Contributed Obituaries, "W" Surnames

MISCELLANEOUS SCOTT COUNTY OBITUARIES
SURNAME "W"

The following obituaries were contributed for the use of Scott County researchers. If you have an obituary with a Scott County connection and would like to have it posted here, please send it to Carolyn Hanna

Last Updated 5 June 2011

Contributed by William Highfill
Van Buren Press Argus-Courier
(online edition)
January 16, 2004
GLADDEN WADE

GREENWOOD � Gladden Clem Wade, 92, of Greenwood, formerly of Waldron, died Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2004, in a local nursing home. He was born March 21, 1911, in Muley, Okla., near Ardmore. He was retired from the Arkansas Highway Department, was a veteran of the Army�s 7th Mounted Calvary, was a Mason, attended the William J. Parks Masonic Lodge in Gravelly and was the widower Ocie Wade. Funeral will be 10 a.m. Friday at Mount Moriah Church with burial at Union Hill Cemetery near Waldron under the direction of Martin Funeral Home of Waldron. He is survived by a daughter, M. Miller of Sand Springs, Okla.; two sons, Jerry and Richard Wade, both of Hackett; three sisters, Wanda Wade and Juanita Holland, both of Waldron, and Syble Hummel of Fort Gibson, Ore.; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be grandsons and nephews. Visitation will be 3 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Contributed by William Highfill
Greenwood Democrat (online edition)
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
RICHARD A. WADE

Richard A Wade, age 63 passed away on Feb. 12, 2009, in Springfield, Mo. He is survived by his wife, Linda of Hackett, Ark.; two sons, Brent A. Wade of Strafford, Mo. and Daniel Jacob Wade of Hackett; one brother, Jerry Wade of Hackett; and a sister, Jane Miller of Sand Springs, Okla.; two granddaughters, Allison and Addison Wade of Stafford. Memorial services were held Feb. 15, 2009, at Mt. Moriah Church in Haletown, Ark. Memorial contributions may go to First Tee of Fort Smith, 5800 Geren Rd., Fort Smith, AR. 72916

Contributed by William Highfill
Booneville Democrat (online edition)
Thursday, 12 March 2009
OLIVER (A.L.) WAGONER

Oliver Al (A.L.) Wagoner, 88, of Booneville died Friday, March 7, 2009. He was born near Knoppers Ford in Scott County on Aug. 7, 1920 to E.W. (Walter) and Ruby Parker Waganer. He was a naval veteran of World War II and a retired civil service employee. He was a member of Woodland Heights Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Delores, one grandson, Oliver Alan Wagoner Jr., one granddaughter, Marie Underwood, his parents, one sister Delta Strickland, and one brother, Henry Waganer. Funeral service was at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 10, at Booneville Funeral Service in Booneville with burial in Oak Hill Memorial Cemetery in Booneville. He is survived by two sons, Alan Wagoner and his wife, Bobbie of Mayflower and Darryl Wagoner and his wife, Susan of Brookline, N.H.; three grandsons, Stephen, Joe and Matthew Wagoner; four brothers, Hoyt Waganer of Booneville, Kenneth Waganer of Fort Smith, Arnold Lee Waganer of Homer, La. and Bill Wagoner and his wife, Martha of Booneville; two sisters, Launia and her husband Charles Justice of Booneville and Charlene Scruggs of Fort Smith. Pallbearers were Loren Wagoner, Jerry Wagoner, Jackie Strickland, Larry Waganer, Geral Holloway and Dan Yandell.

Contributed by Allen Syler
The Daily Siftings Herald
2002
W.L. WAITE

Arkadelphia, W.L. Waite, 81, of Arkadelphia died March 12, 2002, at Baptist Health Medical Center -Little Rock. HE WAS BORN MAY 28, 1920 IN SCOTT COUNTY, son of the late JESSE ALONZO and MARY JANE DUNCAN WAITE. He owned and operated Arkadelphia Auto Sales for more than 50 years and operated Waite Furniture Store. He was a member of Pullen Hunting Club and Unity Baptist Church. He was among the founders of Ouachita Marine and Watson Furniture. He was the widower of Alta Lee Loy Waite. Survivors include one son, Billy Waite of Arkadelphia, two sisters, Eileen Watson of Arkadelphia and Lucille McMahan of Friendship and several nieces and nephews. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday in Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home with Rev. Alvin Clark officiating. Burial will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery (Hot Spring County). Nephews will be pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be T.V. Sharp, Billy Lee and members of Pullen Hunting Club. Visitation will be from 6-8 today at the funeral home. The family will be at 230 Unity Road.

Contributed by Shirley Denney
HANNAH WALKER

To the Good Hope Church
We your committee on obituary beg leave to submit the following report. Sister Hannah Walker was born March 24, 1824. She professed faith in Christ at the age of sixteen years, and united with Cedar Grove Baptist Church in 1870, and in May, 1883 she was united by letter from Cedar Grove Church. She retained her membership here until death called her from us on the 26 day of February, 1901. Sister Walker was a devoted Christian, a faithful worker for the Master, and was ever ready to discharge her Christian duty so fully that we believe she has been instrumental in winning many souls to Christ: But her labors have ended and she is called to her reward, where her work will follow on. As she was spared beyond her three score and ten years to labor with us, let us now bow in humble submission to the will of Him who all things well, and let us rejoice in the sure hope of the resurrection of the dead and a re-union in that Celestial City of which God is the maker and builder. To the family and relatives of Sister Walker let us offer our sympathy together with our prayers that they all may meet to be separated never more; but may they be permitted to live with the Lord forever. Resolved, that a copy of this memorial be spread upon our church book, a copy furnished the family of the deceased, and a copy be sent to the Waldron Reporter for publication.

