July 30, 1944 - October 26, 2018

Ray Clift, age 96, of Mena passed away at his home in Mena, Arkansas, Friday, October 26, 2018.

He was born at home in Mena, Arkansas August 23, 1922 to the late Jesse Ray and Ollie Anderson Clift. He was happily married to Orlene Head Clift for 54 years. In 1939, Ray, along with several other young men from Mena, joined the National Guard. In 1941, he entered active service in the U. S. Army. During WWII Ray received a Good Conduct Medal as well as five Bronze Stars for the battles of Naples-Foggia, Rome Arne, South France, Rhineland and Central Europe. After WWII Ray held different jobs including being a Railway Postal Clerk and driving a truck for Lion Oil Company in Mena. Even after retirement, Ray kept busy working and serving faithfully at the First Baptist Church of Mena as a custodian and usher. Ray enjoyed watching baseball, reading the newspaper, solving crossword puzzles and visiting family. 

He is survived by wife: Orlene Head Clift of Mena, Arkansas

Son: Randy Clift and wife Debbie of Houston, Texas

Daughters: Tracy McCullar and husband Shane of Russellville, Arkansas, and Kay Ramsey and husband Keith of Sheridan, Arkansas 

Grandchildren: Tyler Baker and girlfriend Sarah of Union, Missouri, Cole Baker and wife Christina of Great Falls, Montana, Keaton Ramsey of Conway, Arkansas, and Karson Ramsey of Sheridan, Arkansas

Great-granddaughter: Natalya Baker of Great Falls, Montana

Cousins: Janis Shull of Mena, Arkansas and Chrys Geyer of Colleyville, Texas

Nephew: Wayne Campbell and wife Connie of Owassa, Oklahoma.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Ollie Clift, two sisters, Lillian Campbell and Marilyn Eads, and one niece Becky Jordan.

Funeral service will be Monday, October 29, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church with Brother Russell Threat and Brother Pete Hatley officiating.

Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Park under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Visitation will be general.

Pallbearers will be Wayne McDaniel, Gary Floyd, Kyle Robertson, Joe Head, Randolph Emerson, David Ray, Rondall Mullin, and Stokes Herod.

10-27-18 11:13 a.m. kawx.org 

Wanda Lou Foster, age 80, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Thursday, October 26, 2018 in Mena.

She was born November 19, 1937 in Nunley, Arkansas to the late Oscar Evins and the late Trucilla Clark Evins. She was united in marriage to Jerry Foster for 65 years. Mrs. Foster loved the outdoors, especially spending time at her cabin. She was a member of the Union Mission Church of God in Mena. Wanda loved to sing gospel music, but above all, she loved her Lord and Savior. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, step-great grandmother, sister, sister-in-law and friend.

Survivors are husband: Jerry Foster of Mena, Arkansas

Sons: Ricky Foster and wife Lynn of Mena, Arkansas, Terry Foster of Mena, Arkansas, and Stanley Foster and wife Kandy of Mena, Arkansas

Daughters: Charlotte Parker of Fort Smith, Arkansas and Sheila Hicks and husband Mike of Mineral Springs, Arkansas

Brother: Carroll Evins and wife Gloria of Bartlett, Tennessee

Brothers and sisters-in-law: Geraldine Evins of Gainsville, Texas, Mary Evins of Austin, Texas, Ann and Bob Sheeler of Mena, Arkansas, Donna and Henry Cogburn of Mena, Arkansas, and Carl Foster and Eddie Cross of Mena, Arkansas

15 Grandchildren, 5 Step Grandchildren, 10 Great Grandchildren and a host of other friends and relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Trucilla Evins, her sisters Lucille Chambers, Phyllis Carroll, and Dorothy Pennick, her brother, Chester Evins and Calvin Evins and her infant daughter Brenda Foster.

Funeral service will be Monday, October 29, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Beasley-Wood Chapel with Brother Steve Ellison and Brother Lewis Martin officiating. Interment will follow in the Brushy Cemetery in Oden, Arkansas under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. 

Visitation will be Monday, October 29, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. at the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home Chapel.

Pallbearers are Eddie Cross, Keith Horn, Gary Clift, Craig Evins, Derrick Bethel and Jay Wolf.

A special thank you to the staff of Mena Regional Health System and the staff of Rich Mountain Nursing Home.

10-26-18 4:03 p.m. kawx.org 

Richard C. "R.C." Gilbert, age 79, of Mena passed away Friday, October 19, 2018 at his home.

