Mountaineer Echo Newspaper Week of February 19, 2004 issue: Johnie Fredrick WILBANKS departed this life on February 5, 2004. He was born October 30, 1932 at Pontiac, Missouri. Johnie was the son of William "Willie" WILBANKS and Eva May MCNEIL WILBANKS. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Nell FROUD WILBANKS of the home; daughter, Karen DORSEY of Huntsville, AR; son, Mike WILBANKS of Fayetteville, AR; two grandsons, Colton WILBANKS and Cole DORSEY; one daughter-in-law, Lora Bona WILBANKS; two brothers, Eldon WILBANKS and wife Patsy of Owasso, OK and Max WILBANKS and wife Margie of Flippin, AR; two sisters, Pat PARNELL and husband Hubert of Flippin, AR and Blanche DICKEY of Springfield, MO; one sister-in-law, Neville WILBANKS of Naches, Washington; several nieces and nephews, numerous loved ones, and a host of wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his father; mother; and a brother, Travis WILBANKS; his father-in-law, Rev. Darrell FROUD; mother-in-law, Hilma FROUD; and brother-in-law, Lee FROUD. Johnie was a member of White Rock Light of Faith Church. He graduated from Flippin High School. He served in the U. S. Navy and after completing his tour of duty attended the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville then worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, retiring after 38 years and 4 months of service. He also worked as a greeter at the Bentonville Wal-Mart Super Center for 2 years. Services were at 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 9, 2004 at the Light of Faith Church on Highway 16 west in Fayetteville, AR. Rev. Billy Martin, Rev. W.C. Blanton, and Rev. Doug Parnell officiating. Burial was in Farmington Cemetery under the direction of Moore's Chapel in Fayetteville, AR. The family greeted friends from 4:00- 6:00 p.m. Sunday at Moore's Chapel. Memorials may be made to Washington Regional Hospice. 34 W. Colt Square, Suite 1, Fayetteville, AR 72703.
Mountaineer Echo Newspaper Week of February 12, 2004 issue: Funeral services for Frances E. THORNTON of Houston, Texas formerly of Flippin, Arkansas were held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 7, 2004 at Kirby-Boaz Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Nicholas Lascaro officiating. Mrs. THORNTON died Tuesday, February 3, 2004 at Memorial Herman SE Hospital in Houston, Texas. She was 77 years of age. Visitation was from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2004 at Kirby-Boaz Funeral Home. Frances E. THORNTON was born June 11, 1926 at Radford, Illinois to Franklin and Mary PRUITT BOLIARD. She married Robert F. THORNTON on July 5, 1946 at Joliet, Illinois. Mrs. THORNTON was a retired Office Manager for Processed Plastics and moved to Flippin from Aurora, Ill, in 1978. She is currently a member of Cokesbury United Methodist Church of Houston, Texas. She was a former member of the Bull Shoals United Methodist Church, V.F.W. Auxiliary #1341, and member since 1992 of the Arts & Craft Association of Mountain Home. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia L. BECKER (Tom) of Houston, Tex; two sons, Robert L THORNTON (Linda) of Aurora, ill, and William F. THORNTON of Flippin, Ark.; one sister, Catherine MAXEY; nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and several brothers and sisters. Burial will be in Kirby's Tucker Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Marion County Senior Center or Bull Shoals United Methodist Church. Arrangements are by Kirby-Boaz Funeral Home. Visit online obituary and guest book at kirby.boaz.com.
