Obituaries, Union County, Arkansas *********************************************************** Submitted by: Angie Dusty Date: 29 May 2008 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************** El Dorado News Times May 21-31, 2008 PAULINE C. CASH Published: 05/21/2008 Pauline Childress Cash, 92, of Warren, died Tuesday, May 20, 2008, at Wagnon Place Nursing Home. The daughter of Lee Childress and Viva Leslie Childress, she was born March 13, 1916, in Kingsland. She was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ottis S. Cash; her parents; and two sisters, Bernice Parham and Margaret Ponder. Survivors include two sons, Bruce Cash of Warren and Don Cash of McGhee; a brother, Trustin Childress of Portland, Ore.; a sister, Nan Seymore of Lake Mary, Fla.; five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Frazer's Chapel in Warren. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery under the direction of Frazer's Funeral Home of Warren. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church or the Donald W. Reynolds YMCA. ------------------ JOSEPH EDWARDS Published: 05/21/2008 Joseph Edwards, 45, of El Dorado, died Tuesday, May 21, 2008, at the John R. Williamson Hospice House. Arrangements will be announced by Andrews Funeral Home. ------------------ PAULINE C. CASH Published: 05/21/2008 Pauline Childress Cash, 92, of Warren, died Tuesday, May 20, 2008, at Wagnon Place Nursing Home. The daughter of Lee Childress and Viva Leslie Childress, she was born March 13, 1916, in Kingsland. She was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ottis S. Cash; her parents; and two sisters, Bernice Parham and Margaret Ponder. Survivors include two sons, Bruce Cash of Warren and Don Cash of McGhee; a brother, Trustin Childress of Portland, Ore.; a sister, Nan Seymore of Lake Mary, Fla.; five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Frazer's Chapel in Warren. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery under the direction of Frazer's Funeral Home of Warren. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church or the Donald W. Reynolds YMCA. ------------------ JOSEPH EDWARDS Published: 05/21/2008 Joseph Edwards, 45, of El Dorado, died Tuesday, May 21, 2008, at the John R. Williamson Hospice House. Arrangements will be announced by Andrews Funeral Home. ------------------ LOLLIE JAMERSON Published: 05/22/2008 Lollie Jamerson, 94, of Strong, died Monday, May 19, 2008. She was a homemaker. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Shiloh Baptist Church of Strong. Burial will be in Batts Chapel Church Cemetery under the direction of Funerals by McFarland of Monroe, La. ------------------ HARRY R. WHATLEY Published: 05/22/2008 Harry Reynolds Whatley, 92, of El Dorado, died Wednesday, May 21, 2008, at Hudson Memorial Nursing Home. He was born May 15, 1916, in Union County, to Hubert Asa Whatley and Clara Steger Combs Whatley. Harry was a U. S. Army Veteran of World War II, a retired insurance adjuster and owner of Chambers Claim Service and a member of the First United Methodist Church. Preceding him in death were his parents and two brothers, Raymond and Eldridge Whatley. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Ouida Mae Endel Whatley of El Dorado; a son, Ronnie Whatley and his wife, Cheryl, of Minden, La.; a daughter, Patricia Bell and her husband, Charles, of Tyler, Texas; a sister, Dorothy Blatnik of St. Clairsville, Ohio; seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Arlington Memorial Park with Dr. Jim Polk officiating and under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors. Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 201 S. Hill, El Dorado, AR 71730, or the charity of the donor's choice. An online guest registry is available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com ------------------ PAUL C. BILGER Published: 05/23/2008 Paul C. Bilger, 80, of El Dorado, died Thursday, May 22, 2008, at his residence. Arrangements will be announced by Young's Funeral Directors. ------------------ NEAL L. COPELAND Published: 05/23/2008 Neal LaFayette Copeland, 54, of Cave Springs, died April 16, 2008, in Owasso, Okla. The son of James LaFayette Copeland and Carrie Frances Camden Copeland, he was born Nov. 13, 1953, in Pine Bluff. He was a construction worker and a Pentecostal. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include a son, Donald Jacob Copeland of Mulberry; one brother, Billy Copeland of Hartford; two sisters, Carolyn Tillery of Healing Springs and Marilyn Winbery of Cave Springs; and one grandchild. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Oakland Cemetery under the direction of Frazer's Funeral Home of Warren. ------------------ LOTTIE JAMERSON Published: 05/23/2008 Funeral for Lottie Jamerson, 94, of Strong, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Shiloh Baptist Church of Strong. Burial will be in Batts Chapel Church Cemetery under the direction of Funerals by McFarland of Monroe, La. ------------------ GEORGE T. TAYLOR SR. Published: 05/23/2008 George Thomas Taylor Sr., 76, of Stamps, died Saturday, May 17, 2008, at St. Michael's Hospital in Texarkana, Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife, Annie Pauline Brown Taylor; four children; and seven brothers and sisters. Survivors include one daughter, Glinder Taylor Walker of Bettendorf, Iowa; two sons, George T. Taylor Jr. of DalValle, Texas, and Eli Taylor of Austin, Texas; one sister, Queen Esther Curry of Shreveport, La.; 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A wake will be held from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. today at Henderson's Mortuary in Magnolia. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home with the Rev. Hollis Aubrey officiating. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Stamps under the direction of Henderson's Funeral Service of Magnolia. ------------------ CHARLES F. LANE Published: 05/23/2008 Lane Charles F. Lane, 88, of El Dorado, died May 21, 2008, at his home following a long illness. Born on Oct. 22, 1919, in Memphis, Tenn., he was the son of John R. and Sadie Bell Lane. Senior Master Sergeant Charles F. Lane served his country for 22 years in both the Army Air Corp and U.S. Air Force in World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal, the Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon with oak leaf, the Army Good Conduct Medal with three knots, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with three knots, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with oak leaf, the Army Occupation Medal Japan, the National Defense Medal with bronze star, the Korean Service Medal with two campaign stars, the Vietnam Service Medal with campaign star, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, the World War II Victory Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the Air Force Longevity Ribbon with four oak leafs, the Air Force Small Arms Expert Ribbon, the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, and the United Nation Korean Service Medal. After retiring from the Air Force, Mr. Lane operated Norphlet Radio and TV Repair for several years. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Mildred Lane Eldridge; four brothers, Benford, Roy, James and Curtis Lane; a grandchild, Sherri Lane; and his wife, Nellie King Lane. Survivors include a son, Ronald Lane and his wife, Dovie, of El Dorado; daughters, Annette Perrin and her husband, Bob, of Palestine, Texas, and Linda Franzen and her husband, Gary, of San Antonio, Texas; nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. today at Arlington Memorial Park with the Rev. David Preston officiating. Bailey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until noon today. Memorials may be made to Life Touch Hospice, 2301 Champagnolle Road, El Dorado, AR 71730. An online registry is available at www.baileyfuneralhome.net ------------------ PAUL C. BILGER Published: 05/24/2008 Paul C. Bilger, 80, of El Dorado, died Thursday, May 22, 2008, at his residence. He was born July 16, 1927, in Duluth, Minn., to Earl Joseph Bilger and Elza Cameron Bilger. Paul was an Army Veteran of the Korean War and World War II and a retired vice-president of production and manufacturing at Murphy Oil. After his retirement he helped to organize S.C.O.R.E. He was an avid golfer and tennis buff, loved his family, was a member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church where he was active on various committees and the vestry, and