R.C. was born on September 15, 1939 in Middletown, Ohio to the late Jay P. Gilbert and the late Mildred Francis Holland Gilbert. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. R.C. was married to Julia Wood Gilbert and was retired from the Railroad as an engineer. After retiring he continued working for an expediting company to stay involved with the railroad. R.C. was very creative with landscaping and yard work. He also enjoyed fishing, going to auctions and traveling. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, step-father, step-grandfather, brother and friend to all who knew him. 

He is survived by wife: Julia Wood Gilbert of Mena, Arkansas

Children: Johnathan C. Gilbert and wife Marizel, Jackie S. Heath and husband Steve of Mena, Arkansas, Jeff S. Gilbert of Pickerington, Ohio, and Angel June Gilbert Fagan of Mena, Arkansas

Step Daughter: Danielle Jones and husband Nick of Centerton, Arkansas

Brother: David Gilbert and wife Aloma of Hatfield, Arkansas

Sister-in-law: Margaret Gilbert of Mena, Arkansas

Special cousin: Allyson Dalley and husband Bob of Gainesville, Texas

Grandchildren: Deseriee’ Bell, Jeremiah and Hannah Gilbert, Johnny Gilbert, Dalton and Victoria Heath, Sarah Heath, Ethan and Veronica Heath, Amber Hayes, Kasey and Brad Frachiseur, Madison Gilbert, Macy Brooke Gilbert, John J. Fagan,III, Gianna Fagan and Sammy Fagan

Eight  great-grandchildren

Step great—grandchildren: Riczel Venegas, Zeldrick Venegas, Erika Venegas, Rosie Kuszak, and Elliott Kuszak

Numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jay P. and Millie Gilbert, first wife of 45 years Carol Sue Gilbert, son Jerry Gilbert, grandsons, Jerod Gilbert and Liam Fagan and a brother Larry Gilbert. 

Funeral service will be Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Beasley Wood Chapel with Brother Lance Sawyer officiating. Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Park under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Family and friends visitation will be Wednesday, October 24, 2018 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Beasley Wood.

Pallbearers will be Dalton Heath, Ethan Heath, Steve Heath, Jason Gilbert and Jerry D. Holiday.

10-22-18 8:09 a.m. kawx.org 

December 12, 1943 - October 20, 2018

Leroy James Thomas, age 88, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Thursday, October 18, 2018 in Mena.

He was born September 8, 1930 in Kansas City, Missouri to the late Ralph S. Thomas and Ethel Wholf Thomas. In 1933, the Thomas family moved to DeQueen, Arkansas where Leroy would spend his childhood and graduate from DeQueen High School in 1948. The Korean War came along and Leroy joined the Air Force in 1950 and served for 4 years. He married Joann Phillips on June 14, 1952. After his discharge from the Air Force in 1954, he attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and graduated with a Business Degree in 1956. After graduation, Leroy and Joann moved to Elgin, Illinois where he worked for the Elgin Watch Company and attended Elgin Watchmakers College, graduating in 1957. 

He, Joann and family moved to Mena in 1957 and opened Thomas Jewelry Store. The store was in operation for 45 years until his retirement in 2002. He enjoyed fishing and traveling but his favorite pastime was the morning meetings at the coffee shop with the guys. After retirement, he continued to work out of his home repairing watches and clocks until recent days. He had an incredible memory and was knowledgeable on any subject.

Leroy was a member of Christ Community Fellowship church. He was a member and past President of the Mena Lion's club. He served on the Polk County Draft Board throughout the Vietnam War. Leroy served as on the Board of Directors of First National Bank for many years and was a Board member of the Rich Mountain Community College Foundation. He was most proud of serving on the Housing Authority Board and received a 50 Year Award for service and was the second person in Arkansas to be honored with this award. 

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Ethel Thomas; his sister, Lemira Jane Thomas Emery. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joann Phillips Thomas; his son, Stanley R. Thomas of Fayetteville, AR; his daughters, Judy A. McMillan and late husband Russ of Dallas, TX and Sandy L. Bartholomew and husband Dwight of Prairie Grove, AR. His 5 grandchildren, Philip Robertson and wife Kristin; Jenni Robertson Parenica and husband Aaron; Zach Davis and wife Ashley; Matthew Thomas; and Amber Thomas; plus 9 great-grandchildren. Also, brother and sister-law Sidney and Diane Phillips; sister-in-law Peggy Phillips; nephew, Steve Phillips and wife Kathy; nieces, Cindy Buchanan, Mitzi Peters and Ray, Terri Lynn Jones, and special “nephew” Shelton.

Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at 2:00 pm at Christ Community Fellowship followed by burial in the Pine Crest Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Family and friends visitation will be Monday, October 22, 2018 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Beasley Wood Chapel.

Pallbearers will be Stokes Herod, Henry Sunderman, Harold Coogan, Randolph Emerson, Bo Collins, and Philip Hensley.

