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3-30-23 4:32 PM KAWX.ORG

Diamond Marilyn Nichols, age 73, of Cove, Arkansas, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2023 at CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was born on Saturday, April 2, 1949 to Cecil and Gladys Wilson in Willcox, Arizona. Diamond was a strong woman of faith and always lived her life for the Lord. She worked for the Tax Assessor's office in Visalia, California and made a loving home for her family. Diamond attended the Noble Learning Center in Cove and dearly loved her church family. She cherished every moment she spent with her children and grandchildren. Diamond was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lawrence Nichols; one son, Steve Squires; two brothers, Robert Wilson and Sonny Wilson; and two sisters, Opal Nelson and Jewel Emberson.

Diamond is survived by one son and daughter in law, Scott and Deidra Squires of Cove; nine grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

3-27-23 12:53 PM KAWX.ORG

Ms. Karen Dean Lewis, age 81, passed away Thursday, March 23, 2023, in Mena, Arkansas. She was born June 30, 1941, Ada, Oklahoma, to the late Arthur Millard Kinsey and Ina Lorean Welch.

Ms. Lewis was factory worker by profession, spending many years working at the US Motors Company. Karen was a devoted member of the New Prospect Primitive Baptist Church in Board Camp, Arkansas. She enjoyed organizing, watching her tv shows, and traveling when she was able. She had a very specific morning routine, waking up her daughter Sabra, and bringing her coffee every morning. She was very proud of her children and loved her grandchildren deeply.

Ms. Lewis is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Millard Kinsey and Ina Lorean Welch, and by her great-granddaughter, Jadelynn Davis. She is survived by her son, Dana Kinsey and wife Verla; daughter, Sabra Burnett and husband Bryan; grandchildren, Michael Martin, Jessica Shores, Evan Kinsey, Jacque Burnett, Darian Shockley, Justin Kinsey; great-grandchildren, Skylar Landrum, Zea Hamilton, Ashlynn Davis, Zayden Hamilton, and Lane Shockley.

Funeral services for Ms. Lewis will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at the New Prospect Primitive Baptist Church, in Board Camp, Arkansas. Elder Barry Norman will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Peak Cemetery in Crystal Springs, Arkansas. Visitation is general.

Pallbearers are Michael Martin, Evan Kinsey, Justin Kinsey, Bryan Lawrence, Brett Shockley, John Burnett. Honorary Pallbearer is Shane Henry.

3-24-23 4:07 PM KAWX.ORG

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3-20-23 3:06 PM KAWX.ORG

Anthony Raeburn Ardoin, Louisiana native and presently of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Monday, March 6, 2023. He was born on Wednesday, January 8, 1947, to Raeburn and Vernita Ardoin at their family home in Turkey Creek, LA.

Anthony was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend and will be missed by all who knew him. Anthony was the only son of Raeburn and Vernita Ardoin. He was educated in Louisiana and graduated from Mamou High School. Anthony’s first marriage was in 1967 to Mary Ann Adams with whom he had three children: Tonya Marie (Amy) Ardoin, Angelique Renee (Joshua) Lopez, and Anthony Raeburn (Jill) Ardoin II. His second marriage was to Carla Deluca who he remained married until his passing. He had two step-daughters Elaina Cox and Chrissy Cox (Larry) Joseph. He also leaves behind 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Anthony was in the Louisiana National Guard and was a sharpshooter; he used his skill to do what he loved most: hunting. As an avid fisherman and hunter, he spent much of his free time outdoors camping. Another passion of his was cooking. During his career as a contractor, he built homes and roller skating rinks — four of which he owned and operated. Roller skating rinks were in Port Barre, Hammond Roller Kingdom, Covington Roller Skating II and Gonzales, La. Ascension Skatesation.

He is preceded in death by his mother Vernita Ardoin; father Raeburn Ardoin; sister Patsy Aguillard; only son Anthony (Tony) Raeburn Ardoin II; step-daughter Chrissy Cox Joseph; and first wife Mary Ann Adams.