Mountaineer Echo Newspaper Week of February 12, 2004 issue: William Riley "Bill" HAMPTON 70 of Rogersville, Missouri passed away Sunday morning February 8, 2004 at his home after a brief and brave battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Bill was born on July 24, 1933 in Vinita OK to John and Theodosia HAIGHT HAMPTON. Bill was employed at Freightliner for the past 7 years where he enjoyed the people he worked with and his job as parts deliveryman. Bill had also worked for various airlines, Boeing, Continental, TWA, Lockheed and Piedmont. He had worked on the Titan and Martin Missile programs and has the unique distinction of having his name on a plaque in the Aeronautic and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institute for his achievements in the Aviation industry. Hill is survived by his best friend and loving wife Linda HAMPTON of the home; two sons, Larry HAMPTON of Sierra Vista, Az. and Mathew HAMPTON of Seattle, Wa.; two daughters, Maureen RAIADA and husband Mitch of Lewisville NC and Valerie HAMPTON of Tampa, Ks.; brother, Sidney HAMPTON and wife Irene of Independence Mo. and one sister Louise SOUTH of Ft. Marvin, Co; sister in law, Maxine HAMPTON whose chicken and dumplings kept a smile on Bill's face; four grandchildren, Heather, Neil, Melissa and Emma; two great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and friends. Bill was preceded in death by five brothers Willard, Lloyd, Jack, Paul and Raymond HAMPTON and one sister Joan HAMPTON. The family would like to express their deepest appreciation and gratitude to Jodi, Deborah, Harold and Glen of Christian Hospice Health Care and Rev. John Hyde pastor of New Hope Baptist Church. Their kindness, loving care and friendship have given us comfort and strength. Your countless hours away from your own families to support ours. We thank you and love you. Services were at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday February 11, 2004 at the Preston-Marsh Funeral Home Rogersville. Burial was at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday at the Peel Cemetery in Peel, Arkansas. Memorials way be made to the Christian Health Care Hospice in Springfield.
Mountaineer Echo Newspaper Week of February 12, 2004 issue: Hortense MILUM of Pyatt, Arkansas died Monday, February 9, 2004 at her residence in Pyatt. She was 84 years old. Mrs. MILUM was born November 25, 1919 at Pyatt, Arkansas to Blaine and Maggie CUNNINGHAM GODFREY. On December 15, 1940, she married Newt MILUM. On December 15, 1990, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Mrs. MILUM was a longtime member of the Pyatt Baptist Church. She was a lifetime resident of Pyatt and graduated from Pyatt High School in 1939. She was a housewife. She was employed by the Pyatt School in the cafeteria where she was a supervisor for 16 years. She worked at Young's General Store in Pyatt for several years. She enjoyed her church, quilting, gardening, antiquing with her friends, cooking and most importantly - the enjoyment of being with others. Survivors include her sons and daughters in law, Jim and Charlotte MILUM and Larry and Judy MILUM; daughter and son in law, Kathryn and Truman JEFFERSON; four grandchildren, Charmagne MILUM LEGER, Brad JEFFERSON, Beth MILUM HUDSON and John MILUM; and two great-grandchildren, Taylor LEGER and Madison LEGER. Visitation was held Wednesday, February 11, 2004 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Christeson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Thursday, February 12, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. at the Pyatt Baptist Church with Reverend Eldon Hellums officiating. Burial will follow in Patton Cemetery with Walter MCNEW, James GODFREY, James ERHART, Sam YOUNG, Gale DOSHIER and Dr. Hal KEETER serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will include the members of her Pyatt Baptist Church Sunday School Class and her traveling buddies. Memorials may be made in Hortense Milum's name at the Pyatt Baptist Church. Arrangements were under the direction of Christeson Funeral Home in Harrison, Arkansas (870) 741-3113. Online condolences may be left at www.christesonfuneralhome.com.