Honorary pallbearers are Gayle Ford, Larry Byers, and Earl Blemmel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Christ Community Fellowship.

www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

10-21-18 2:15 p.m. kawx.org 

Steven Glen Richardson age 55 of Hatfield, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, October 17, 2018 in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Steven was born on December 8, 1962 in Phoenix, Arizona to the late Fred Richardson and Millie Vaughn Richardson. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy. Having a servants heart, he liked to help people. He also loved to ride his Harley and his goal was to feel better and ride again. He was a loving father grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend to all.

He is survived by sons: Donnie Thomas, David Thomas and wife Sarah, Daryl Thomas, Daniel Howard, and Dennis Richardson and wife Adrianna

Daughters: Deanna Andrews and husband Matthew, and Darcie Richardson

Nineteen loved grandchildren

Mother: Millie Richardson

Brother: Willard Richardson and wife Sandy

Sister: Margaret Gustafson

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Fred Richardson, and a younger sibling.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Mena. Interment will follow in Rock Springs Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Pallbearers will be Dennis Richardson, Donnie Thomas, David Thomas, Daryl Thomas, Daniel Howard, Adam Richardson, Fred Richardson and Willard Richardson.

Visitation will be general.

10-19-18 1:48 p.m. kawx.org 

July 14, 1958 - October 10, 2018

June 28, 1938 - October 9, 2018

Pedro Alaniz age 76, of Mena, Arkansas formerly of Grannis, Arkansas passed away Friday, October 5, 2018 in Mena.

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

10-9-18 7:58 p.m. kawx.org 

Ora Fred Parker, age 59, formerly of Cove, Arkansas passed away Monday, October 8, 2018 in Malvern, Arkansas.

Ora was born in Miller, South Dakota on July 13, 1959 to the late Lloyd V. Parker and late Elsie E. Schilling Parker. He was a truck driver by profession. Ora enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends. He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend to all who knew him. 

Ora is survived by son: Troy Allen Parker of Cove, Arkansas

Daughters: Melanie Kay Shelton of Malvern, Arkansas and Raquel Nicole Parker of Mena, Arkansas

Grandchildren: Kelly, Breanna, Jenniffer, Karrie and Timmathy Parker, Bryan, Cory, and Drenden Shelton, Jasmine and Raeden Parker

Great-granddaughters: Maxwell and Maesyn Shelton

Sisters: Laura Parker of Malvern, Arkansas , Janice Turcott of Mena, Arkansas, and Sara Bailey of Malvern, Arkansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a great-grandchild Rali K. Shelton.

Funeral service will be Thursday, October 11, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at Beasley Wood Chapel with Pastor Frank Hamm officiating. Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Park under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Visitation will be at 12:00 (noon) prior to service at Beasley Wood.

Pallbearers will be Troy Parker, Craig Shelton, Cory Shelton, Dennis Bailey, Bryan Shelton, and Heath Christian.

10-9-18 3:38 p.m. kawx.org

Dorothy Jean Parker, age 95, of Wickes, Arkansas passed away October 4, 2018 in Mena, Arkansas.

She was born July 28, 1923 in Smolan, Kansas to the late Algot Brown and the late Edna Jhelm Brown. Dorothy proudly served her country during WW II in the Navy. Later years she became a LPN and was a wonderful seamstress. She loved her family dearly and above all, her Lord and Savior. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, sister and friend.

Survivors are children: Linda and Red Barrett of Wickes, Arkansas, Ruth and Arthur Bowles of Aurora, Colorado, Sharon Hale of Mena, Arkansas, Janet and Kenn Mann of Widbey Island, Washington, Juanita (Jonni) and Kenny Day of Wickes, Arkansas, Jacquelyn (Jackie) Irwin and friend Brad Johnson of Mena, Arkansas

Grandchildren: Dee and John Trope, Mary and Mike Wilson, Cari Bush, Ray and Cori Nelson, Wanda Nelson, David Burns, Jeremy and Angie Barrett, Jessy and Loretta Parker, Timothy Townsend, Daniel Townsend, Anne and Chris Smith, Caleb Parker, Natasha Parker, Teresa Evans, Terry Evans, and Patrick Irwin

Sister: Ruth Brown Mitchell of Fredericksburg, Texas

Son-in-love: Tom and Christy Townsend of Mena, Arkansas

Daughters-in-love: Sybil Wax and Edith Ruth

Twenty-five great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Algot and Edna Brown, her daughter, Jerri Peterson, her sisters, Arlene Thelander and Margaret Brown Jakabosky, a grandchild, Jeanette Burns, and her son-in-law, Thermon (Slim) Hale. 

