Biographical And Historical Memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland And Hot Spring Counties, Arkansas
Rev. Roger Dale Harris
Rev. Roger Dale Harris was born August 21, 1951 in De Queen, Arkansas to Arlis and Flora (Mounts) Harris. He passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at Lakeland Medical Center in Elkhorn, Wisconsin.
Roger was proud of the fact he was raised “Southern Old School”, being taught respect for all of people. He was a hard worker, starting at a young age and continuing throughout his life. He graduated from De Queen High School in 1969, serving as class president both junior and senior year. He then went on to college cementing his love of baseball, playing all four years, earning degrees in Physical Education and English. He planned to be a high school baseball coach, which he did, winning a league championship in his first year. He soon realized it’s tough to make a living on a high school baseball coach’s salary. Roger became Rev. Roger on April 29, 1984. He preached and pastored at four churches in Arkansas for 19 years. During that time he received several awards for his work with the youth of the community, he worked as a counselor at a juvenile holding facility and founded what would become the largest high school Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Arkansas. During this time he also was involved with working with the United States Marshals office working undercover trying to help the local drug problem in southwest Arkansas. This eventually caused his relocation to Wisconsin, where he served at the Pastor of Immanuel United Church of Christ in Walworth for just over 8 years. Roger was an avid Cubs fan, being lucky enough to see his Cubs win the World Series. Go Cubs Go!
Pastor Roger is survived by his daughter Helena Harris; grandchildren Madalynn and Trace Bramlett; his sister Vicki (Robert) Peek from Arkansas; his special companion Brenda Wenger as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be missed by many people both in Wisconsin and Arkansas.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Jewell (Thompson); and daughter Amanda Harris.
A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, December 28, 2019 in Walworth, Wisconsin, under the direction of Toynton Funeral Home of Walworth.
Graveside Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Monday, June 29, 2020 at Redmen Cemetery, under the direction of Chandler Funeral Home, De Queen.
Thomas Edward McWhorter
Thomas Edward McWhorter, age 83, a resident of Lockesburg, Arkansas died Sunday, June 21, 2020, in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
He was born November 14, 1936, in Lockesburg. Mr. McWhorter was a logger and a truck driver. He was a Deacon at First Baptist Church in Lockesburg where he also taught Sunday school.
Mr. McWhorter was preceded in death by his parents, Shannon and Virgie Mae Cox McWhorter; two sisters, Marjorie Liggin and Eleanor Collins; one brother, Jake McWhorter; and one son-in-law, Gregory Sillavan.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Martha Smith McWhorter; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Brenda Sillavan of Lockesburg, Sharon and Stanley Hawkins of Avery, Texas, and Kristy and Robert Vallee of Lockesburg; one son, Jason McWhorter and Kelly Sims of Horatio, Arkansas; one brother and sister-in-law, Hugh and Kay McWhorter of Lockesburg; one sister and brother-in-law, Leaetta and Dwight Payne also of Lockesburg; eight grandchildren, Amber Pickett, Cameron Sillavan and wife Ginger, Katelyn Sillavan, Hunter Blankenship and wife Kayla, Zachary McWhorter, Rachael Vallee, Bekah Vallee, and Russell Vallee; five great grandchildren; one special nephew, Rod McWhorter; three special nieces, Twyla Nichols, Misty Darley, and Mindy King; and a number of other nieces and nephews.
Graveside funeral services for Mr. McWhorter will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 24, 2020, at Old Union Cemetery with Bro. Ronnie Mayes officiating, under the direction of Wilkerson Funeral Home.
General viewing will be from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 23rd at the funeral home.
Idell Oma Peterson
Mrs. Idell Oma Ashley Peterson, age 96, resident of De Queen, passed from this life on Sunday, June 21, 2020 at Bear Creek Healthcare in De Queen.
She was the eighth of nine children born to Foster Randolf and Oma Cathleen Holder Ashley on November 11, 1923 in De Queen. She married Floyd Peterson on December 12, 1959 in Vallejo, California. Idell was a member of the De Queen Church of Christ and worked for many years as a sales representative for Avon. She enjoyed gardening, bowling, crossword puzzles, reading her bible and deer hunting. Some may remember when Idell made the front page of the De Queen newspaper for harvesting a deer from her kitchen window while in her mid-80s. While she found great joy in her many hobbies, Idell cherished the time spent with her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of over 50 years, Floyd Peterson; five sisters, Jessie Hensley, Madge Bettis, Rachel Bettis, Gertie McCauley and Hazel Krudwig; and three brothers, Boyd Ashley, Winfred Ashley and Lillard Ashley.
She leaves to cherish her memory, one step-daughter, Barbara Kozielski of Clovis, California; two step-grandchildren, Robin (Tim) Honeyman of Texarkana and Gene (Amanda) Haynes of Horatio; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren in California; three nephews, Charles F. (Alice) Krudwig, David (Rene) Krudwig and Kenneth (Judy) Krudwig, all of De Queen; two nieces, Ester Eades of Cabot, Arkansas and Judy (Tommy) Kennedy of Corinth, Mississippi; numerous great-nieces and nephews; other relatives and a host of friends.
Graveside Services for Mrs. Idell Peterson will be held at 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at Crosstrails Cemetery, De Queen, with Ministers Toney Stowers and Charles F. Krudwig officiating. General visitation will be held Tuesday, at the funeral home. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Chandler Funeral Home, De Queen.