Anthony is survived by his loving wife Carla Ardoin of Mena and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service celebration of life will be held In Lafayette, LA at Fun Nation 4518 W Congress St. Monday, March 27, 4 pm - 9 pm.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, contact Tonya Ardoin 225-348-6710, for help with celebration of life on Monday March 27th.

3-18-23 8:37 AM KAWX.ORG

Martha Lynette Wagner, age 52, of Crosby, Texas, passed away on Monday, March 13, 2023 at at her home. She was born on Friday, November 6, 1970 to J.B. and Eunice Wagner in Mena, Arkansas.

Lynette had a servants heart. She loved to volunteer at Churches United in Caring and anywhere she felt her heart led her to help out. Lynette graduated college with a beautician license. It made her feel so good to be able to do hair and make others feel beautiful. She was an excellent cook. Lynette looked forward to movie night with pizza while relaxing in front of the T.V. as well as fishing outdoors at the lake. She had a free spirit and enjoyed dancing and growing wild flowers. She could laugh the craziest laugh all while keeping a straight face. Lynette was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, J.B. and Eunice Wagner; paternal grandparents, Bud and Tennie Wagner and maternal grandparents, Paul and Ruth Whisenhunt.

Lynette is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Dillon Shaw and wife Brooke; one daughter, Cheyene Shaw and Tyler Dobbins; two brothers and sister-in-laws, Jimmy Wagner and wife Darla and Stan Wagner and wife Laura; one sister and brother-in-law, Karen Ellison and husband Rick; one granddaughter, Kenley Shaw; long time friend and caretaker, David Wells; several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 20, 2023, at 10:00 AM at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Capel under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Interment will follow at the Concord Cemetery in Mena, Arkansas.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Bowser Family Funeral Home on Sunday, March 19, 2023.

Pallbearers will be Stan Wagner, Jimmy Wagner, Rick Ellison, Jacob Wagner, Jeremy Wagner and Justin Wagner.

3-16-23 3:59 PM KAWX.ORG

Forrest was born in Texarkana, TX into a family with deep roots in Mena, AR. He enjoyed many happy days visiting the Ogden family on Bethesda Road as his family moved from Texarkana to McAlester, and on to Nashville, TN.

As a young boy he enjoyed riding trains with his father, who was employed by Kansas City Southern. This started a life long passion for trains. He also was fascinated by airplanes. His first flight was when he jumped off the garage roof in a homemade airplane made from cardboard boxes. Aviation became his career.

After graduating from Central High School in Nashville, TN in 1948, he joined the Civil Air Patrol and then the Army Air Corp. While on leave visiting family in Mena in 1953, he was introduced to Shirley Struve by his Uncle and Aunt, Orville and Margaret Ogden. He received his commission, wings and wife in 1954. In 1966 he received the Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters and received various campaign and service awards. In 1966 he was commended for a 1965 mission in which he and his crew rescued 7 fighters under extraordinary circumstances. In 1968, he retired from the US Air Force with the rank of Major and moved to the place he always wanted to live, Mena AR. He worked at KENA, First National Bank, and was a flying instructor. He taught many local pilots to fly.

After their four children graduated high school, his aviation skills took him to Oklahoma City where he worked for Gulfstream Aerospace as a production test pilot. In1983 he participated in a flight around the world in a Gulfstream Turbo-Commander in slightly less than 76 hours. This set a world record for that class of airplane.

After his second retirement, he and Shirley enjoyed living in Mena, Arkansas and spending their summers in Ruidoso, NM. He enjoyed working with his uncles Orville and Paul Roy on their farm along the Mountain Fork River.

He was a lifelong Methodist and was a 55+ year member of the First United Methodist Church in Mena.

