James Kent Payton age 68, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at Oklahoma Veteran Affairs Hospital in Talihina, Oklahoma.

James was born on October 19, 1949 in Miami, Oklahoma to the late Robert James Payton and the late Virginia Dee Mobley Payton. He was married to Bonnie Lewis in September of 1971. James served his country in the United States Marines as a military policeman and earned several medals: National Defense Service, Vietnamese Service Medal, Rifle Expert, and Pistol Sharpshooter. James was an A & P aircraft mechanic for 32 years. He was a very strong pro-life supporter. James went on several mission trips to Mexico and Haiti. He always worked to send Bibles to other countries. Above all he loved God and his family. He was a loving dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to all who knew him.

He is survived by wife: Bonnie Payton of Mena, Arkansas

Children: Sam Payton of Mena, Arkansas, Christina Muncey of Red Oak, Oklahoma, and Caleb Payton of Mena, Arkansas

Six grandchildren and one due in October

Brother: Callan Payton of Wells, Nevada.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Virginia Payton and 5 grandchildren.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.at Beasley Wood Chapel. Interment will follow in the Gann Cemetery in Potter, Arkansas under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Family and friend’s visitation will be two hours prior to service at Beasley Wood.

7-26-18 12:15 p.m. kawx.org 

Mr. Earl Dean “Tuffy” Page age 76 of Shawnee, Oklahoma formerly of Smithville, Oklahoma passed away Monday, July 23, 2018 in Oklahoma.

He was born on November 21, 1942 in Smithville, Oklahoma to the late Luther Page and Roma Lee Rigsby Page. Tuffy was married to Correne Page. He was a truck driver by profession all his life. Tuffy also enjoyed watching the Dallas Cowboys play football, they were his team to watch! Most of all he loved and was proud of his family. He was a loving and kind husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend.

He is survived by wife: Corene Page of Shawnee, Oklahoma

Daughter: Dena Johnson and husband Jeff of Mena, Arkansas

Sons: Gary Page and wife Amanda of Mena, Arkansas and Joel Page and wife Heather of Paris, Texas

Grandchildren: Kristen Manasco, Kyleigh Johnson, Cora Page, Haley Page, Hannah Page, Jordan Hunter and Jacquelyn Romine

Great-grandchild: Analeigh

Siblings: Dorothy Bailey, JoAnne Bailey, Jesse Page, Doris Rozell, Laveda Padgett, RL Page, Gerald Page and Janice Watson.

He was preceded in death by his parents Luther and Roma Lee Page, brothers Luther Lee Page, Ed Page, James Page, and Bill Page, and a sister Laverne Rowell.

Funeral service will be Friday, July 27, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church in Watson, Oklahoma with Brother Todd Webb officiating. Interment will follow in Watson Cemetery in Watson.

Announcement made by Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

7-25-18 2:52 p.m. kawx.org 

Mrs. Carol Cunningham Richmond age 69 of Mena, Arkansas passed away Sunday, July 22, 2018 in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Mrs. Richmond was born on September 21, 1948 in American Fork, Utah and was the daughter of the late Marion Eugene Cunningham and Lois Marie Woods Cunningham. She was a devoted wife to Mr. William “Bill” Richmond for 43 wonderful years. She enjoyed going to church and being active. Carol also loved spending time with family especially grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed doing Ballet with her best friend Ann Hatley. Always busy with cooking, gardening and reading. Carol was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to all who knew her.

She is survived by husband: William “Bill” Richmond of Mena, Arkansas

Daughter: Renee Martin of Mena, Arkansas

Grandchildren: Arian Robertson and husband Nick of Mena, Arkansas, Brittany Wheless and husband Devin of Mena, Arkansas, and Hunter Martin of Mena, Arkansas

Great-grandchildren: Jeffery Richardson of Mena, Arkansas, Jaxon Robertson of Mena, Arkansas, and Karsen Wheless of Mena, Arkansas

Mother: Lois Marie Cunningham

Brother: Barry Cunningham

Sisters: Jane and Frankie Owens of Mena, Arkansas, Charlene and David Morris of Norman, Arkansas, and Linda and Bob Weinheimer of Arizona

Sister-in-law: Cathy Myers of Hatfield, Arkansas

Nieces and nephews: Valerie Oglesby of Waxahachie, Texas, Stephanie and Tommy Woody of Mt. Ida, Arkansas, and Darrin and Zeta Lowe of Washington.