Contributed by William Highfill
Poteau Daily News (online edition)
Wednesday February 16, 2005
MARIE W. WALKER

Marie W. Walker, 83, of Panama, passed away Saturday, Feb. 12, 2005, in Panama. She was born April 9, 1921, in Cauthron, Ark. to John and Mattie (Rogers) Baker. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lonnie Walker; a son, Wayne Dale Morris; and two grandsons, Gene Stevens and Darrell (Brooks) Garlach. Survivors include four daughters, Loulla Stevens of Dolores, Colo., Virginia Strunks of Huntington, Ark., Jonnie Garlach of Cheyenne, Wyo. and Rebecca Walters of Aurora, Colo.; seven grandsons, Clarence Stevens, Jimmy Kumpf, Jason Smith, Jerry Strunks, Ralph Walters, Clay Morris and Curtis Morris; four granddaughters, LaQuita Williams, Roxanne Stevens, Anna Young and Brenda Walters. A family service is planned later. Cremation services are under the direction of Grace Manor Funeral Home of Poteau.

Contributed by Debbie Johnson
The Heavener Ledger, page 3
12 September 1968
NOMA WALKER

Funeral service for Mrs. Noma Walker, 76, was Tuesday at the First Baptist Church. Burial was at Spring Hill Cemetery by Dowden Funeral Home. Born October 14, 1891 in Scott County, Ark., Mrs. Walker had lived here for the past 45 years where she was a member of the Baptist Church. Survivors include one son, Edward, Tulsa; six brothers, Tom Oliver, Howe, Jim Oliver and Bertie Oliver, both of Heavener, Claude Oliver, Poteau, Clifton Oliver, California, and Ben Oliver, Poteau; two sisters, Mrs. Bertha Smith, Vallejo, Calif., and Mrs. Eula Lee, San Diego, Calif., and one grandchild. Pallbearers were W.I. Hornbuckle, Jack and Clyde Meisenheimer, Marvin Stuart, Kenneth Hinchee, and Coy Robertson.

Contributed by William Highfill
The Oklahoman
Wednesday, 02 May 2007 p. 15A
VONDA WALKER

Vonda Walker, 76, passed away on April 30, 2007. She was born on March 31, 1931 to George W. and Ruth Elliot Stevenson, in Waldron, AR, and received her education at Capitol Hill. Vonda then married the love of her life, Albert F. Walker, in Oklahoma City, on July 3, 1947, whom she lost in 2002. She is survived by her daughter, Jackie Seal; son, David Walker and wife, Chery; her sister, Jo Overcast; grandaughter, Carissa Barker and her husband, Doug, of San Angelo, Texas; and great-grandson, Chaz. Vonda is preceded in death by her husband, Albert; her sister, Betty Chapman; brother-in-law, Troy Overcast, and both of her parents. Vonda loved being at home so much she never learned to drive a car. She enjoyed working on various craft projects, puzzles, books, and computer games to pass the time. She was happiest when there were children in her home. Her passing will leave a void in every heart she touched. Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 3, 2007 at Resthaven Cemetery.

Contributed by William Highfill
Press Argus-Courier (online edition)
07 February 2004
MYRTLE JANETTE WALLACE

HARVEY � Myrtle Wallace, 102, of Harvey died Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2004, in a local hospital. She was born Dec. 15, 1901, in Thornburg. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. today at Salem Cemetery in Plainview under the direction of Cornwell Funeral Home of Danville. She is survived by five daughters, Lucille Brown of Plainview, Betty Botteicher of Fort Smith, Bonnie Smith of Mena, Nina Kazy of Russellville and Linda Goff of Nola; a son, Bud Wallace of Rover; 28 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren.

Contributed by William Highfill
Russellville Courier (online edition)
16 May 2006
ROBERT WARD

DANVILLE -- Robert Ward, 71, of Danville died Friday, May 12, 2006, at Dardanelle Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born Dec. 17, 1934, in Waltreak, Ark., he was the son of the late Earl and Mary Cordelia Noblett Ward. He was a retired Danville Public Schools bus driver, a TV repairman, and a member of the Landmark Missionary Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by a son, Leslie Ward; and three brothers. Survivors include his wife, Jimmie Ward; a daughter, Lora Couch; brother, Carlos Ward; two grandsons, Jarrod Couch and Shawn Couch, all of Danville; one nephew; one niece; several uncles, aunts and cousins. Funeral will be 2 p.m. Monday at the Landmark Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Kenny Vosburg officiating. Burial will be at Macedonia Cemetery by Cornwell Funeral Home, Danville. Pallbearers will be Deanie Woodard, Larry White, T.A. McConnell, Joe Cathey, Harlon Patton and Charles Rose. Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. today.