Funeral service will be Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Wickes, Arkansas with Brother Scott Ray officiating. Interment will follow at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Cove, Arkansas under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Levi Wilson, Kenny Day, Mike Wilson, Patrick Irwin, Raymond Nelson, and Tomas Darden. Honorary pallbearer will be Tony Cary.

 www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

10-5-18 4:27 p.m. kawx.org 

Alta Cornelius age 92 of Mena, passed away Thursday, October 4, 2018 in Mena, Arkansas.

Alta was born in Big Fork, Arkansas on March 9, 1926 to the late Jessie Melvin Beezley and the late Cleatus Markham Beezley. Alta grew up in the Shady area. She enjoyed flowers and loved cooking for family and friends. Most of all she loved and believed in the Lord and her family. She will be missed dearly. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, and friend to all who knew her.

She is survived by son: Verl Cornelius and daughter Debra Essman

Grandchildren: Shane Cornelius, Teresa Rand and husband Shannon, Shea Cornelius and husband Tony, and Charity Sanders and husband Bobby

Great-grandchildren: Tyler Cornelius and wife Savanna, Traci Cornelius, Tara Cornelius, Tara Cornelius, Bethany Sanders, Shantel Hicks and Selena Hicks, Tateleigh Cornelius, and Riggin Cornelius

Great-great grandchildren: Elliot and Gabriel Cornelius.

Alta was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Raymond Cornelius, and two grandchildren Sierra Sanders and Bryan Rand.

Graveside services will be Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Cove, Arkansas with Brother Donnie Jewell officiating. Services under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

10-5-18 11:05 a.m. kawx.org 

December 6, 1922 - September 29, 2018

Amy Louise Pearce Keeling, age 41, of Benton, Arkansas went to be with her Lord October 2, 2018.

Amy was born April 5, 1977 in Mena, Arkansas to Glenn Pearce and Madean Miller Pearce. She was united in marriage to John Keeling for 13 years. She was a RN by profession. Amy loved watching Dallas Cowboy’s football and enjoyed NASCAR and was an avid Dale Earnhardt fan. She loved hunting, outdoors, and being a Girl Scout volunteer. Above all, she loved her family. Amy was a loving and devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, daughter-in-law and friend. She will be dearly missed. 

She is survived by husband: John Keeling of Benton, Arkansas

Son: Aidan Keeling of Benton, Arkansas

Daughter: Abby Keeling of Benton, Arkansas

Parents: Glenn and Madean Pearce of Mena, Arkansas

Brothers: Kenny Pearce and wife Kathy of Hot Springs, Arkansas

Brent Pearce and wife Samantha of Edmond, Oklahoma

In-Laws: Sherry and David Miller of Hot Springs, Arkansas

Best Friend: Brittney Shanek 

Several nieces and nephews, and a host of relatives and friends.

Amy was preceded in death by her grandparents Iva and Walter Miller and Tex and Louise Pearce, father-in-law Carl Keeling, and uncles, Gene and Ralph Miller.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at Dallas Avenue Baptist Church with Brother Roy Conatser and Brother Justin Leonard officiating. Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Park under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Visitation will be Friday, October 5, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

10-3-18 5:22 p.m. kawx.org 

John Creed (J.C.) Moore, age 91, of Zafra, Oklahoma went to be with his Lord October 1, 2018 at his home. J.C. was born in Roaring Springs, Texas on September 15, 1927 to the late William F. (Bill) and Rosa Blackwell Moore. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, worked in the timber industry most of his life, and was a member of the Hatfield Freewill Baptist Church. He enjoyed spending time with his family, being active in his church, and listening to bluegrass and gospel music.

He is survived by wife of 61 years: Dorothy Moore of the home

Two daughters: Karen Bunda and husband Phillip of Lavaca, Arkansas and Sandy Barrett and husband Bill of Vandervoort, Arkansas

Two grandsons: Cody and Justin Barrett

One granddaughter: Myia Bunda 

Great-grandson: Jacob Creed Barrett 

Several nieces and nephews, and a host of relatives and friends.

J.C. was preceded in death by his parents William F. and Rosa Moore, two brothers, Raymond Moore and Paul Moore, three sisters, Naomi Gray, Janie Self, and Virginia Knighten, and one grandson, Billy Barrett, Jr. 

Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 04, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Freewill Baptist Church at Hatfield, Arkansas with Brother Todd Webb officiating. Interment will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be two hours prior to service at Freewill Baptist Fellowship Hall. Meal will be served for family and friends.

Pall bearers will be Cody Barrett, Justin Barrett, Dwight Evans, Quinton Owens, Kenny Romine, and Justin Romine.

www:beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

10-2-18 3:56 p.m. kawx.org