She was preceded in death by her father Marion Eugene Cunningham.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at First Christian Church in Mena with Brother Phillip Hatley officiating. Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Park under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 24, 2018 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Beasley Wood.

Pallbearers will be David Brainerd, Phil Brainerd, David Donica, Jerry Smith, Jack Holland, and Larry Johnson.

Honorary pallbearers will be grandsons, Hunter Martin, Nick Robertson and Devin Wheless.

7-23-18 12:20 p.m. kawx.org 

Dola Malesia Patten Head, age 98, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Saturday, July 21, 2018 in Mena.

She was born October 11, 1919 in Bolivar, Missouri to the late Zenith Patten and the late Susie Isabel Perdue Patten. She was united in marriage on May 19, 1937 in Waldron, Arkansas to the late Mayo William Head. She worked for the Renova Shirt Factory, was a poultry grower and owned and operated Dola’s Hair Stylon. She was an accomplished musician and skilled artist. Dola was a charter member of the local Southwest Artist which is now Mena Art Gallery. She loved doing needlework, especially crocheting and quilting. She loved cooking for her family. Above all, she was a devout Christian. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She will be dearly missed.

Survivors are son: Shelby Head and wife Mary Alice of Mena, Arkansas

Grandchildren: Missy Teaford and husband John of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Chris Head of Mena, Arkansas, Kelly Head and husband Darrell Mos of Mena, Arkansas

Sister: Della Davis of Mena, Arkansas

5 Great Grandchildren

Sister-in-law: Shirley Patten of Medon, Tennessee 

Many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother Curtis Patten, and her sister Verna Cunningham.

Graveside services will be Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Old Dallas Cemetery with Brother Phillip Hatley officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Visitation will be general.

A special thank you to Rich Mountain Nursing & Rehabilitation for being friends and becoming family of Grandma DoDo.

Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

7-22-18 6:08 p.m. kawx.org 

Elizabeth Ann Prewitt age 57, of Hooks, Texas passed away Tuesday, July 17, 2018 in Texarkana, Texas.

Elizabeth was born on December 25, 1960 in Norfolk, Virginia to the late Morris Ferguson and the late Jessie Bingham Ferguson. She was happily married for 38 years to David Prewitt until his passing. Elizabeth was a very talented master seamstress. She did the alterations for the Hooks School uniforms and made Halloween costumes for children. She was a loving and thoughtful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to all who knew her. She will be dearly missed.

She is survived by sons: Sherman Prewitt of Hooks, Texas, Gary Prewitt and wife Kim of Hooks, Texas, and Matthew Prewitt and wife Savannah of Hooks, Texas

Grandchildren: Jase Prewitt, Karline Weems and Payzlee Prewitt

Brothers: Gary Ferguson of Texarkana, Texas, Bruce Ferguson of Texarkana, Arkansas, Al Heath of Savanna, Georgia

Several cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and husband David Prewitt.

Funeral services will be Saturday, July 21, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Nazarene Church in Wickes, Arkansas with Brother Roy Ford officiating. Interment will follow in the Duckett Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Pallbearers will be C.J. Prewitt, Michael Prewitt, Jeremy Ferguson, Josh Ferguson, Tug Chambers, and Clifford Bingham.

Family and friends visitation will be two hours before service at Nazarene Church in Wickes, Arkansas.

7-18-18 5:55 p.m. kawx.org 

Mr. John Thomas Stroud, age 78, of Mena, passed away Saturday, July 14, 2018 at his home.

He was born December 13, 1939 in Hatton, Arkansas to the late Marshall Stroud and the late Lorene Broach Stroud. He was happily married for 53 years to the late Vera Dottie Blackwood Stroud. John was a generous, hardworking machine operator in the lumber industry. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish and hunt, and was well known as a jokester. He was a loving father, grandfather, and brother, and his family and friends will dearly miss him.