Due to current health concerns, the use of a face mask or covering will be required during your time at the funeral home. Please refrain from touching or hugging and keep a comfortable distance of six (6) foot from one another while inside the funeral home. Hand sanitizer will be available.
Pamela Machelle Dillehay
Pamela Machelle Dillehay, 54 of Mineral Springs, Arkansas passed from this life on June 18, 2020. She was born on January 23, 1966 in Nashville, Arkansas to Jerry and Helen Icenhower. Pamela enjoyed painting, photography, babysitting her grandkids, singing and spending time with her family and friends. She was a wonderful loving mother, Nana and friend who never met a stranger and loved everyone.
Pamela is preceded in death by her father, Jerry Icenhower and two husbands, Phillip Ray Tucker and Michael Dillehay. She leaves behind her mother Helen Icenhower; children Michael Chase Friend (April), Kelly Tracy (Michael), Chad Tucker (Kaylyn); grandchildren Braiden, Evie, Cathryn, Alexis, Michael, Forrest; one brother Kenneth Lynn Icenhower (Jackie); nieces Jeri and Molly and nephew Reid and a host of other loving family and friends.
Due to current health concerns with the Covid virus, all services will be restricted to no more than 50 people in attendance and all who attend will be required to wear a facial covering while in attendance. Any individuals who feel ill are asked to please refrain from attending. Anyone who does not attend due to concerns, the family would like to take you for your prayers during this time.
Visitation will be held from 10-11am on Tuesday, June 23, 2020, with funeral services to follow at 11am at New Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 507 Corn Bridge Road, Mineral Springs, Arkansas. Burial will follow at Bluff Springs Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas. 501-982-3400.
Jose Balmore Herrera
Jose Balmore Herrera, age 73, a resident of Ilobusco, Cabanas, El Salvador died Saturday June 20, 2020, at his daughter’s home in De Queen, Arkansas.
He was born April 6, 1947, in Cabanas, El Salvador. He was a Catholic and a farmer. He loved being outdoors, riding horses and spending time with his family. He enjoyed singing and playing the guitar.
Mr. Herrera was preceded in death by his parents, Joaquin Ayala and Maria Herrera.
He is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Nery Arias and Mario Mejia; three grandchildren, Ana Mejia, Neri Mejia, and Milagros Mejia all of De Queen.
A private funeral Mass for Mr. Herrera will be held at St. Barbara Catholic Church with Father Ramses Mendieta officiating. Burial will follow at Redmen Cemetery, under the direction of Wilkerson Funeral Home.
Joseph Fredrick Turner, Jr.
Joseph Fredrick Turner, Jr., age 73, a resident of Texarkana, Arkansas died Wednesday, June 17, 2020, at his home.
He was born September 3, 1946, in Arkinda, Arkansas. He was a welder and attended the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Mr. Turner was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Turner, Sr. and Mary Lee Hatfield Turner and three brothers, James Turner, Grover Newsome, and Godwin Newsome.
He is survived by one son, Bobby Joe Turner of Texarkana, Arkansas; two daughters, Virginia Lee Smith and Kimberly Moore both of Mineral Wells, Texas; one sister, Virginia Steward of Texarkana, Arkansas; his caregivers, Hank Staggs, Chalin Pillgreen, and Mary Hurst; and a number of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Graveside funeral services for Mr. Turner will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, June 20, 2020, at Gravelly Cemetery with Chaplain Robert Ward officiating, under the direction of Wilkerson Funeral Home.
A special thank you to Encompass hospice.
Mrs. Frances Willis
Mrs. Frances Louise Madewell Willis, age 77, resident of Haworth, Oklahoma and former resident of De Queen, passed from this life on Thursday, June 18, 2020, at her home.
She was born to John Elmer and Wessie Marie Mooneyham Madewell on August 20, 1942 in Horatio, Arkansas. She was a Baptist and a homemaker. She also worked for Pilgrim’s Pride, formerly Mountaire Poultry, and as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, gardening and attending garage sales, but more than anything, Frances cherished the time spent with her children and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Leta Loneman Smith; two sons, Donald Loneman and John Haury; one brother, James Madewell; and one sister, Margie Payne.
Frances leaves to cherish her memory, three sons, Christopher Haury and Cecil Haury, both of De Queen, and James Haury and his wife Christy of Horatio; four daughters, Reta Loneman of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Sara Loneman of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Donna Loneman of Springdale, Arkansas and Evelyn Espindola and her husband Jaime of Haworth, Oklahoma; two special grandchildren, whom she raised as her own, Jennifer Haury and Braden Haury, both of Lockesburg; 29 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; one son-in-law, Pedro Robles of De Queen; one brother, Cecil Madewell of Dell City, Oklahoma; as well as, nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral Services for Mrs. Frances Willis will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, June 20, 2020 in the Chandler Funeral Home Chapel with Bobby Tatum, Minister, officiating. Burial will follow at Redmen Cemetery, under the direction of Chandler Funeral Home, De Queen. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M., Friday, June 19th, at the funeral home.
Due to current health concerns, the family ask for anyone who plans to attend the visitation or funeral service to please use a face mask or covering. Please refrain from touching or hugging and keep a comfortable distance of six (6) foot from one another while inside the funeral home. Hand sanitizer will be available.
