Biographical And Historical Memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland And Hot Spring Counties, Arkansas
Grace B. Turner
October 22, 1921 - October 5, 2011
Grace B. Turner age 89 of Mena died Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at the Rich Mountain Nursing and Rehab in Mena. She was born on Saturday, October 22, 1921 to Roy Lee and Ola Miles Titsworth Adams in Savannah, Oklahoma.
Grace finished the 8th grade in Arizona and graduated high school in Arkansas. She worked for many years as a cashier at Lyric Theatre; also did alterations at B&B; Cleaners; was a seamstress for her family. She also did home sales and was a housewife. She loved children, holidays, crochet, animals and bowling and was rewarded with hugs, kisses, thank you notes, happy pets and bowling trophies. Grace worshipped in many ways, in churches, and in the first tabernacle, “The Earth,” its people, creatures and all the wonders within. These are the greatest blessings any of us will ever have.
She is preceded in death by her parents; two husbands Frobin Bain and Pog Turner and one brother Roy G. Adams.
Survivors include one daughter, Ramona Taylor and husband, Jeff of Mena; grandchildren, John C. Cates and wife, Lynn of Farmersville, Texas and Jefferson L. Cates of Dallas, Texas, Min Ha Cates of Irving, Texas; two great grandchildren, J. Cody Cates of Katy, Texas and Phoebe Leeloo Cates of Dallas, Texas; with other family, friends and neighbors.
Graveside services will be Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. at the Boardcamp Cemetery with Reverend Gary Garrett officiating. Visitation will be Friday, October 7, 2011 from 6-8 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena. Arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.
Milton Earl Finley
March 29, 1939 - September 25, 2020
On September 25, 2020, Milton Finley, beloved husband, brother, and father, passed away at the age of 81. Milton was born on March 29, 1939 to Onie and Maudie Finley in Paradise, Texas. He leaves behind his loving wife, Amy, his Little Princess, Emily and a brother, Ben (Ethel). He was preceded in death by brothers, John, Onie Junior, and Thurman, sister, Ethel, wife Barb, and his parents.
He grew up working on the farm with his family, and was well known for his close-mouthed silence and his keen mind. From a young age, everyone who met Milton said that he would go far with his intelligence and perseverance. He had no problem with hard work, and easily accomplished his farm chores and school work while simultaneously earning a spot on every sports team the school had to offer. After losing his father at an early age, and with the Draft Board rolling into town, Milt made the decision to join the army, taking advantage of 3 squares a day plus the opportunity to better himself through military training. He frequently made reference to how easy basic training was, as they were allowed to sleep in until 4 am and then given "breakfast with meat in it!!" every single day. Nobody was surprised when he excelled in his military career, eventually attaining the rank of Sergeant Major before his retirement in 1978. Along the way, he traveled throughout Europe, became a superior mainframe programmer, worked in intelligence, served twice in Vietnam, and raised a family. He even met JFK while surveying the White House grounds, and often reminisced about the Monte Cristo sandwiches he shared with the survey crew on their lunch break.
After leaving the military, Milt settled down in Florida, where he entered the private sector as a computer programmer / data analyst. He eventually found true love in the form of Barbara Behny, and they wed in 1986. They enjoyed watching their granddaughter, Eliza, grow into a happy child, but eventually the call of the country was too much. They left Florida and bought a small farm in South Carolina, where they raised miniature horses and made lasting friendships. They enjoyed 28 wonderful years together, and anyone who spent time in their home could see the abiding love and affection between them.
After losing Barb in 2014, Milton eventually remarried Amy Davis in 2016. He also adopted his Little Princess, Emily Nicole. The couple enjoyed many adventures together and loved each other deeply. Before his health declined, Daddy and daughter could frequently be found sneaking up past bedtime to watch Walker, Texas Ranger, while gobbling ice cream and other prized treats. Milt, aka Cowboy, lived life to the fullest for as long as he possibly could - he ziplined in his late 70's on his honeymoon, rode horses till he could no longer get in the saddle, and kept his red boots shined at all times just in case the opportunity arose for a "scrumptious meal" at Longhorn. Milt loved his ponies, his farm, riding a tractor, dogs, cowboy boots, miniature Hereford cattle, and most of all, his little family. He will be grievously missed by all who were fortunate enough to have met him.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. at the Calvary Baptist Church in Mena with Brother Ben Finley and Brother Andy Arnold officiating. Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena. Visitation will be 2 hours before the service at the Calvary Baptist Church. Arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.
Pallbearers will be Gerald Finley, Randy Cook, David Martin III and Michael Aleshire.
In lieu of flowers, please consider helping a veteran in your community.
John Earl Brown
August 22, 1955 - October 22, 2011
Mr. John Earl Brown age 56, a longtime resident of Mena, passed away Saturday, October 22, 2011 in the loving arms of his wife, Karla Parnell Brown and in the company of his mother in law and stepfather in law, Sybil and Loyd Shrum.