He is survived by sons: Michael Gene Stroud of Mena, Arkansas and Steven Louis Stroud of Mena, Arkansas

Daughters: Lisa Lavonne Schuller and husband Brian of Mena, Arkansas and Becky Michelle Stuart and husband Jim of Mena, Arkansas

Grandchildren: Cory Eaton of Mena, Arkansas, Stephanie Dow of Rogers, Arkansas, Ashley Stipe of Mena, Arkansas, John Stroud of Mena, Arkansas, B.J. Schuller of Bryant, Arkansas, Kim Stuart of Mena, Arkansas, Kaylie Stroud of Mena, Arkansas, and Ali Stuart of Mena, Arkansas

Sister: Minnie Dormois of Ft. Smith, Arkansas

Seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall and Lorene Stroud, his wife, Vera Stroud, one son, Johnny Dale Stroud, 2 brothers, David and Hershel Stroud and 2 sisters, Louise Hale and Doris Hammack.

Graveside services will be Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Pleasant Grove Cemetery at Cove with Brother Donnie Jewell officiating. Visitation will be general. Arrangements are under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home.

7-15-18 5:05 p.m. kawx.org 

 Kenneth Beek, Sr.age 72, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, July 11, 2018 in Dierks, Arkansas.

Mr. Beek was born in Biddeford, Maine on April 1, 1946 to Borden Hart Beek and Louise Young Beek. He attended schools in Kennebunk, Maine and moved to Mena, Arkansas in 2010. He was happily married Brenda Cline Beek. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He was also a machinist. Kenneth was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to all who knew him.

He is survived by wife: Brenda Beek of Mena, Arkansas

Son: Kenneth Beek, Jr. of Maine

Daughter: Darlene Chaney of Arizona

Granddaughters: Angelica Beek of Maine and Rachel Beek of Maine 

Grandsons: Bowman Beek of Maine and Elyjah Lashomb of Maine

Great-grandson: Tanner Pusaateri of Maine

Sisters: Carmen Sevene of Mena, Arkansas, Amanda Young of Arizona, Joyce Margaris of Massachusetts, and Jean Poist of New Hampshire

Brother: Borden Beek of Massachusetts

Several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Beek was sent for cremation under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

7-12-18 5:10 p.m. kawx.org

Dustin Ryan Belknap age 40 of Cove, Arkansas passed away Monday, July 9, 2018 in Cove, Arkansas.

Dustin was born in Mena, Arkansas on May 1, 1978 to Terry Belknap and the late Linda Marie Ashcraft Belknap. He enjoyed anything outdoors with family and friends and was a hard worker. Dustin was an avid Razorback fan. He loved to go hog hunting with family and friends He treasured his relationships with his cousins, especially Mattie Ashcraft, Raymond “Bubba” Kyle, and Melanie Ashcraft. Among other things he enjoyed was woodworking and gardening. Dustin was a wonderful son, grandson, brother, and uncle. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by father: Terry Belknap 

Brother: Chad Belknap and wife Charla

Grandmother: Marie Ashcraft

Nieces: Hayley Myers and Brook Belknap

Great-nieces: Chloe Belknap and Reagan Lee

Great-nephew: Quinton Belknap

Host of other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother Linda Belknap, a daughter Gracie Belknap, and grandfather, Raymond Ashcraft.

Family and friends visitation will be two hours prior to funeral service at Assembly of God Church in Smithville.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. at the Assembly of God in Smithville, Oklahoma with Brother Jerry Ford officiating. Interment will follow in the Smithville Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

7-10-18 9:51 p.m. kawx.org 

Gaylord W. Godsby, age 69, of Mena, passed away Sunday, July 8, 2018 in Mena, Arkansas.

He was born August 29, 1948 in Muse, Oklahoma to the late Roy Godsby and the late Lola Simmons Godsby. He was united in marriage to Glenda Wilcox Godsby, his wife of 25 years. Mr. Godsby was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt, fish, and ride horses. He actually enjoyed riding his lawn mower, anything to be outdoors. Most of all, he dearly loved his family and enjoyed the time spent with them. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be greatly missed.