Contributed by William Highfill
Booneville Democrat (online edition)
Thursday, 26 April 2007
LINDA WATSON

Linda Watson, 55, of Atkins, passed away Monday, April 16, 2007 in Russellville. She was born Dec. 9, 1951. She was a member of the PBA of Atkins and a member of the Adoration Church on Crow Mountain. She is preceded in death by her father, James D. Jones; and her grandparents, Ora and Estelle Jones and Charles and Julia Finchum. A funeral was held at 1 p.m., Thursday, April 19, at Humphrey Chapel with burial at Bowden Cemetery at Pottsville, under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service in Russellville. She is survived by her husband, Walter Watson of Atkins; mother, Marjorie Moore of Fort Smith; J.D. Jones, Jr. of Russellville; half-brother, Tommy Jones of Atlanta, Ga.; and a half-sister, Connie Crotts of Waldron.

Contributed by Pauline Davis
FAYE L. WATTS
July 10, 1925 - May 17, 2011

Funeral services for Faye L. Watts, 85, of Wagoner were held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 20, 2011 at the Mallett Funeral Home Chapel in Wagoner with the Reverend Mark Pointer officiating. Faye was born July 10, 1925 in Black Fork, Arkansas where she would grow up and graduate high school. On May 9, 1942 Faye was united in marriage to Cecil W. Watts. After Cecil served his country during World War II, they made their home in California for over 40 years. In 1984, they bought a home in the Toppers Lake Area and moved to Wagoner. Faye was a homemaker and enjoyed providing and caring for her family. She passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at the Colonial Terrace Nursing Center in Pryor, OK. Faye was preceded in death by her parents and by her half-sister, Joyce Janway. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Cecil W. Watts of the home; a son, Ralph Watts and his wife, Virginia of Canutillo, Texas; a brother, Leo Janway also of Texas; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. Funeral arrangements and interment in Pioneer Cemetery in Wagoner were directed by Mallett Funeral Home of Wagoner. Funeral Friday May 20, 2011, 10 a.m. at Mallett Funeral Home Chapel.

Contributed by Pauline Davis
TRUEL DWIGHT WATTS

COMMENTS: Truel's parents, Harmon and Inez Watts were from Scott County.

Truel Dwight Watts, age 61, a resident of Millbrook, AL passed away Sunday, June 19, 2005 at his residence. A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 23, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. from Brookside Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. James Maner officiating. Survivors include his wife, Sylvia Watts; two daughters and sons-in-law, Melissa and Wayne Kern, Erica and Rob Thorne; four grandchildren, Brandon Kern, Mikayla Kern, Abbigail Thorne and Hanna Thorne; one sister, Audrey Kuhn; two brothers, Loyal Watts and Duane Watts; numerous nieces, nephews, and many, many friends. Mr. Watts was an active member of the Millbrook/Coosada Kiwanis Club and the Chapter Q Gold Wing Road Riders Association. He was employed with the City of Millbrook for 17 years starting as Building Inspector and his current position of Director of Planning and Engineering. The family has requested in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Jean Dean Reading is Fundamental Program, P.O. Box 848, Opelika, AL 36803-0848.

Contributed by William Highfill
Ft. Smith Times Record
(online edition)
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
DELBERT WEBB

MENA � Delbert �Budd� Eugene Webb, 72, of Mena died Monday, March 14, 2005. He was born July 21, 1932, in Bokhoma, Okla. He was a retired Air Force veteran serving in Korea in communications, owned and operated B & L Satellite in Mena, and was a member of the Masons, Eastern Star and the White Oak Hunting Club. The body will be cremated under the direction of Hall Funeral Service of Mena. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; three daughters, Peggy Webb of Alaska, Kathy Sathie of Bowles, and Tracy Nelson of Waldron; four sons, Jim Webb of Mena, Mike Webb of Texas, Dan Webb of Virginia, and Ron Nelson of Alaska; 14 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Contributed by William Highfill
Greenwood Democrat (online edition)
Tuesday, 28 April 2009
TED WEBB

Ted Webb, 71, of Witcherville died Saturday, April 25, 2009, in Fort Smith. He was retired from Arkansas Warehouse, a Navy veteran and Baptist. Funeral services were April 28, 2009, at McConnell Funeral Home Chapel in Greenwood with burial at Coop Prairie Cemetery in Mansfield. He is survived by his wife, Betty; a son, Ron Webb of Hartford; a sister, Judy Bailey of Tennessee; and two grandchildren. Pallbearers were Greg and Kevin Witcher, Tommy Gregory, Allen Layne, Josh Miranda and Jackie Cumbie.

Contributed by Karen Davis
Written by Union Democrat staff October 28, 2010
DELOYD ORTON WEEMS
Oct. 5, 1925 � Oct. 23, 2010