Mountaineer Echo Newspaper Week of February 12, 2004 issue: Juanita Ann TURNER, age 61, died Monday at her residence in Midway, Arkansas. She was born on May 26, 1942 in Havanna, AR, the daughter of Clifford and Happy MILLER SHERRELL. Mrs. TURNER was a Baptist and was an apartment complex manager. Survivors include her husband of 42 years, Sammy G. TURNER of Midway, AR; one daughter, Annita CAUTHREN and two sons, Clifford and Jeffery TURNER all of Midway; one sister, Ruth MILLER of Marble Falls, Texas; two brothers, Waymon SHERRELL of Belleville, AR and Bobby SHERRELL of Mesquite, Texas; and two grandsons, Lucas and Weston CAUTHREN, both of Midway, AR. Funeral services are at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 12, 2004 at the Assembly of God Church in Midway with Reverend Hastings officiating. Interment will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery at Midway. Visitation was held on Wednesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at Murry Funeral Home in Paris, Arkansas. Active pallbearers are Jimmy CASE, Larry TURNER, Randy JONES, Jackie TURNER, Kim NEWMAN and Larry MILLER. Honorary pallbearers are her nieces and nephews. Murry Funeral Home in Paris, AR is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Mountaineer Echo Newspaper Week of February 19, 2004 issue: Ruby May REA, age 82 of Derby, Kansas, beloved mother and grandmother died Monday, February 9, 2004. Services were held Friday, February 13, 2004 at Burns Funeral Home in Yellville, Arkansas. Mrs. REA was born Ruby May HIGLEY of September 18, 1921 to William Henry HIGLEY and Rhoda Jane MCGARITY-HIGLEY in Summit, Arkansas. She was the second of five children; three girls and two boys, Norm, Ruby, Tom, Willie Jo and Floss. Ruby grew up in the Summit area. She married Landis M. RAE on October 16, 1949. She and Landis were living in Yellville on October 1, 1950 when she gave birth her first child, son Jim in Harrison, AR. Landis joined a bridge gang and they moved to Cammeron, MO. Ruby returned to Mountain Home, AR to give birth to her second child, Maudie, who was born October 12, 1952. Ruby and Landis moved to Wichita, KS where Landis worked for Boeing when Ruby again returned to Mountain Home to give birth to her third child, Donna, who was born August 9, 1958. Mrs. REA was a devoted mother. Her children and grandchildren meant everything to her. She loved to spend time with all of them and was always there from them when they needed her. It was important for her to keep in close contact with all of her immediate family. When her health began to fail, the telephone became more and more important to her as her connection to her family. As evidenced by her efforts to give birth to all of her children in Arkansas, Ruby remained loyal to her Arkansas family heritage. It was her wish to be buried in Arkansas near her parents and brothers and sisters. Survivors include her son, Jim REA of Goddard, KS; daughters, Maudie RICHARDSON of Great Bend, KS and Donna TULLIS of Derby, KS; five grandchildren, Matt PEOPLES, Alexess REA, Marshal PEOPLES, McKenzie PEOPLES and Jed REA; six great-grandchildren, Samantha, Logan, Jess, Katie, Emily and Kannyon; three nephews, Dude OWEN, J.R. OWEN and Norman HIGLEY; and niece, Nancy PURDOM. Her parents, brothers and sisters, and nephew, Lucian ALLEN, preceded her in death. Visitation was held Friday, February 13, 2004 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home in Yellville. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2004 at Burns Funeral Home Chapel with Reverent Kent Goodall officiating. Interment was in Layton Cemetery at Yellville, AR with Matt PEOPLES, Marshal PEOPLES, Jed REA, Dan ALLEN, Will ALLEN, and Robbie OWEN serving as pallbearers. Arrangements were under the direction of Burns Funeral Home in Yellville, Arkansas (870) 449-6621.
