TO THE THORNTON FUNERAL HOME IN MT IDA

BENJAMIN CLINE AGE 79 OF FT SMITH PASSED AWAY ON JANUARY 12TH A MEMORIAL SERVICE WAS HELD ON JANUARY 15TH AT 2PM AT THE LUDLOW COMMUNITY CENTER

_
Mrs. Donna L. Ashley, age 81, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2012 in Little Rock.

She was born January 28, 1930 in Morrilton, Arkansas to the late Shirley McArthur and the late Esther Bell Leach McArthur. She was united in marriage to the late Earl Ashley. She was an insulation cutter at U.S. Motors, and upon retiring, went on to work at Wal-Mart as a door greeter.. She and her husband were devoted to their faith in God and served over 40 years in the ministry in the Assemblies of God. The last 5 years she attended the Mena Church of God. Mrs. Ashley was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend, and will be missed greatly by all who knew her.

She is survived by:

Daughter: Pamela Wiles and husband Ben of Hot Springs, Arkansas

Grandsons: Marcus Wiles and Jonathan Wiles of Hot Springs, Arkansas

Brother: Gary McArthur and wife Kay of Conway, Arkansas

Sister: Doloris Wiedower of Little Rock, Arkansas

She was preceded in death by her parents, Shirley and Esther Bell McArthur, her husband, Earl Ashley, a sister, Sherlin Simpson, and 2 children, David Earl Ashley and Donna Ann Ashley.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. At the Beasley-Wood Chapel with Brother Mark Lyle officiating. Interment will be at 3:00 p.m. at McGhee Cemetery in Perry, Arkansas under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. A visitation for family and friends will be Friday evening, January 13th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Mike Lance, Chris Webb, Scott Sharp, Ben Pacheco, Thomas Scott, and Charles Webb.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Ashley Ministry Memorial Fund via the Mena Church of God and may be mailed to 400 N. Reine Street, Mena, AR 71953

_  Kristopher Joseph Youngblood, age 29 of Mena, died Tuesday, January 10, 2012 in Mena. He was born on Thursday, February 11, 1982 to Charles Everett and Rosanna Jenece Youngblood in Huntsville, Texas.

Kristopher loved his family and especially his children. He made sure his children was provided for and deeply loved them. Kristopher was a member of the St. Agnes Catholic Church and was very active in the Bazaars and the Knight of Columbus activities that are held every year. He enjoyed all the church activities. Kristopher worked for 5 years as a machinist at Brodix Inc., in Mena, where he carried on a family tradition by being a great machinist. Kristopher also enjoyed playing sports, such as baseball and bowling. He was an excellent bowler. Kristopher was a loving husband, father, son and grandson. He will be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parental grandparents, Jesse and Juanita Youngblood; one aunt, Vickie Lenard and one uncle, Keith Wille.

Survivors include his parents, Charles and Rosanna Youngblood of Mena; his wife Kayla Youngblood of Hot Springs; one son, Austin Youngblood of Hot Springs; one daughter, Alexis Youngblood of Hot Springs; maternal grandparents, Kenneth and Shirley Wille of Black Springs; uncles and aunts, Brenda and Frankie Wilson of Glenwood, Phillip and Toni Kirkpatrick of Glen Rose, Arkansas, Harold and Sue Wille of Fort Smith, Kennetha and John Napier of Black Springs and David and Becky Wille of Mena; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral Mass will be Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. at the St. Agnes Catholic Church with Father Norbert Rappold as celebrant. Interment will follow in the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Mena under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. Visitation will be held Friday, January 13, 2012 from 6-8 P.M. with a Prayer Vigil held at 7:00 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena.

Pallbearers will be Paul Henry, Ron Tabor, Michael Ward, Colt Dehart, Steven Lacefield, and Jeremy James.

_ JUANITA JEAN FALLS AGE 70 OF ACORN PASSED AWAY ON  TUESDAY  SHE IS SURVIVED BY  HER TWO SONS AND DAUGHTER IN LAW—RONNIE AND LISA FALLS OF ACORN AND JERRY AND PAM FALLS OF TEXARKANA---HER TWO DAUGHTERS  AND SON IN LAWS RHONDA AND JOE GONZALEZ OF TEXAS AND SUSAN AND PHILLIP MC GARITY OF SHERIDAN---HER TWO BROTHERS MARVIN CROSSLAND OF CALIFORNIA AND RICHARD CROSSLAND OF HOT SPRINGS---VISITATION WILL BE TODAY FROM 6PM TO 8PM AT THE BOWSER FAMILY FUNERAL HOME IN MENA---THE FUNERAL WILL BE ON FRIDAY AT 10AM AT THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN MENA WITH BROTHER  ROGER  BISHOP OFFICIATING  INTERMENT WILL BE B IN THE PLEASANT GROVE CEMETERY IN COVE

_
Mrs. Gale E. Couch, age 67, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, January 5, 2012 in Mena.

She was born June 7, 1944 in Hampton, Virginia to the late Roy Campbell and the late Gracie Campbell. She was united in marriage to Larry Couch. She was a homemaker and was of the Christian faith. Mrs. Couch was a very loving person and was the cornerstone of her family and her home. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by:

Husband: Larry Couch of Mena, Arkansas

Son: Craig Couch of Mena, Arkansas

Daughter: Gwen Wells of San Bernadino, California

Brothers: Carlton Campbell of Florida Emerson Campbell of Virginia

2 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Gracie Campbell, 2 brothers, Keith and Autry Campbell and a sister, Dee Dee Campbell.