Soulsbyville resident Deloyd Orton Weems died Oct. 23 at his home. He was 85. He was born in Bates, Ark., to Edd and Ethel Weems. Because of the Great Depression, his family moved to Apache, Okla., before moving west and settling in California. He graduated from Dos Palos High School in 1943. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps for four years. After the service he was hired by the Federal Aviation Administration as an air traffic controller, a job he worked until his retirement. He married Marlette Hicks in 1952. They moved to Fremont for his job and lived there for 38 years, raising seven children. They moved to Arnold in 1990 and Soulsbyville in 2003. He was a founding member of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, where he served as elder, Sunday school teacher, treasurer, usher, building chairman and financial secretary. He was also a member of the Prince of Peace Golf Club, Sequoia Woods Golf Club and St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Sonora. When he was younger, he enjoyed taking his children on vacation and outings and participating in their many sports and activities. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing, cribbage, card games, crosswords, word jumble, telling jokes, walking, chopping wood, doing yard work and being outdoors. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marlette Weems, of Soulsbyville; children and their spouses, Linda and Franklin Sgaraglino, of Simi Valley, Dan and Liz Weems, of Palmdale, Ed and Lynette Weems, of Fremont, Carole and Ron Gatti, of Tustin, Janet and Kevin Corcoran, of Fremont, Judy Gordon, of Dublin, and Stephen and Laurie Weems, of Littleton, Colo.; brother, Boyd Weems, of Reseda; 18 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edd and Ethel Weems; sisters, Lohoma Cox, Modine Weinel and Marena Weems; and grandson, Timmy Corcoran. A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 13880 Joshua Way, Sonora. Donations can be made to the St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 13880 Joshua Way, Sonora, CA 95370. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Contributed by Pauline Davis
TILDA RETHA WEISEL

Tilda Retha Weisel, 81, of Chillicothe (Ohio), died 4:56 a.m. Monday, August 30, 2010 in Heartland of Chillicothe following an extended illness. She was born January 10, 1929 in Mena, AR to the late Lee and Mary Jennings Davis. On January 17, 1999 she married George Weisel who died June 18, 2010. Surviving are a granddaughter whom she raised, Terra Romero of Tracy, CA; great grandchildren, Aaron Romero of Ft. Benning, GA, Tyler Romero and Melissa Romero, both of Tracy, CA; a brother, Pat (Mae) Davis of Security, CO; a sister, Mary Jo Cunio of California; a 1/2 sister, Mary Marten of Mena, AR; and a special friend. Rosemarie Broadhead of Chillicothe. Tilda was a member of the Open Door Church. She moved to Chillicothe in 1988 from San Jose, California. A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, September 2, 2010 in Bainbridge Cemetery with Elder Chuck King officiating. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ware Funeral Home.

Contributed by William Highfill
Ft. Smith Times Record
(online edition)
Saturday, July 16, 2005
LUCY P. WENTZ

Lucy P. Wentz, 85, of Waldron died Tuesday July 12, 2005, in Waldron. She was formerly of Van Buren, a member of the City Heights Methodist Church and was the widow of Merrit R. Wentz. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, July 16, 2005, at Ocker Memorial Chapel with burial at Forest Park Cemetery in Fort Smith under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home of Van Buren. She is survived by three sons, George Davidson and his wife, Diane, of Mobile, Ala., Bill Davidson and his wife, Joyce, of Dover and John Paul Davidson and his wife, Mary Lou, of Waldron; a stepson, Dr. Robert Wentz and his wife, Judy, of Union, S.C.; two stepdaughters, Dr. Gerry McGowen and her husband, Dr. John McGowen, of Tacoma, Wash., and Jo Wilson and her husband, Steve, of Norfork; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Pallbearers: Mark Davidson, Henry McGowan, Christopher Davidson, Benjamin Davidson, John Hope and Paul Scott.

Contributed by William Highfill
Ft. Smith Times-Record, Monday, 09 June 2008
RICHARD D. WHEDBEE

Richard D. Whedbee, 85, of Vacaville, Calif., died Monday, June 2, 2008, at Greenwood. R.D., as he was known by his family and many friends, was born March 3, 1923, in Witcherville. He was a graduate of Mansfield High School and served two tours of duty with the United States Marines during World War II. He married his childhood sweetheart, Melba Laverne Clopton, who preceded him in death after more than 60 years of marriage. R.D. is survived by his four children, Dan Whedbee, 63, Mike Whedbee, 61, Diane Whedbee, 59, and Rick Whedbee, 55, as well as four grandchildren, Tammy, Rick, Miles and Tyler; and four great- grandchildren, Keegan, Braden, Jacob and Loren. He also leaves behind five siblings, Larry Whedbee, Gordon Whedbee, Mary Lee Wilson, Judy Griffin and Joel Whedbee, their spouses, nieces and nephews. R.D. was a retired carpenter who loved to travel, gardening and his family. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. today at Fellowship Baptist Church in Witcherville. Submitted by McConnell Funeral Homes.

Contributed by William Highfill
The Heavener Ledger
Thursday, April 17, 2003
LEO WHITE

Leo "Pete" White, 75, of Talequah, died Monday, April 14, 2003 in Tulsa. He was a former resident of the area, a member of the Church of Christ, a veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict. Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 17 at Summerfield Church of Christ with burial in Reichert Cemetery, under the direction of Dowden Funeral Home of Heavener. He is survived by his wife, Mazil; two daughters, Vickie Miller and husband John of Talequah and Debra Monholland and husband Mike of Park Hill; one son, Anthony Senters and wife Rosanna of Talequah; three sisters, Dorothy Fry, Reichert, Lois Burton, Wister and Dora Thompson of Waldron, Ark; one brother, R.O. White of Reichert; seven grandchildren, Marianne Miller, Brandy Foreman, Jenny Senters, Meghan Monholland, Bobby Miller, Ethan Monholland and Kyle Monholland. He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Angela Kay.