Mountaineer Echo Newspaper Week of February 19, 2004 issue: Guila L. DAVENPORT of Yellville, Arkansas died Saturday, February 14, 2004 at Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, AR. She was 81 years old. Mrs. DAVENPORT was born July 22, 1922 at Marion County, Arkansas to Clifton and Inez HORNER PYLE. On August 9, 1941, she married Odale DAVENPORT. She was a housewife and member of the Caney Church of Christ. Survivors include her husband, Odale DAVENPORT; sons, Darrel DAVENPORT of Yellville, AR, Mike DAVENPORT of Yellville, AR and Rick DAVENPORT of Pascoe, WA; sister, Mrs. Ruba Faye WOOD of Flippin, AR; 10 grandchildren, Terri HOPPER and husband David, Tim DAVENPORT and wife Sonja, Tony DAVENPORT and wife Sandy, Tom DAVENPORT and wife Kelley, Michael Ray DAVENPORT and wife Pam, Justin DAVENPORT and wife Brandy, Robin FIKE and husband Jason, Jedediah DAVENPORT and wife Jennifer, Richard Michael DAVENPORT and Amanda DAVENPORT; and 13 great-grandchildren, Cheri KELLEY, Christa KELLEY, Tyler HOPPER, Karlie DAVENPORT, Steffan DAVENPORT, Ray Wayne DAVENPORT, Lindsey DAVENPORT, Kelsie DAVENPORT, Trenton DAVENPORT, Emma DAVENPORT, Ethan DAVENPORT, Alex DUFFY and Madison DAVENPORT. Her parents and one brother, G.C. PYLE, preceded her in death. Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 17, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. at the Caney Church of Christ with Minister Jeff Crawford officiating. Burial followed in the Caney Cemetery in Yellville, AR with Tim DAVENPORT, Tony DAVENPORT, Tom DAVENPORT, Michael Ray DAVENPORT, Justin DAVENPORT and Jedediah DAVENPORT serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Richard Michael DAVENPORT, Larry DODD, David HOPPER and Jason FIKE. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Caney Cemetery Fund. Arrangements were under the direction of Burns Funeral Home in Yellville, Arkansas (870) 449-6621.
Mountaineer Echo Newspaper Week of February 26, 2004 issue: Frances K. HOLLAND of Yellville, Arkansas died Tuesday, February 17, 2004 at Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, Arkansas. She was 67 years old. Mrs. HOLLAND was born July 27, 1936 at Marianna, Arkansas to Louis and Vergie SMART KERR. She married Edgar K. HOLLAND, Sr. She lived in Marion County since 1974 moving here from Helena, Arkansas. She was the former Summit City Clerk for three years and a member of the Church on the Rock in Yellville. Survivors include her daughter, Diana ESTES of Summit, AR; brothers, Danny M. KERR of Clinton, LA and Stanley KERR of West Helena, AR; sisters Virginia DESPAIN and Pat LUNDALH both of Mountain Home, AR; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Her parents, Louis and Vergie KERR; husband, Edgar K. HOLLAND, Sr.; and two sons, Edgar K. and Carl, preceded her in death. Graveside services were held Friday, February 20, 2004 at 3:00 p.m. at the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Yellville, Arkansas with Brother Kevin Duffy officiating. No visitation was scheduled. Arrangements were under the direction of Burns Funeral Home in Yellville, Arkansas (870) 449-6621.
Mountaineer Echo Newspaper Week of March 4, 2004 issue: Joshua "Josh" John GAMERDINGER of Flippin, Arkansas died Tuesday, February 24, 2004 at his residence. He was 27 years old. He was born June 20, 1976 at Independence, Iowa to Ted GAMERDINGER and Veronica REINARD MORGAN. Mr. GAMERDINGER was employed as an assembler in the Trailer Department of Ranger Boats Manufacturing Co. in Flippin, AR. He had been a resident of Marion County for the past two years moving here from Lehigh, Iowa. He enjoyed the outdoors and his hobbies included fishing, metal detecting and spelunking. Survivors include his father, Ted GAMERDINGER of Dunkerton, IA; mother, Veronica MORGAN of Fairview, AR; finance and her daughter, Loretta LABAR and daughter, Victoria LABAR of Flippin, AR; brother, Derek WESSNER of Fairview, AR; sisters, Chasity DIEDT of Des Moines, IA, Melissa GAMERDINGER and Tonya GAMERDINGER both of Dunkerton, IA; maternal grandparents, Carl and Marjorie HENDRIES of Fountain City, WI; paternal grandparents, James and Mary GAMERDINGER of Guttenburg, IA; and many aunts and uncles. Funeral services were held Saturday, February 28, 2004 at 6:00 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home in Yellville, AR. Graveside services were held Sunday, February 29, 2004 at Fairview Cemetery with Reverend William Rawling officiating. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery with Kevin COOPER, Roger FROIT, Bryan MAYFIELD, Andy DUE, Tommy DUE and Steve REINARD serving as pallbearers. Arrangements were under the direction of Burns Funeral Home in Yellville, Arkansas (870) 449-6621.