He enjoyed the time he spent with the Ouachita Amateur Radio Club, the Ruidoso New Mexico Amateur Radio Clubs, the Masons and the VFW. He maintained his membership in the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, Red River Valley Association (aka River Rats-a Vietnam fighter pilot organization) and the Order of Daedalians Society. He served on the Mena School board during the infamous Punch Bowl controversy.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Shirley Kay Ogden, his parents Cheatham Ogden, Sr., and Annice Ogden, and his sister Ann Cochran. He is survived by his 4 children: Steve Ogden of Gunnison Colorado, Fred and Delilah Ogden of Mena AR and Rockwell, TX, Ginger and Aubrey Sterner of Yocanna, AR, and Janet and Jerry Gorden of Broken Arrow, OK. There are 5 grandchildren (Charmian Ogden, Stephen Ogden, Mandy Gorden Green, Benjamin Gorden, and Matthew Bingham, and 8 great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to acknowledge his caregivers: Alice Anderton, Bonnie Stiltz, Melissa Owens, Sandy Endicott, Charity Mabry, Dr David Henderson, and the wonderful staff of the Homewood Cottages.

A private burial will be held and a memorial service, will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, if you feel inclined, please make a donation to the first United Methodist Church in memory of Forrest.

3-16-23 1:59 PM KAWX.ORG

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3-16-23 12:44 PM KAWX.ORG

Donald Smith, age 82, of Gillham, Arkansas, passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at his home. He was born on Tuesday, July 16, 1940 to Orville Ray Smith and Josie Mae (Gamel) Smith in Dallas, Texas.

Don was a faithful Christian man. He was a follower of Jesus Christ and of the Baptist faith. Don lived for the Lord and his family. He served in the United States Navy where he worked on airplanes while on aircraft carriers. Don was a jokester and liked to have fun. He was a talented musician and played for church as well as in a band. Don was a hard worker. He was never without a job and was a jack of all trades. Don enjoyed building home computers and programs many years ago when they first became popular. He had several job experiences throughout his career though he noted that the biggest achievement of his 12 years as Mayor of Gillham was the development of a regional wastewater treatment system. He served as president of the waste water board. Don was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Josie Smith; and one sister, Sandra Brown.

He is survived by his loving wife Inez, two daughters and sons-in-law, Donna Golliher Gonzalez and husband Ray of Hot Springs, Arkansas and Rhonda Carrier and husband John of El Dorado, Arkansas; three brothers, Michael Smith of Baytown, Texas, Ronald Smith of Manning, Louisiana and Reginald Smith of Hurricane, West Virginia; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, March 17, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. at the Cecil Chapel Cemetery in Vandervoort, Arkansas under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2023, from 5-7 P.M in the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel.

Pallbearers will be Corey Carrier, Caleb Carrier, John Carrier, Ray Gonzalez, Bobby Collins and Terry Cummings.

3-15-23 8:51 PM KAWX.ORG

Dewey Head, age 83, of Board Camp, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at his home. He was born on Wednesday, May 3, 1939 to Elmer Daniel Head and Ethel Cole Head in Mena, Arkansas.

Dewey served proudly in the United States Army National Guard for 8 years. He believed in the Golden Rules and always treated others with integrity. Dewey was a very hard worker and was a lineman for the electric company for many years before retiring and to run his Cattle Ranch. He shared his wife's passion for horses and was a member of the Polk County Riding Club. He was an experienced farrier and trained horses for many people in the area. In his free time he was an avid deer hunter and was a collector of old rifles. Dewey attended the Yocana Baptist Church and was a member for many years. Dewey was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Head; three brothers, Elba Head, Gene Head, and Shorty Head; and one sister, Opal Walker.

Dewey is survived by one daughter, Tina McMellon of Board Camp; one brother, Roger Head of Mena; one grandson, Cole McMellon of Board Camp; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 17, 2023 at 2:00 PM at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena with Brother Lynn Chiles officiating.

Interment will follow at the Board Camp Cemetery in Board Camp, Arkansas.

Visitation will be general at the Bowser Family Funeral Home from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM during office hours on Thursday, March 16, 2023.

Funeral service will be live streamed at https://bowserffh.com/obituaries/dewey-head.

3-15-23 5:33 PM KAWX.ORG

Jerry David "Buster" Rhodes, 69 years old, of Cove, Arkansas passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at St. Michaels in Texarkana, Texas. Buster was born on Saturday, March 21, 1953 in Mena, Arkansas to Luther and Lucy Rhodes.