Contributed by Debbie Johnson
The Heavener Ledger, page 6
29 May 1969
HENRY CLAY WIGGINTON

Funeral service was conducted Saturday for Henry Clay Wigginton, 70, who died May 20 at his home, 744 Woodlawn, Chula Vista, Calif. Interment was at National City. Born in Arkansas May 23, 1898, Mr. Wigginton lived most of his life around Hodgens and Conser. He moved his family to California in 1941 where he was a ranch foreman. Survivors include his wife Dora and one son, Ellis, Chula Vista; two daughters; five brothers, Charlie of Poplar, Calif., Oran of Windsor, Calif., Frank of Bonita, Calif., Denver of Imperial Beach and Sam Heavener; two sisters, Mrs. Lula Shearer of Heavener and Mrs. Clyde Haynes of Conser.

Contributed by William Highfill
Fort Smith Times Record, online edition
Tuesday, August 3, 2004
LINDA WILCOX

MENA � Linda Sue Wilcox, 56, of Mena died Sunday, Aug. 1, 2004, in her home. She was born Jan. 3, 1948, in Board Camp. She was a licensed practical nurse and of the Baptist faith. Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Board Camp Cemetery under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena. She is survived by her husband, Gilbert; seven daughters, Lisa Finch of Mountain Home, Idaho, Tammie Jewell of Cove, Mary Spradley of Paul, Idaho, Verna Wilcox, Stacy Hale and Hope Wilcox, both of Mena, and Tammi Wilcox of Frisco, Texas; a son, Bob Wilcox of Mena; her father, Harvey May of Waldron; a sister, Betty Deer of Booneville; two brothers, Larry and Dale May, both of Mena; and 26 grandchildren.

Contributed by William Highfill
Fort Smith Times Record, online edition
Monday, 5 July 2004
ELIZABETH MELISSA WILKINS

Elizabeth Melissa Wilkins, 46, of Booneville died Saturday, July 3, 2004, in an area hospital. She was born Jan. 16, 1958, in St. Louis. She was of the Pentecostal faith. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Pentecostal Church of God in Sugar Grove with burial at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Sugar Grove under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home of Booneville. She was preceded in death by stepfather Wayne Strickland and brother Ray Sparks. She is survived by her husband, Homer Wilkins of Booneville; three sons, Homer Lynn Wilkins II of Huntington and Bradley and Michael Wilkins, both of the home; her father, Milton and wife Mary Sparks of Waldron; her mother, Juanita Strickland; three sisters, Robin Taylor and Nancy Smith, both of Booneville, and Felicia James of Waldron; three brothers, Raymond Sparks of Booneville, Daymond Sparks of Havana and Dale Sparks of Waldron; two grandchildren, Christopher and Rebecca Wilkins, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Pallbearers will be Raymond, Daymond and Dale Sparks, Billy Wilkins, Carroll Adair, James Helton and Daniel Taylor. Visitation will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. today.

Contributed by Paula Doyle-Bicket
ARLYN WILLIAMS

Arlyn Williams, died December 17, 1999 in Lincoln, Nebraska. He died of bone cancer. She said that he was operated on for Prostrate Cancer in February and it spread through his body as bone cancer.

Contributed by William Highfill
Fort Smith Times Record (online ediion)
Friday, 15 December 2006
JIMMIE WILLIAMS

PAYSON, Ariz. � Jimmie J. Williams, 91, of Payson, Ariz., formerly of Waldron, died Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006, in Payson. She was born in Hodgen. She was the widow of Clyde Williams. Graveside service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Hon Cemetery in Waldron under the direction of Dowden Funeral Home of Heavener. She is survived by a son, Jake Williams of Payson, Ariz.; and two grandchildren.

Contributed by Debbie Johnson
The Heavener Ledger, page 7
24 April 1969
MRS. M.A. WILLIAMS

Note: Mrs. Williams' name is never mentioned in her obituary. She was Elizabeth P. Bird, a daughter of James M. Bird and Mariah J. McEntire.

Funeral service for Mrs. M.A. Williams, 103 years of age, was conducted Sunday afternoon in the First Baptist Church, of which she was a longtime member. Mrs. Williams was the oldest resident of Heavener. Rev. E.W. Westmoreland, pastor of the church more than 30 years ago, gave his solemn promise to Mrs. Williams at that time that he would return for the service. Rev. Westmoreland lives in Oklahoma City. Rev. Leonard Sullivan, pastor of the church, and Rev. Fred Woolard of Sayre, assisted with the service. Born August 31, 1865, at Ringgold, Ga., Mrs. Williams came to Arkansas with her parents in 1879. She married Martin A. Williams in 1883, became a Christian and Baptist that same year. The Williamses moved from Waldron to Heavener in 1925, and Mr. Williams died in 1933. Since that time, Mrs. Williams had made her home with a daughter, Mrs. Free (Mary Ola) Malone. Burial was in the Hill Cemetery under the direction of Dowden Funeral Home. Mrs. Williams died at home April 18. Survivors include the daughter, Mary Ola Malone; granddaughter, Elizabeth M. Ashby of New York City; sister, Mrs. John Neal of Lubbock, Texas; great-grandson, Gaylord Ashby, New York; great-granddaughter, Jennifer Ashby, New York; a number of nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Buck Wright, Ed Blackwell, James Hall, Gordon Bryan, Hermon Sharpe and Clyde Olive.