Mr. Brown was preceded in death by his parents Asten Ray Brown and Elvie Louis Summitt.
A Private family service to be held at a later date, with the time, date and location to be announced by Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. Floral tributes and cards can be received at 2201 Edwards Street, Mena, Arkansas 71953.
Ellen Louise Lawry
January 15, 1933 - October 15, 2020
Ellen Lawry, age 87, of Keene, Texas, formally of Mena, Arkansas passed away peacefully into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 15, 2020. Ellen was born in 1933 in Kansas.
In addition to being a devoted and loving mother, Ellen was also accomplished in many different handicrafts and enjoyed sharing her work with others. Throughout her life, she held an unwavering faith in God.
It is with thanks and gratitude to those who loved and cared for her that her family can tenderly release Ellen into her eternal resting place in heaven until we are united once again. Ellen looked forward to being with her maker and anyone who knew her, knew this.
Ellen was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 52 years. Those left to cherish her memory include four children, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren and many other loved ones who will miss her greatly.
A graveside service will be held Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at 11:00 A.M. at the Nunley Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Monday, October 19, 2020 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena. Arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Alzheimer's Association or the American Cancer Society.
Honorary Pallbearers will be John Sassman, Richard Sassman, Alan Lawry and Aaron Carney.
Bonnie Louise Graves
September 29, 1960 - October 27, 2011
Bonnie Graves, age 51 of Mena, died Thursday, October 27, 2011 at home. She was born on Thursday, September 29, 1960 to Robert Lee and Geneva Brown Hawthorne in Nashville, Arkansas.
Bonnie was a friend to everyone and enjoyed spending time with her daughter, Brandy and her many friends. She was very proud of her daughter and they attended Rich Mountain Community College together where Bonnie was in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She was very proud of this accomplishment. She loved her cats and her dog. Bonnie enjoyed reading, listening to her music and really enjoyed going to The Kentucky Headhunters concerts. Bonnie worked 8 years at the Child Development Incorporated in Mena as Food Service Provider and enjoyed the work there very much, also receiving her 5 year Service Award. Bonnie was always thinking about getting her next tattoo. She was addicted to ink. She loved to read books and anything by Nora Roberts. She also liked designing and making jewelry.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors include her daughter, Brandy Beane of Mena; her significant other, Tommy "Bud" Moore of Mena; several aunts and uncles and a host of other relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held Monday, October 31, 2011 at 5 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. Graveside services will be Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at 5 P.M. in Mineral Springs, Arkansas, with Pastor Wayne Murphy officiating at Mineral Springs Cemetery
Alexander Cole Masters
June 26, 1990 - November 3, 2011
Alexander Cole Masters, age 21, of Mena died Thursday, November 3, 2011 at his home. He was born on Tuesday, June 26, 1990 to Timothy Glenn and Lisa Johnette Hughes Masters in Conroe, Texas.
Alex enjoyed life and lived life to the fullest. He graduated high school from North Lamar High School in Paris, Texas in 2008, where he played soccer. After graduating high school, he attended East Texas Baptist University, where he was a junior, majoring in Psychology. Alex was very active in his youth group at the First Baptist Church in Paris, Texas, where he went on several youth mission trips, including ones to New Orleans during the recovery of Hurricane Katrina, New York City, and Waco, Texas. Alex was passionate about his music and loved to play his guitar and keyboard. He was self taught and considered this to be one of his greatest accomplishments in life. He loved his family and had a special place in his heart for his niece and two nephews. Alex was a big fan of both the University of Texas and the University of Arkansas football teams. He also enjoyed going camping, fishing and playing his video games. Alex will be missed by all who knew him.
Alex is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Helen Masters and one uncle David Masters.
Survivors include his parents, Tim and Lisa Masters of Mena; one brother, Neal Del Rio of Hot Springs; two sisters, Anna Masters of Rogers and Hillary Del Rio Williams and husband Greg of Owasso, Oklahoma; Paternal grandfather, T.C. Masters of Mena; his maternal grandparents, Johnny and Ann Hughes of Bastrop, Louisiana; uncles and aunts, Jerry and Karen Masters of Little Rock, Martin and Betty Gilbert of Fayetteville, Mike and Barbara Shepard of Mena, Martha Masters of Mena, Doug and Alma Hughes, Pat Hughes, Jane and Scotty Jones, Ben Hughes all of Bastrop, Louisiana, two nephews Truett Nieto of Rogers and Cohen Williams of Owasso, Oklahoma; one niece Clara Grace Williams of Owasso, Oklahoma; several cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.
Services will be Monday, November 7, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church in Mena with Dr. David McCord and Brother Tony VanDerWilt officiating. Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Garden in Mena. Visitation will be Sunday, November 6, 2011from 2:00-5:00 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.
Pallbearers will be Neal Del Rio, Greg Williams, Taylor Masters, Jordan Sims, Ryan LeFlore, Aaron Skidmore and Sam Buzzard.
Memorials can be made to the First Baptist Church Youth Group, P.O. Box 489, Paris, Texas 75461.