Mrs. Couch was sent for cremation under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. No services have been scheduled at this time.

_
GINGER BRUCE AGE 40 OF KANSAS CITY , FORMERLY OF MENA PASSED AWAY ON JANUARY 2ND---GINGER WAS  THE DAUGHTER  OF MABEL BRUCE AND THE LATE HENRY E. BRUCE,  A CELEBRATION OF GINGER’S LIFE WILL BE HELD  SATURDAY AT 1PM AT THE REVIVAL CENTER CHURCH OF COVE….IN LIEU OF  FLOWERS, DONATIONS MAY BE MADE TO THE ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH IN MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

_
Elba Danual Head, age 82, of Mena, passed away Monday, January 2, 2012 at his home.

He was born August 30, 1929 in the Old Dallas Community to the late Elmer Danual Head and the late Ethel Annis Cole Head.

Elba was a logger, a long distance truck driver, a dozer operator and a cattle rancher. He loved square dancing, country and western music and rodeo. He loved riding horses and going to play days with the grandkids. He taught many kids how to ride and would take them to the playdays and rodeos, and if they didn't have a horse to ride, he provided them one or gave them his.

He would take Yvonne and the boys on short distance trips, with only bologna sandwiches, bananas and milk to eat, but was family time spent together. He even made Danny and Dennis help wash his truck before he took it on the road again. One time he blew up the pond with dynamite, killing the fish so his cows could get a drink. He had a gorilla outfit that he loved to scare people with and he taught Hannah to eat peanuts out of his pocket like a little monkey. He loved family and friends, and enjoyed playing cards and dominoes. He was a sergeant in the Army, and served in Korea. He taught the boys how to break down tires, work on cars and how to drive. He bought Danny his first '55 Chevy, and Dennis his first '57 Chevy. Their first horse, Moonlight. He took them camping, hunting, fishing, and froggin. He was a Head boy, so you can only imagine the mischief he got into. On his wedding night he pushed his new bride, Yvonne Drager, in a wheel barrow down main street, in the middle of winter as part of a Shivery. We love you Daddy. We love you Pawpaw. You have touched our lives forever.

Funeral services will be Friday, January 6, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at the Beasley-Wood Chapel with Brother Donnie Jewell and Brother Gene Stacks officiating. Interment follows in Concord Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Visitation for family and friends will be Thursday evening, January 5th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. At the funeral home.

_
Louis Ivan “Shorty” Walker, 90, of Opal Arkansas passed away Saturday, December 31, 2011 at his home.

He was born September 16, 1921 in Opal, Arkansas to the late John McGill “Mac” Walker and the late Joann Lackey Walker. Shorty was the owner of Walker Oil in Mena for nearly 30 years and was a Distributor for Lion Oil for much of that time. He was a Veteran of World War II as a proud member of the United States Air Force. He served his country in the Islands of Guam and Siapan.

Shorty was an avid outdoors man, he loved to hunt, fish and spend time in his garden. He was a member of the Dallas Avenue Baptist Church and was a member of the Elks Lodge for many years and served as Exalted Ruler.

He is survived by:

Wife of 27 years: Melanie Walker

Daughters: Pamela A Ratliff and husband Charles of Union, Oregon Deborah E. Bullard of Kansas City, Missouri

Grandchildren: Robert S. Ratliff of Seattle ,Washington Dori Fraser and husband Ed of Union, Oregon Shannon W. Ratliff of Sparks, Nevada Deana Tenny and husband Fred of Bentonville, Arkansas Karen Garcia of Kansas City, Missouri Austin Bullard and wife Angie of Kansas City, Missouri

Great-Grandchildren: Brandy Lejuan, Athena Negron, Amy Simmons Penny, Douglas, Casey and Haley Ratliff Summer Tenny, Brooklynn Bullard, and Katelynn Bullard Elisabeth, Alexandra, and Daniel Garcia

Great-great grandchildren: Morgan, Matthew and Nicole Lejuan Sean Marcus Negron

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John McGill “Mac” Walker and Joann Lackey Walker, brothers, Richard Orval Walker, John Elvis Walker, and sister Edna Blanche Williams, as well as first wife, Amadean Standridge Walker.

Graveside services will be Thursday, January 5, 2012,, 2:00 p.m. at Lower Big Fork cemetery in Opal, Arkansas with Brother Lamar Austin officiating . Family and friends visitation will be Wednesday, January 04,2012 from 6:00-8:00 . Services are under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

_  JAMES ROBERT –(BOOBIE)-- WATTS  AGE 56 OF BLACKFORK ARKANSAS PASSED AWAY ON  FRIDAY –HE IS SURVIVED BY HIS MOTHER  HATTIE WATTS OF PARKS---HIS TWO BROTHERS –LEO AND THEO WATTS BOTH OF BLACKFORK ARKANSAS –HIS SISTER EDNA ANGEL OF BOONEVILLE---VISITATION WILL BE  TODAY  FROM 5PM TO 8PM AT THE FUNERAL HOME---GRAVESIDE SERVICES WILL BE TUESDAY AT 2PM  AT THE PINEY CEMETERY NEAR BLACKFORT WITH INTERMENT TO FOLLOW UNDER THE DIRECTION OF  MARTIN FUNERAL HOME  OF WALDRON