Contributed by Debbie Johnson
The Heavener Ledger, page 8
21 March 1968
WALTER HEARST "STEAK" WILLIAMS

Funeral service for Walter Hearst Williams, 63-year-old lifelong resident of Heavener, was conducted Tuesday morning at the First Baptist Church. Rev. Leonard Sullivan, pastor of the church officiated, and burial was in the Hill Cemetery under direction of Dowden Funeral Home. Born June 17, 1904 at Waldron, Williams was known to his many friends as "Steak" and worked for years as an automobile salesman. He was a member of the Oddfellow Lodge and the First Baptist Church and had been an active, working member in both. Mr. Williams died suddenly March 15, apparently suffering a heart attack while driving his car on the Old Pike, north of town. Survivors include a son Ronald Williams and a daughter Virginia Machadi, both of Lompoc, Calif.; William Miller of Long Beach, Calif.

Contributed by William Highfill
Russellville Courier (online edition)
January 12, 2005
ILA WILLIS

Ila Bertha Willis, 98, of Gravelly died Friday, Jan. 9, at Chambers Memorial Hospital in Danville. Born Sept. 11, 1905, in Little Texas, Ark., to the late John and Laura Hunt McCormack she was a mother, a homemaker, a member of the Gravelly Eastern Star and a member of the Gravelly Methodist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Allen Willis, and a son, Glynn Willis. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Twain Johnie Willis of Gravelly; two sisters, Lillie Powell of Waldron and Neva Laster of Danville; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be at 3 p.m. today at the Gravelly Methodist Church by Rev. Royce Savage and Rev. J.A. Hunnicutt. Burial will be at Parks Cemetery in Gravelly under the direction of Cornwell Funeral Home of Danville. Pallbearers include Mark Barton, Cole Barton, Vernon Garrett, Brandon Garrett, H.N. Roberson and Patrick O?Bryant. Memorials may be made to the Gravelly Methodist Church, P.O. Box 24, Gravelly 72838.

Contributed by William Highfill
Marion (IN) Chronicle Tribune (online edition)
11 January 2007
JACK WILLIS
May 2, 1928 - Jan. 6, 2007

UPLAND - Jack, son of the late Arlie and Elva Willis, has fallen asleep in death on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007, in Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. Jack was born in Cedar Creek, Ark., on May 2, 1928, but has spent most of his life in the Grant County area. Jack loved to garden and fish and visit friends in Arkansas and always had a hug for a friend. Jack was retired from Thomson Consumer Electronics (RCA). Jack was an active member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Muncie. He is survived by his wife, Sally; daughters Deborah Dickerson, Cynthia Waggy and Vanessa and Renee Sampson; son-in-law, Charles Sampson; and grandchildren Alyson and Travis, Eric and Doug Waggy, Teresa Denner, Brandi McDowell, Justin, Jared and Samara Sampson; 12 great-grandchildren; stepdaughter, Bonnie and David Schultz, Muncie. Also surviving are sisters Thelma (Carl) Dickson, Morrilton, Ark., and Voncille Martin, Plummerville, Ark., Janell Bartlet, Formosa, Ark., and Lillian Crowser, Shaunee Mission, Kansas; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007, in Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 4405 N. Walnut St., Muncie, with Kevin Spurgeon officiating.

NOTE: Another obituary for Jack Willis appeared in the Petit Jean County Headlight.

Petit Jean County Headlight (online edition)
11 January 2007
JACK WILLIS

Jack Willis, 78, of Upland, Ind., died Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007. He was born May 2, 1928, in Cedar Creek, Ark., to Arlie and Elva Willis. He retired from Thompson Consumer Electronics (RCA). He was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah�s Witnesses in Muncie, Ind. Survivors include his wife, Sally Willis; four daughters, Deborah Dickerson, Cynthia Waggy, Vanessa Blessing, and Renee Sampson; one stepdaughter, Bonnie Schultz of Muncie, Ind.; four sisters, Thelma Dickson of Morrilton, Voncille Martin of Plumerville, Janell Bartlett of Formosa, and Lillian Crowder of Shawnee Mission, Kan.; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah�s Witnesses at 4405 N. Walnut Street, in Muncie, Saturday at 2 p.m., with Kevin Spurgeon officiating. Arrangements were by Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service.

Contributed by William Highfill
Van Buren Press Argus-Courier (online edition)
Friday, 02 January 2009
ZACKARY WILLS

Zackary Daniel McArthur Wills, infant son of Tera Cole and Michael Wills, both of Van Buren, died Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2008, at a local hospital. Funeral was Dec. 29 at Ocker Memorial Chapel in Van Buren with burial at Gracelawn Cemetery in Van Buren. In addition to his parents, he is survived by maternal grandmother, Cynthia Paskell, and maternal grandfather, Harold and Barbara Cole of Van Buren; paternal grandparents, Debbie and Charles Yandell of Fort Smith; maternal great-grandmother, Patsy Vines of Mansfield; maternal great-grandparents, Carl and Florence DeWitt of Alma, and Ernest and Janice Cole of Mulberry.