Buster was a believer in Christ. He spent many years as a skilled carpenter building houses and other projects. Buster was considered a jack of all trades. If you needed an electrician, mechanic, carpenter or welder; Buster was the guy to call. He loved his family and enjoyed being with his grandkids. Buster was a member of Fox & Wolf Hound Association. He took pride in his dogs. Buster loved to coon hunt, deer hunt, ride mules and most importantly, he liked to pester people. Buster was an excellent marksman and gunsmith. He loved to sit and talk while telling his stories. When Busters dad was still around he enjoyed listening to him sing and play music. Buster was a loving father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Lucy Rhodes; one brother, Dale Rhodes; and one sister, Mary Louise Rhodes.

Buster is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Nancy Rhodes; one son and daughter-in-law, Harold Alley and wife Cynthia of Vandervoort, Arkansas; one daughter, Dylan Rhodes Gibson and husband Johnny of Hochatown, Oklahoma; one brother, William "Bill" Rhodes of Mena, Arkansas; one sister, Betty Laverne Sellers of Vandervoort, Arkansas; seven grandchildren, Cayden James, Jessie Alley, Mia Ariaza, Xavier Ariaza, Jessie Sarinana, Priscilla Sarinana and George Sarinana; numerous great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

3-15-23 3:10 PM KAWX.ORG

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3-15-23 11:11 AM KAWX.ORG

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3-15-23 11:06 AM KAWX.ORG

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3-14-23 3:30 PM KAWX.ORG

Raymond Leon Terry, age 76, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at the Mena Regional Health System. He was born on Friday, February 14, 1947 to Ernest Eugene Terry and Ruth Maude Wilson Terry in Acorn, Arkansas.

Raymond served proudly in the United States Army during Vietnam and was awarded several sharpshooter awards during his service with the military. He was a member of the Concord Baptist Church for many years and cared very much for all his church family. Raymond was the machine mechanic at Pine Bowl for over forty years and later worked at Repops until retiring. He was an avid deer hunter and he also loved to read and collect stamps. Raymond was a loving father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

Raymond is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Ruth Terry; and one son, Tiny Terry.

Raymond is survived by his son and daughter in law, Bryan and Krystal Terry of Mena; his brother and sister in law, Clifford and Bonnie Terry of Sheridan, Arkansas; his sister and brother in law, Connie and Del Brooks of Fayetteville, Arkansas; grandchildren, Cade, Carter, Peyton, and Addie; his niece, Elizabeth Terry Spurlin; and his nephews, Daren, Brandon, and Foster Brooks; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Concord Baptist Church on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 2:00 PM in Ink, Arkansas. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

3-13-23 12:25 PM KAWX.ORG

John C. Sharp, 80 years old, of Mena, Arkansas went home to his Heavenly Father on Sunday morning, March 12, 2023. John was born on Sunday, September 20, 1942 in Freeport, Texas to Arthur C. Sharp and Edna Lee Smith Sharp.

John proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1964 - 1966. When he returned home to Texas, he worked in various types of construction jobs as well as a painter. He also had a small used car lot for a while. He loved his family and was always "good ole dependable and honest John." John was very soft hearted and had a love for all God's creatures. He never married and when his dad got in poor health he promised him that he would take care of his mom. So when his dad passed away he moved with his mom to Arkansas. He worked with the Polk County Road Department until he retired to take care of his mom when she got to where she couldn't stay alone, like he promised his dad that he would do. He took very good care of her until she passed away at the age of 92. John never wanted to bother anyone, but would help you anyway he could. He was a very good person. John loved God and was a strong believer in prayer. Anytime you went to visit he was always ready to talk about Jesus and the Bible. John will be dearly missed by all that knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur C. Sharp and Edna Lee Sharp; four brothers, Wayne Sharp, Jack Sharp, Arthur Lee Sharp, and Ronald G. Sharp; and one sister, Marie Gentry.