Mountaineer Echo Newspaper Week of March 4, 2004 issue: Our loving husband, father and grandfather, Don HARRIS, died Saturday February 28th at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, Washington. He is survived by his wife, Frankie Nanette (KEETER) HARRIS of Spokane, Washington, his son Gregory Don HARRIS of Grand Rapids, Michigan, his daughters Lisa Michele (HARRIS) HEBERT of Tom Bean, Texas, Annette Morgan (HARRIS) ROMESBURG of Spokane, Washington and his hanai daughter Michele Aulani GILLETT of Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is also survived by his brother, Jimmy G. HARRIS of Kirkland, Washington, five grandchildren: Michael Don ROMESBURG, Ray Scott ROMESBURG, Erin Michele HARRIS, Renee Morgan HARRIS and Misty HEBERT, and numerous nieces and nephews. His Harris ancestors were early pioneers in the Ozarks in Lawrence and Independence Counties in 1820. His great great-grandfather, James Adam HARRIS, and his great-grandfather, Henry Hill HARRIS Sr., were both judges in Izard County. His grandfather was James Adams HARRIS. His parents, Rudolph Brown HARRIS and Hazel Morgan HICKS were longtime residents of Marion County. Arkansas. Don graduated from Yellville-Summit High School in 1954 where he was an outstanding guard on the basketball team. After graduation he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for three years before entering college. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from the University of Arkansas and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Troy State University. He was a Certified Public Accountant and an auditor and fraud specialist for the United States government for more than thirty years around the country and overseas. He worked with the Jicarilla Apache Tribe in New Mexico and served on Al Gore's Committee to Reinvent Government. A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, March 5, 2004 at Burns Funeral Home in Yellville. Services will be held Saturday, March 6, at the Yellville United Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. in Yellville, Arkansas with Rev. Nicholas Lascaro officiating. Interment will take place in the Layton Cemetery in Yellville, Arkansas under the direction of Bums Funeral Home of Yellville, Arkansas.
Mountaineer Echo Newspaper Week of March 4, 2004 issue: Bernice Mary BAUER, 75 years young, was granted Eternal Life on Sunday, February 29, 2004 at her home in Peel with her family at her side. A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 6, 2004 at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Yellville. The interment of the ashes is planned for a later date. Mrs. BAUER, a resident of Peel for 33 years, was born February 9, 1929. She was one of five children of Croatian immigrants Joseph and Veronika TOMICH, and was a native of Colorado. She married Roger BAUER in 1949, and lived in the Washington, DC and the Chicago land areas prior to settling in the Ozarks. For many years she, and her husband owned and operated the Point 125 Resort and the "Peel Potpourri" gas station grocery store. She was active in the Peel Volunteer Fire Department Women's Auxiliary and with the C.C.W. of St. Andrew's. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Roger; her son, Timothy; and one brother, Max. She is survived by her son, Roger Jr. of Houston, TX; her two daughters, Tamara KING of Columbus, OH and Patricia HULL of Garland, TX; seven beloved grandchildren and four cherished great grandchildren; three sisters, Velma DEBRUYNE of Lafayette, CO, Christine CRNKOVICH of Peel, and Patty DAVIS of Poudre Canyon, CO; and numerous loving in-laws (outlaws), nieces and nephews rejoice in the many years she enriched their lives. In place of flowers or gifts, Bernice would prefer donations to be made in her memory to the Peel Volunteer Fire Department. Arrangements are under the direction of Coffman Funeral Home in Harrison, Arkansas (870) 743-2021.
Marion County, AR - 2003 Obituaries