Survivors are wife: Glenda Godsby of Mena, Arkansas

Sons: Jeremy Godsby of Antlers, Oklahoma and Gene McEntire of Ozark, Arkansas

Daughter: Kelley Thain and husband Michael of Antlers, Oklahoma

Grandchildren: Shancye Godsby of Antlers, Oklahoma, Kammye Thain of Antlers, Oklahoma, Austin McEntire of Mena, Arkansas, Dalton McEntire of Ozark, Arkansas, and Ailiyah McEntire of Ozark, Arkansas

Sisters: Shirley Kilpatrick of Canadian, Oklahoma

A host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Lola Godsby, brothers Clifton, Efton, Dale, Kenneth, and Billy, and sisters Beatrice Lawrence and ImoGean Elrod.

Graveside service will be Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in the Lenox Cemetery in Lenox, Oklahoma with Virginia Meyer officiating. Services are under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

7-9-18 4:25 p.m. kawx.org 

 Mr. Brinson James "B.J." Peavy of Vandervoort, Arkansas passed away, July 8, 2018, at his home. 

B.J. was born October 17, 1980, at Annapolis, Maryland to his parents, Mr. Lynn Peavey and Ms. Connie Smedley Peavey. B.J. loved to hunt and to go fishing. He also enjoyed working in the garden with his hands. But more than anything else he loved his mama. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Survived by father: Lynn Peavey of Locust Grove, Georgia

Mother: Connie Smedley Peavey of Vandervoort, Arkansas

Half-sisters: Jennifer Wilson and Stephanie Lawrence of Douglas, Georgia

Uncle: Steve Smedley and wife Donna of Hatfield, Arkansas

Aunts: Karen Manasco and Roger Harwood of Vandervoort, Arkansas, and Carla Harwood and husband Leon of Vandervoort, Arkansas

Cousins: Sandy, Danny, Jade, Stephanie, Jimmie, Garrett, Laura, Kerrie, and Chad

A host of relatives and friends also survive him.

B.J. was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jim and Bonita Smedley, his grandmother Dorothy Peavey, and one uncle Bobby Smedley. 

Funeral Services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Vandervoort on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at 10 A.M. Interment will follow at Pleasant Grove cemetery in Cove, Arkansas. Brother Roy Brooks and Brother Tim Smedley will be officiating. 

Pallbearers are Jimmy Smedley, Rex Johnston, Terry Jewell, Mike Harwood, Joey Watkins, Victor Kuykendall, Jeremy Lee, Randy Jewell, and Nick Barrett.

Honorary Pallbearers are Andy Watkins and Bruce Cureton.

Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena. 

7-9-18 11:30 a.m. kawx.org 

Laverna Maxine Sims, age 87, passed away April 12, 2018 at The Oaks in Mena, Arkansas.

Maxine was born on April 27, 1930 in the Mt Clair Community (between Cove and Vandervoort) to the late Mack and Delia (Price) Towry. She was united in marriage on April 2, 1949 to Elgin Sims in Mena. This union was blessed with a daughter, Elaine.

She attended the rural Mt Clair School and graduated from Vandervoort High School. After graduation Maxine attended Southeastern State College at Durant, Oklahoma where she met Elgin. She taught her first school at Cove Elementary in the late 1940’s. In the early 1950’s she taught in Illinois in a one-room elementary school, teaching 8 grades.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, brothers-in-law William Pate and Eli Sims and siblings, Mary Jean Pate and Delano Towery.

She is survived by a sister and her husband, Linda and Corky Miller, and sisters-in-law Ila Jean Sims and Diana Patterson. Also, numerous nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews where she was fondly known as “Aunt Dobbie”. Maxine is also survived by her many friends and staff at The Oaks and the Directors, Lisa and Tim.

Mrs. Sims was sent for cremation under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

A memorial service will be held at a later date under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

7-3-18 5:44 p.m. kawx.org 

Elaine Michelle Sims, 54, of Mena passed away on Monday morning, April 24, 2017, at Peachtree Hospice in Ft Smith, Arkansas.

Elaine was born September 1, 1962 in Harrisonville, Missouri to Elgin and Maxine (Towry) Sims. She attended schools in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, Richmond, Kansas, Pond Creek, Oklahoma and graduated from Pleasant Hill High School.

Elaine loved watching baseball, especially the Kansas City Royals and Chicago Cubs. She also enjoyed watching her hummingbirds.

She was preceded in death by her father, grandparents and aunts and uncles. 

She is survived by her mother, Maxine, aunts and an uncle, numerous cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.