John C. Sharp is survived by his youngest sister and brother in law, Colleen and Eddie Strother of Mena; one sister in law, Betty Sharp of Marshall, Texas; and a host of nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces, cousins and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the Gann Cemetery in Potter, Arkansas with brother Stacy Strother officiating under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

3-13-23 11:01 AM KAWX.ORG

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3-10-23 5:06 PM KAWX.ORG

Naomi Florine Judkins, age 86, of Mena, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Chapel Ridge Health & Rehab in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She was born on Tuesday, November 17, 1936 to Orville Curry and Ida (Reeves) Curry in Fort Worth, Texas.

Naomi was a loving Christian. She loved the Lord and took pride in serving him daily while sharing his love with others. Naomi was a long time member of the Hatfield First Baptist Church where she served many roles throughout the years. She was a Sunday school teacher, she helped with the after school JAM program on Wednesday nights, she was on several committees and she would pick up any kids that may need a ride and bring them to church. Naomi loved God and she loved her family. She loved to spend time with them all but she especially loved being able to love on her great grandbabies. Naomi enjoyed listening to gospel music. She was a great cook and took pride in sewing and doing needlework in her down time. Naomi worked as a secretary for US Motors for over 40 years before retiring. She proudly graduated college with an associates degree at age 63 right alongside her daughter-in-law, Sharon. Naomi was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt, sister in Christ and friend and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, H.L. "Jerry" Judkins; two brothers, Orville Curry Jr. and Carl Curry; two sisters, Inez Alconn and Sandra Smith.

Naomi is survived by two sons and daughter-in-laws, Roger Judkins Sr. and wife Theresa of Hatfield, Arkansas and Doyle Judkins and wife Sharon of Hatfield, Arkansas; one brother-in-law, Jerry Smith of Rhome, Texas; six grandchildren, Crystal Huff and husband Michael of Hatfield, Arkansas, Reba McLellan and husband Daniel of Hatfield, Arkansas, Roger Judkins Jr. of Hatfield, Arkansas, Jeremiah Judkins of Pensacola, Florida, Stephanie Gill and husband Thomas of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Kristen Baxter and husband Odis of Fort Smith, Arkansas; nine great grandchildren, Whitney Bunyard and husband James, Clayton Cearley, Caleb McLellan, Nate McLellan, Liam Baxter, Alexi Baxter, Harper Blake, Aubri Gill and Jackson Gill; one great great grandchild, Noah Bunyard; several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at 2:00 PM at the Hatfield First Baptist Church in Hatfield, Arkansas with Brother Bob Bradley officiating under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. Interment will follow at the Six Mile Cemetery in Hatfield, Arkansas. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Hatfield First Baptist Church on Wednesday, March 8, 2023.

3-6-23 1:51 PM KAWX.ORG

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3-6-23 1:43 PM KAWX.ORG

Barbara Alice Stiefer, age 80, of Mena, Arkansas, died on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at The Green House Cottages of Homewood in Mena, Arkansas. She was born on Tuesday, July, 14, 1942 to Charles Searcy and Alice Lorraine Smith Stogner at Florence Nightingale Hospital in Dallas, Texas.

Barbara was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Barbara grew up in both Wichita, Kansas and Dallas, Texas, graduating from Sunset High School, Dallas, Texas in 1960. A close friend, Joyce Price Lindsey, chose to play matchmaker, and invited both Barbara and husband-to-be Bill to her house in the fall of 1966. The spark was there as they met and became acquainted that day. Bill soon called her and the rest "is history", as they say. Barbara and Bill wed on September 2, 1967. They lived in Dallas, Texas early on, and later in Garland, Texas when their son was born in 1969. In 1975, Barbara and Bill moved to what became in later years The Colony, making it their home until 2021, when they moved to Mena, Arkansas to be closer to family.