Contributed by William Highfill
Ada (OK) Evening News, p. 2
Sunday, 27 February 1972
MRS. VIRGINIA WILSON
(VIRGINIA LORENE HIGHFILL)

SHAWNEE -- Funeral services for Mrs. Virginia Wilson, 64, will be Monday morning in the Roesch Brothers Funeral Home Chapel. Mrs. Wilson was born January 1, 1908 in Gravely, Ark. She came to Ada in 1927. She moved to Shawnee in 1930. Survivors include her mother, Mrs. A. B. Highfill, Ada; one brother, Clyde, Nashville, Tenn.; one sister, Mrs. John Fleming, Ada; one niece, Mrs. Bob Watson, Roscoe, Pa.; and one nephew, Roy Alletag, Houston, Tex. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery.

Contributed by William Highfill
The Heavener Ledger
Thursday, December 25, 2003, p. 18
DOYLE WINTERS

Doyle Elmer Winters, 85, passed this life December 18, 2003 at his residence in Lovings. He was a cattleman and a poultry grower. Doyle was born January 12, 1919 to Buford and Myrtle Winters in Fanshawe. Funeral was Saturday, December 20, 2003 at Lovings Baptist Church with burial in Loving Cemetery under the direction of Dowden Funeral Home of Heavener. Doyle is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jean of the home; two daughters, Charlotte Moody and husband Buck of Heavener and Pam Luman and husband Ray of Bella Vista, Ark; two sons, Paul Winters and wife Terri of Heavener, Jim Winters and wife Jami of Heavener; eight grandchildren, Dwight Luman of Poteau, Brandon Moody and wife Jennifer of Heavener, Delana Ester and husband Dustin of Grain Valley, Missouri, Amber Ollie and husband Bryan of Heavener, Dana Metzker and husband Clay of Heavener, Dusty Free and husband Josh of Gibson, Ark., and Stormy Winters and Haylee Winters of Heavener; 11 great-grandchildre; three sisters, Ruby Sanders of Bates, Ark., Alma Dame of Tulsa, Doris Denton of Heavener; and one brother, Lloyd Winters of Tracy, Calif. He was a lifelong member of the Lovings Baptist Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, Sunda School teacher, and worked with the athletics of the church. Doyle served six years in the United States Navy with a discharge rank of Chief Boatswain's Mate. He was a Pearl Harbor survivor, serving aboard the USS Oklahoma, USS Louisville and Broadwater. He also served in the CC Camp in the states of Idaho and Arkansas. Doyle was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Heavener Masonic Lodge #154 where he served as past Worshipful Master. In the 1950s Doyle was a pitcher for the Heavener Blues baseball team. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing and hunting. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, one sister and two brothers.

Contributed by Marcene Ammons Blatt
Southwest Times Record
Fort Smith, Arkansas
LARRY WOOD

Larry G. Wood, 51, of Fort Smith died Sunday, April 22, 1990, in a Fort Smith hospital. He was an inventory controller for the Pepsi Cola Company and a member of the Assembly of God Church. Funeral will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with burial at Forest Park Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; a daughter Jennifer S. Wood of Fort Smith; a son, Steven E. Wood of Fort Smith; his father Lawerence C. Wood of Fort Smith; one sister Karen Daniel of Jonesboro, Ga.; and two grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Stanley E. Evans Heart Institute of Sparks Hospital.

Contributed by Joyce Hambleton Whitten
Sharp County Record
Evening Shade, AR, p2 c2
5 Nov 1915, Local News
JAMES WOODS

Notes: The woman he married was Sarah V. "Sallie" (WHITTEN) Mitchell. Her first husband J. Edgar Mitchell (m: 26 Oct 1880 in Sharp Co., AR) according to family tradition disappeared while taking a bale of cotton to Batesville, Independence Co. AR. She married secondly James E. Woods on 24 Apr 1884 also in Sharp Co. I have learned that he was a Confederate veteran. The pension record gives his death date which matches his stone at Oliver Cemetery in Scott Co. His widow applied for his pension in 1916. She died in Fort Smith in 1922.

James WOODS died at his home at Brawley, in the western part of the state, one day lately. Mr. Woods was a carpenter and resided in Evening Shade something like 24 years ago. He married a sister of Mrs. W. C. SHAVER of this place.

Contributed by Marcene Ammons Blatt
Southwest Times Record
Fort Smith, Arkansas
SHIRLEY WOODS

Shirley L. Woods, 63, of Fort Smith died May 2, 2003, in Fort Smith. She was a retired registered nurse from Sparks Regional Medical Center. Funeral will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Smith with burial at Forest Park Cemetery in Fort Smith. She is survived by a daughter Jennifer Atanacio of Fort Smith; a son Steve Wood of Fort Smith; a sister Bernice Dickerson of Derby, Kan.; a brother Bill Ammons of Wichita, Kan.; three grandchildren and one great grandchild. Memorial contributions may be made to Carl Wilson Memorial, Nursing School Program, Sparks Regional Medical Center.