Miss Sims was sent for cremation under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

7-3-18 5:40 p.m. kawx.org 

Lois Janette Heath age 89, of Farmington formerly of Mena, Arkansas passed away Sunday, July 1, 2018 in Farmington, Arkansas.

She was born on October 3, 1928 in Cotton Valley, Louisiana to the late George and Nellie Simms Buckliew. She loved her church family at Lakeview Baptist where she taught classes and was very involved in the church. Her hobbies were sewing, reading, and quilting. She won many ribbons at the fair for her quilts. She was in the first graduating class of Rich Mountain Community College, where she received an associates degree in 1983. Lois was also a nurse’s aide at the old Mena Hospital on the hill, drove buses for the Mena School and was a cook in the cafeteria. Lois enjoyed being the living assistant at Avants Group Living Center and was Manager of the first PCDC Resale Store in Mena. She was the epitome of the Proverbs 31 woman, and her children rise up and call her blessed. Lois was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend to all who knew her.

She is survived by son: Stephen David Heath and wife Jackie of Heath Valley

Daughters: Frances Heath McCarthy of Heath Valley, Ginger Hamrick and husband Terry of Farmington, Arkansas, and Susan Bodey and husband Kenny of Mena, Arkansas

Grandchildren: Dalton Heath, Ethan Heath, Sarah Heath, Matt McCarthy, Starlet McCarthy, Karyn Dodson, Cody McCarthy, Laura Smith, Franklin Hamrick, David Hamrick, Mandy Babb, Aaron Bodey, Jacob Bodey, and Kendra Bodey

Twenty-one great grandchildren

Nieces: Denise, Linda, Teresa, Renae, and Cyndy

Brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Orval and Gay Heath.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her spouse, and a granddaughter Heather Bodey.

Funeral service will be Thursday, July 5, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Beasley Wood Chapel. Private family committal service will follow in the Board Camp Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Family and friend’s visitation will be Wednesday, July 4, 2018 at 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Beasley Wood.

Pallbearers will be Dalton Heath, Ethan Heath, Cody McCarthy, Franklin Hamrick, David Hamrick, Aaron Bodey and Jacob Bodey.

7-2-18 6:20 p.m. kawx.org 

Maybell Harmon Walston age 91 of Mena, Arkansas passed away Monday, July 2, 2018 in Mena.

Maybell was born on June 26, 1927 in Texarkana, Texas to the late Sol Harmon and the late Lilly Renfrow Harmon. She was married in 1944 to the late Marion S. Walston until his death. Maybell worked for Mena Public Schools as a custodian until she retired. She was a loving and thoughtful homemaker to her family. Above all she loved God, her family and friends. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all who knew her. She will be dearly missed.

She is survived by daughters: Margie Walston of Mena, Arkansas and Mary McDaniel of Hatfield, Arkansas

Sons: Joe Walston and wife Sharon of Hatfield, Arkansas, Monroe Walston of Mena, Arkansas, and Marcus Walston of Mena, Arkansas

Grandchildren: Matthew Walston, Timothy Walston, Melissa McMillan, Katrina Frachiseur, Kurtis Walston, and Kayla Mirus

Step-grandchildren: Ricky McDaniel, Randy McDaniel, Linda Tulk and Brenda Holler

Twelve great-grandchildren

Host of nieces, nephews, and other family.

She was preceded in death by her parents Sol and Lilly Renfrow Harmon, husband Marion S. Walston, son Buddy Walston, daughter Esther Walston, son-in-law Roy McDaniel, sisters Bernice Swain, Mary Sue Treadway, Annie Latham, Alice Page, Artie Elliott, JoAnn Schmidt, and brothers, Wilbur Harmon, Henry Harmon and Monroe Harmon.

Funeral service will be Friday, July 6, 2018, 2:00 p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church with Brother Larry Sherman officiating. Interment will follow in the Shady Cemetery in Shady, Arkansas under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Walston, Timothy Walston, Kurtis Walston, David Elliott, Bob Page and Jack Page.

Honorary pallbearers are Ray Cathey, Adam Elliot, Johnny Yarbough, and Ray Yarbough.

Visitation will be general.

7-2-18 4:46 p.m. kawx.org