Barbara loved God and knew He had her in His care, which gave her peace. She loved meeting people and caring for others. Barbara loved to read and also loved crossword puzzles and Wheel of Fortune. She and her husband were active in Trinity Presbyterian Church, The Colony, Texas, for nearly 40 years. Barbara and Bill also spent many summers months in Colorado where they hiked and enjoyed the scenery. Her love of Colorado began in the summer of 1948, when she first traveled to Nederland, Colorado with her maternal grandparents. Barbara worked several summers as a docent at the Nederland Mining Museum and trained new docents, as well. She also volunteered at the pancake breakfast during Miners Days. Barbara was also active at Nederland Community Presbyterian Church in the summer, where she volunteered at the annual church Christmas bazaar and was a member of the Presbyterian Women. Barbara was known for her neighborhood parties as well as her annual chili party where friends and family could enjoy her Texas chili. At the time of her death, Barbara was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Mena, Arkansas.

She is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Reverend William Washington and Bessie Lena Andrews Stogner, her maternal grandparents Charles Clinton and Alice Kingsbury Starkie Smith, and her parents Charles Searcy and Alice Lorraine Smith Stogner.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 55.5 years, Billy Gene Stiefer of Mena; one son and daughter in law, William Eugene "Wes" and Patricia Lynn "Tricia" Stiefer of Mena; one grandson, William "Wes" Eugene Stiefer II of Mena; several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 12:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church in Mena, Arkansas with Pastor Bill Seitz officiating under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. Interment will follow at the Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena, Arkansas. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 10, 2023 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas.

Barbara was a huge supporter of mission ministry and programs over the years. The mission statement of First Presbyterian Church, Mena, Arkansas is: …to make the Kingdom of God real for the hungry, thirsty, stranger, poor, sick and prisoner. In Barbara’s last days, she discussed with family how, even in eternal life, she could make an everlasting impact for those left behind in this place. To that end, in lieu of flowers, Barbara requested to send a donation to the mission program “Carus Cares” at the following address:

First Presbyterian Church

904 Church Avenue Mena, AR 71953

***Memo line: Carus Cares

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com.

3-5-23 6:05 PM KAWX.ORG

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3-5-23 5:58 PM KAWX.ORG

Mr. Vernon Leslie Tallant entered eternal rest on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, surrounded by family and loved ones at his home in Cove, Arkansas. He was born on Thursday, April 1, 1943, to Marvin and Bessie Tallant at his family home in Winthrop, Arkansas.

His family moved working in the fields harvesting crops, construction building houses, while his father was a pastor. The family lived in Lovington, New Mexico in 1958 where Vernon worked in a grocery store and became a butcher at 14. While working there, he met and married his life companion, Linda Cross, while living in Lovington. Vernon and Linda raised three children living and traveling through many states before settling in Cove, Arkansas on January 1, 1976. His final business venture was Vern’s Meat Processing. It was a Cove staple for over 10 years before retiring. Vernon and Linda enjoyed traveling to new places visiting their children and grandchildren. Vernon’s legacy to his children is an incomparable work ethic and support and love for family. He loved playing music with his friends, gardening, fishing and hunting. He was known for his love of music sharing his talent with many. Vernon was a self-taught lead guitar player and musician playing strictly by ear.

Vernon is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Bessie Tallant. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Linda Tallant, daughter, Leslie and Mark Davis of Cove, Arkansas; grandson Marty and Morgan Davis; great grandson Mason, and great granddaughter Maggie; daughter, Kim and Steve Baker of Wichita Falls, Texas; granddaughter Casey and Caleb Parker; great granddaughters Zoie and Ariel, granddaughter, Brandy Baker and great grandson Hayden, son, Darin and Angela Tallant of Charles Town, West Virginia; granddaughter, Abby Tallant; brothers, Melvin Tallant of Winthrop, Arkansas, Louise Tallant of Mt. Pleasant, Texas, Ollen Tallant of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Garland Tallant of Horatio, Arkansas; and multiple aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, too numerous to mention.

The family of Vernon Tallant are asking in lieu of flowers donations be made to Elite Hospice of Mena, Arkansas. Donations may be mailed to, 602 Dequeen Street Mena, Arkansas 71953.

There will be a memorial service held, Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., at the Christ’s Church in Cove, Arkansas, with Pastor Daniel Labertew officiating.

Cremation services are entrusted to Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary and guestbook at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

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3-3-23 1:00PM KAWX.ORG