Contributed by William Highfill
Fort Smith Times-Record Online edition
06 January 2007
EDDIE JOE WOOTEN

Eddie Joe Wooten, 75, of Mansfield passed away Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2007, in his home. He was a retired construction contractor, a member of the Mansfield First Baptist Church and a U.S. Air Force veteran. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007, at the Mansfield First Baptist Church with the Revs. Mark Griffith and Chris Zluticky officiating. Interment will be at the Dayton Cemetery under the direction of Martin Funeral Home of Mansfield. He is survived by his wife, Marie Wooten of the home; one son, Eddie Lynn Wooten of Carlsbad, N.M.; three brothers, Dewey Max Wooten of Riverside, Calif., Jimmy Wooten of Shreveport, La., and Ronnie Wooten of Mansfield. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey M. and Beryl Farmer Wooten; one brother, Rex Wooten; two sisters, Beryl Jean Key and Barbara Helker. Pallbearers will be Mark Wooten, Daniel Wooten, Sam Godwin, David Wooten, James Robert Wooten and Tommy Russell Key. Honorary pallbearers will be Adult Men�s SS class, Marion Mathis, George Ainsworth, Jack Turner, Bruce Whittaker, Gary Musgrove, Jimmy Wilson and Fellow Golfers. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Martin Funeral Home in Mansfield. Memorials may be made to the Mansfield First Baptist Church, Mansfield, AR 72944.

Contributed by William Highfill
Booneville Democrat (online edition)
Saturday, 05 May 2007
EDITH WRIGHT

Edith Nelson Wright, 79, of Booneville, passed away Saturday, April 28, 2007. She was born May 28, 1927 in the Blue Ball community. She was a loving mother, grandmother and friend. She was retired from Ace Comb Company in Booneville and she was a member of the Eastwood Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Sally Vaughn; two daughters, Rose Marie Nelson and Dorothy Jean Nelson; two sons, Johnny Lee Nelson and Orville William Nelson; a grandson, Doug William Nelson; and two brothers, John Henry Vaughn and Willie Vaughn. A funeral service was held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 1, at Roberts Memorial Chapel with burial in Hunt Cemetery, east of Waldron, under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home of Booneville. She is survived by a daughter, Betty Ann and husband Robert Mott of Booneville; a son, Charlie and Marilynn Nelson of Booneville; grandchildren, Kristin and husband David of Lincoln and Gene Nelson, Dian Woodall and Willliam Woodall, all of Booneville; 10 great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Dylan, Andrew, Logan, Andrea, Kayla, Zackery, Jessicah, Skyler and Haylee; and a special friend, Cathy Hardin. Pallbearers were Earl Hardin, Jim Tripp, Floyd Mott, Kayla Nelson, Max Mott and Terry Luther.

Contributed by Debbie Johnson
The Heavener Ledger, page 1
28 November 1968
EDWARD JOSEPH WRIGHT

Edward Joseph Wright, with four bullet wounds, was found dead at the Highway 23 - 71 intersection north of Waldron, November 7. Scott County Sheriff Clyde Hawkins said a young man in his early twenties and a young woman who were Wright's traveling companions are prime suspects and wanted for questioning. They were believed traveling in a dark and very dirty 1960 to 1965 model station wagon. The three people may have sought employment in area towns in early November. The deceased had applied for a job with a motor plant in Mena the day before his body was discovered. Wright was buried Monday in the National Cemetery at Fort Smith.

Contributed by Debbie Johnson
The Heavener Ledger, page 4
28 August 1969
SAM HOUSTON WRIGHT

Funeral service for Sam Houston Wright, 88, was conducted Wednesday afternoon at the Hontubby Baptist Church, with Rev. Leroy Bily officiating. Burial was in the Hontubby Cemetery under direction of the Dowden Funeral Home. Born September 7, 1880 at Chapel Hill, Ark., Mr. Wright had lived here since 1901. He died August 25 in the Poteau hospital. Survivors include his wife, Ruth; four sons, Berry of Nashoba, J.L. of National City, Calif., Charley of Heavener, Edward of McAlester; one step-son, Norman McMahand of Fort Smith; one daughter, Mrs. Mollie Kuykendall of Nashoba; 25 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren. Pallbearers were Gene Jackson, Jack Misenheimer, John Prock, Curtis Norvell, Junior Parrish and Ray Baldridge.

Contributed by William Highfill
Thursday, 27 June 2002
Heavener Ledger, page 11
GLENN WYATT

Glenn Wyatt, 80, of Heavener, died Monday, June 24, 2002 in Ft. Smith. He was a long time resident of Heavener, a member of the First Baptist Church and was a retired professional meat butcher. Funeral services will be Thursday, June 27 at 2:oo p.m. at Dowden Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Heavener Memorial Park under the direction of Dowden Funeral Home. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, nine daughters, Carolyn Clubb and husband Jerry of Poteau; Karen Pottridge and husband Mike, Austin, Tex.; Bonnie Crosby and husband, Jim of Austin; Jeanette Neal, Ft. Smith; Tere Hammond, Tulsa; Nita McClain and husband Rodney of Heavener; Julie Hoehn and husband Greg, Oklahoma City; Laura Kosal and husband Nejat of Turkey and Shirley Hansen of Van Buren, Ark. Six sons, Mickey Wyatt of Watonga, Okla.; Rick Wyatt and wife Cathy, Pawhuska, Okla.; Ron Amack and wife Althea, Chadron, Neb.; Anthony Wyatt of Ponca City; John Ray and wife Linda, Claremore and David Ray and wife Elfie of Germany. One sister, Maxine Severns of Norton, Kan.; one brother, Raymond Wyatt and wife Maxine of Bell Vista, Ark., 32 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, James Ray and one grandson, Gregory Clubb.

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