a member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew at St. Mary's. His parents preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife, Florence M. Bilger of El Dorado; sons, Michael Bilger and his wife, Shirley, of Memphis, Tenn., Jim Bilger of Los Angeles, John Bilger and his wife, Gina, of Little Rock; daughters, Kathy Packard and her husband, Philip, of El Dorado, Patti Simpson and her husband, Dr. Scott Simpson, of El Dorado, Leigh Caldwell and her husband, Steve, of Fayetteville; a brother, Robert Bilger and his wife, Marion, of Tryon, N.C.; nephews, Rob and Steve Bilger; grandchildren, Paul Bilger, Courtney Post and her husband, Xon, Megan Looper and her husband, Nick, Cameron Packard, Amanda and Jessica Simpson, Morgan and Maggie Bilger, Jack, Ellie and Joseph Bilger; and one great- grandchild, Henley Kate Post. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 25, at St. Mary's Episcopal Church with Father Charles Chapman officiating and under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Bob Brown, Mickey Murfee, Fred Smith, Ellis Glover, Scotty Giles, T.M. Byrd, Martin Machen, Maurice Camell, and Gene Stringfellow. Visitation will be from 2 until 4 p.m. today at St. Mary's Parish Hall. ------------------ NEAL L. COPELAND Published: 05/24/2008 Graveside services for Neal LaFayette Copeland, 54, of Cave Springs, will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Oakland Cemetery under the direction of Frazer's Funeral Home of Warren. ------------------ CHRISTINE WALKER Published: 05/24/2008 Christine Walker, of El Dorado, died Friday, May 23, 2008, at the John R. Williamson Hospice House. Arrangements will be announced by Andrews Funeral Home. ------------------ PAUL C. BILGER Published: 05/25/2008 Paul C. Bilger, 80, of El Dorado, died Thursday, May 22, 2008, at his residence. He was born July 16, 1927, in Duluth, Minn., to Earl Joseph Bilger and Elza Cameron Bilger. Paul was an Army Veteran of the Korean War and World War II and a retired vice-president of production and manufacturing at Murphy Oil. After his retirement he helped to organize S.C.O.R.E. He was an avid golfer and tennis buff, loved his family, was a member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church where he was active on various committees and the vestry, and a member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew at St. Mary's. His parents preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife, Florence M. Bilger of El Dorado; sons, Michael Bilger and his wife, Shirley, of Memphis, Tenn., Jim Bilger of Los Angeles, John Bilger and his wife, Gina, of Little Rock; daughters, Kathy Packard and her husband, Philip, of El Dorado, Patti Simpson and her husband, Dr. Scott Simpson, of El Dorado, Leigh Caldwell and her husband, Steve, of Fayetteville; a brother, Robert Bilger and his wife, Marion, of Tryon, N.C.; nephews, Rob and Steve Bilger; grandchildren, Paul Bilger, Courtney Post and her husband, Xon, Megan Looper and her husband, Nick, Cameron Packard, Amanda and Jessica Simpson, Morgan and Maggie Bilger, Jack, Ellie and Joseph Bilger; and one great- grandchild, Henley Kate Post. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. today at St. Mary's Episcopal Church with Father Charles Chapman officiating and under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors in El Dorado. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Bob Brown, Mickey Murfee, Fred Smith, Ellis Glover, Scotty Giles, T.M. Byrd, Martin Machen, Maurice Camell and Gene Stringfellow. Visitation will be from 2 until 4 p.m. today at St. Mary's Parish Hall. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Memorial Program, P.O. Box 3704, Memphis, TN 38173-0704 or the Susan G. Komen Foundation, 5005 LBJ Freeway, Suite 250, Dallas, TX 75244. An online guest registry is available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com on the Internet. ------------------ NEAL L. COPELAND Published: 05/25/2008 Graveside services for Neal LaFayette Copeland, 54, of Cave Springs, will be held at 2 p.m. today in Oakland Cemetery. Burial will be under the direction of Frazer's Funeral Home in Warren. ------------------ CHRISTINE WALLACE Published: 05/25/2008 Christine Walker Wallace, 75, of El Dorado, died on Friday, May 23, 2008, at the John R. Williamson Hospice House in El Dorado. She was born on Aug. 25, 1932, in El Dorado. She was the daughter of Ocie Neal and Georgia Hunter. She was a retired employee of Cloud Corp. in Chicago. She was a member of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Chicago. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clinton T. Wallace; and a brother, Robert D. Neal. Survivors include three brothers, Occie Lee Neal, Joe Carl Neal and James Neal, all of El Dorado; three sisters, Effie Wiley and Addie B. Smith of El Dorado and Ethel Hall of Miami, Fla. There will be no viewing or visitation at the funeral home. Mrs. Wallace was cremated. There will be a private memorial service at a later time. Arrangements are under the direction of Andrews Funeral Home in El Dorado. ------------------ ROBERT O. WHITE Published: 05/25/2008 White Robert "Bobby" Overton White, 55, of Waco, Texas, died on Thursday, May 22, 2008, at his home. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd., Waco, Texas. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday in Magnolia Memorial Park in Magnolia. In Magnolia, the family will be at 820 Sue St. A video honoring his life can be viewed online at www.oakcrestwaco.com. Bobby was born on Aug. 13, 1952, in Magnolia to Hugh Morgan and LeMoyne McCollum White, who both preceded him in death. He was a 1970 graduate of Magnolia High School. He served four years in the Air Force, which included a tour in Germany. After obtaining a degree in criminal justice from Eastern Washington University in Cheney, he moved to Harlingen in 1987 to start his career as a revenue officer with Internal Revenue Service. He transferred to Waco in 1994. Bob enjoyed football season, fantasy football, building computers, deep sea fishing and watching "American Idol." He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and co-workers. He is survived by his sister, Tommie Sue Smith of Bloomington, Minn., and husband, Bill; a brother, Max White of Hot Springs Village, and wife, Barbara; three nephews, Ken, Paul and Jeff Smith. Also surviving are an uncle and aunt, John and Norma DeLoach, an uncle, Delmus Black of Magnolia and cousins. His former wife, Kris Jimenez, lives in Commerce City. Long-time friend, Christine Matz, lives in Round Rock, Texas. Memorials may be made to the Waco Humane Society Medical Fund, 2032 Circle Rd, Waco, TX 76706. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.lewisfuneralhome.biz. ------------------ MYRTLE HOGUE Published: 05/26/2008 Myrtle Hogue, 87, of El Dorado, died on Sunday, May 25, 2008, at her residence. Arrangements will be announced by Young's Funeral Directors. ------------------ DON FLETCHER Published: 05/26/2008 Don Fletcher, 63, of Norphlet, died on Sunday, May 25, 2008. Arrangements will be announced by Young's Funeral Directors. ------------------ JERRY FRAZIER Published: 05/27/2008 Jerry Frazier, 67, of El Dorado, died Monday, May 26, 2008, at the John R. Williamson Hospice House in El Dorado. Arrangements will be announced by Andrews Funeral Home. ------------------ MEGAN A. MITCHELL Published: 05/27/2008 Megan Ann Mitchell, 2, of Clarksville, died Saturday, May 24, 2008, at Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock. Born Dec. 14, 2005, in Clarksville, she was the daughter of Danny and Laura Mitchell. Survivors include her parents, Danny and Laura Mitchell of Clarksville; a sister, Nicole Mitchell of Clarksville; a brother, Nicholas Mitchell of Clarksville; and her grandparents, Judy Mitchell of Norphlet, Gene and Ann White of Smackover, and Gaylan and Rod Harrington of El Dorado. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. today in Bethlehem Cemetery in Clarksville. Burial will be under the direction of Hardwicke Funeral Home of Clarksville. ------------------ DON FLETCHER Published: 05/27/2008 Fletcher Don Fletcher, 63, of Norphlet, passed away Sunday, May 25, 2008. He was born April 20, 1945, in Smackover, to John Porter and Floy Ivey Fletcher. Don worked as a machinist for El Dorado Chemical. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Norphlet. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Kim Morgan. Survivors include his loving wife, Joyce Fletcher of Norphlet; a daughter, DeLora Morgan and husband, Steve, of Parkers Chapel; a brother, Johnny Fletcher and wife, Eileen, of Norphlet; sisters, Becky Barker and husband, Maurice, of El Dorado, and Ginger Faulkner of Norphlet, and Sue Wilson and husband, Bill, of El Dorado; grandchildren, Haley Morgan, Christi Morgan and Brennan Morgan. He is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2008, at the First Baptist Church of Norphlet with Bro. Dennis Turner officiating. Burial will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors. Honorary pallbearers will be employees of El Dorado Chemical Company. Visitation will be today from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Norphlet, 201 S. Main, Norphlet, AR 71759. The family will be at 605 N. Texas in Norphlet. An online obituary will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com ------------------ RODNIE L. NORMAN Published: 05/28/2008 Rodnie L. Norman, 63, of Huttig, died Monday, May 26, 2008. Survivors include his wife, Ira L. Norman. Arrangements are pending and will be announced at a later date. ------------------ JAMES M. PROTHRO Published: 05/28/2008 James Maxwell (Max) Prothro, 88, of El Dorado, died Tuesday, May 27, 2008, at Medical Center of South Arkansas. Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Young's Chapel with Dr. Benjy McCann officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in El Dorado under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Young's. The family will be at 2802 Junction City Road, El Dorado. ------------------ JOHNIE STOCKER Published: 05/28/2008 Johnie Stocker, 66, of El Dorado, died Tuesday, May 27, 2008, at Medical Center of South Arkansas. He was born in Lawton, Okla., the son of Johnie and Mary Stocker Sr. He was a truck driver. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include one brother, Dee Joe Stocker; and one sister, Delilah Stocker, both of Norphlet. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. today at El Bethel Three Creeks of El Dorado with the Rev. Felton Burgie officiating. Services are under the direction of Sims Mortuary. There will be no viewing. ------------------ DERRICK TIDWELL Published: 05/28/2008 Derrick Tidwell, 74, of El Dorado, died Tuesday, May 27, 2008, at the John R. Williamson Hospice House. Arrangements will be announced by Andrews Funeral Home. ------------------ ETHEL B. WILLIS Published: 05/28/2008 Ethel Betty Ross McSwain Willis, 66, of Detroit, and formerly of El Dorado, died Tuesday, May 13, 2008. She was born Aug. 7, 1941, to Deacon Jesse and Ruby B. Ross Sr., in Farmerville, La. She moved to El Dorado in 1942 and moved to Detroit in 1959. She was a member of Union Mission Baptist Church in El Dorado, where she sang in the choirs and played the piano. After she moved to Detroit, she joined the True Love Missionary Baptist Church, where she sang in the choirs and served in the department of missions. She graduated from Fairview and Washington High School and received a diploma in the executive secretarial curriculum in 1962 from the Detroit Institute of Commerce. She received her associate's degree from Wayne County Community College in 1978 and her bachelor's degree from Wayne State University in 1988. She worked as a secretary, typist, director of the True Love Day Care Center, and administrative assistant. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Dennis McSwain; one son, Christopher; three brothers, Oscar, Willie and Lester; three sisters, Ora C. Taylor, Ruby Mae Alderson and Carolyn Lindsey; and one stepchild, Robin. Survivors include her husband, Duncan Melrose Willis; her son, Kevin Stephan McSwain; one brother, Jesse Ross of Lewisville, Texas; two sisters, Minnie Elnora Beasley of El Dorado and Etta Norma White of Grand Prairie, Texas; several step-children; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral was held May 20 and arrangements were under the direction of C.W. Morris - J.W. Henry Funeral Home, Inc., of Highland Park, Mich. ------------------ BETTY S. BRASWELL Published: 05/29/2008 Betty Smith Braswell, 77, of Lynnville, Tenn., died Tuesday May 27, 2008, at Columbia Care and Rehabilitation in Columbia, Tenn. The daughter of Willie Lee Smith and Elsie Laura Potts Smith, she was born Sept. 3, 1930, in Drew County. She was a homemaker and member of Lynnville Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Ernest J. Braswell. Survivors include two sons, Le Ron Braswell of Stephens and Gary Braswell of Columbia; two brothers, Billy Smith of Warren and Scotty Smith of Benton; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Frazer's Chapel. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery under the direction of Frazer's Funeral Home of Warren. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. ------------------ MARGARET E. GEORGE Published: 05/29/2008 Margaret Evers George, 84, of Magnolia, died Tuesday, May 27, 2008, at Springhill Medical Center in Springhill, La. Funeral will be at 10 :30 a.m. Friday at Christies Chapel United Methodist Church with the Rev. Barbara Lewis and Bro. Eric Goble officiating. Burial will be in Christies Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Lewis Funeral Home of Magnolia. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. ------------------ GRADY McMATH JR. Published: 05/29/2008 McMath Grady McMath Jr., 69, passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2008, in Bryan, Texas. Funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 30, at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan with family receiving friends at 10 a.m. Graveside service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 31, at Strong Cemetery in Strong. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Sara McMath of Bryan; sons and daughter- in-law, John Grady McMath of Houston, Mark W. Sr. and Shannon McMath of Bryan; grandchildren, Katie and Mark McMath Jr.; brother and sister-in-law, William H. and Kathy McMath of Memphis, Tenn.; nephew, Mitchell Redd; and nieces, Rachel Easley and Cecily McMath. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Family Life Center building fund at Central Baptist Church in Bryan. Memorial Funeral Chapel of Bryan, is in charge of arrangements. ------------------ JAMES M. PROTHRO Published: 05/29/2008 Prothro James Maxwell (Max) Prothro, passed away on May 27, 2008. He was born the second of eight children on Jan. 6, 1920, in El Dorado, to Fred and Exa Prothro. He attended El Dorado High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II. Max retired from the American Oil Co. of El Dorado, where he was employed for most of his career. He was a kind and gentle soul and loved to work in his vegetable garden. He married Winifred Wharton, of El Dorado, on Christmas Eve 1939 and they enjoyed 68 years of happy marriage. He was a devoted husband and father, who will be greatly missed by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Paul, Calvin and Doyle Prothro; and a sister, Meriexa Owen. Survivors include his loving wife, Winifred Prothro; sons, Sid Prothro and his wife, Sherril, of Flower Mound, Texas, Joel Prothro and his wife, Chrystal, of Livingston, Texas; grandchildren, Tonya Darby of Mexia, Texas, and Cherie Jacobson of San Diego; one great-grandson, Brandon Whitaker of Mexia, Texas; brothers, Jerry Prothro of El Dorado, and Willy Fred Prothro of Benton; and a sister, Patricia Prothro Richmond of Norman. Funeral will be held at 11a.m. on Friday, May 30, at Young's Chapel with Dr. Benjy McCann officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. The family will be at 2802 Junction City Road, El Dorado. ------------------ BONNIE S. TEATER Published: 05/29/2008 Bonnie Sue Teater, 68, of Hampton, died Tuesday, May 27, 2008, at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock. She was born Sept. 25, 1939, in Calhoun County. She was a homemaker and a member of Camp Ground Presbyterian Church in Hampton. Survivors include two sons, Tony Teater of Hampton and Steven Teater and his wife, Angela, of Camden; one daughter, Kristi Manning and her husband, Mike, of Louann; her mother, Jimmie McDuffie of El Dorado; one brother, Larry McDuffie of Palm Springs, Calif.; two sisters, Carolyn Spiva of Hampton and Kathy Harrison of Parkers Chapel; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; and a very special friend, Walter Gene Kitchens of Hampton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Myrle Teater; her father, Andrew Jackson McDuffie; one son, Rannie Teater; two grandsons, Jason Oliver and Tydus Manning; and a brother, Harley McDuffie. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. today at Benton Funeral Home in Hampton. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday, May 30, at Camp Ground Presbyterian Church in Hampton with the Rev. Mike Nutt officiating. Burial will be at Camp Ground Cemetery. Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.com. ------------------ BETTY S. BRASWELL Published: 05/30/2008 Funeral for Betty Smith Braswell, 77, of Lynnville, Tenn., will be at 10 a.m. today at Frazer's Chapel. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery under the direction of Frazer's Funeral Home of Warren. ------------------ JOSEPH J. EDWARDS Published: 05/30/2008 Edwards Joseph Jerome (Rome) Edwards, 45, of El Dorado, died Tuesday, May 20, 2008, at the John R. Williamson Hospice House. He was born March 9, 1965, in El Dorado, and was the son of Elree and Allonia Jackson Edwards. He was a member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church. He served in the U.S. Army and was employed as a cashier at Miller's Wag-A-Bag Grocery Store. He was preceded in death by his mother and two brothers. Survivors include his father, Elree Edwards of El Dorado; six brothers, Carl Lee Edwards, Eddie Charles Edwards, James Kenny Edwards and David Lee Edwards Sr., all of El Dorado, Timothy Edwards of Little Rock, and Elmer Lee Edwards of Silver Springs, Mo.; and five sisters, Linda Faye Carroll, Mary Ann Walker and Joyce Marie Edwards, all of El Dorado, Martha Ann Dyer of Minden, La., and Betty Delois Robson of Tampa, Fla. Funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at St. Paul A.M.E. Church with the Rev. Isiah Walker officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery in El Dorado under the direction of Andrews Funeral Home. Public viewing will be held from 1 until 5 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. The family will be at 1212 E. Monroe St., El Dorado. The family will meet with friends after the service in the fellowship hall of St. Paul A.M.E. Church. ------------------ JERRY L. FRAZIER Published: 05/30/2008 Frazier Jerry Lee (Bull) Frazier, 67, of El Dorado, died Monday, May 26, 2008, at the John R. Williamson Hospice House. He was born May 11, 1941, in El Dorado, the son of Albert E. Frazier and Elnora Dickerson Frazier. He was a member of Beulah Grove Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his stepmother, Ada Ruth Burch of El Dorado; two brothers, James Moore of El Dorado and Lee Moore of Farmerville, La.; one sister, Annie Joe Moore Gardner of El Dorado; and one stepsister, Mittie B. Savanna of El Dorado. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. James Baptist Church with Bishop George Calloway Jr. officiating. Andrews Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. There will be no viewing or visitation at the funeral home or service. He was cremated. The family will be at 603 S. Bradley and will meet with friends there after the service. ------------------ MARGARET E. GEORGE Published: 05/30/2008 Margaret Evers George, 84, of Magnolia, died Tuesday, May 27, 2008, at the Springhill Medical Center in Springhill, La. She was born Aug.19, 1923, in Sarepta, La. to Olen Ray and Sallie Eunice (Phillips) Evers and was a homemaker. Margaret was a member of Christies Chapel United Methodist Church, a member of the Extension Homemakers Club for over 50 years, a 50-year member of the Eastern Star and a member of the Woodmen of the World. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Ray Evers and Herbert Evers; and sisters, Mary Elise Evers, Eunice Talley and Ella Faye McIlveene. Survivors include her husband of 68 years, Lloyd C. George of Magnolia; daughters, Barbara Franks and her husband, Jimmy, of Magnolia, and Lucy Burcham and her husband, Hershel, of Benton, La.; sons, John George and his wife, Kathy, of Magnolia, and Louis George and his wife, Eveann, of El Dorado; sisters, Mattie McMullan of Magnolia, Nettie Jewel Watson of Magnolia, Ruth Kyle of Magnolia, and Patsy Greene and her husband, Monroe, of Hot Springs; brothers, Harold Evers and his wife, Inez, of Natchez, Miss., Clifford Evers and his wife, Blondeen, of Round Rock, Texas, Carlos Evers of Magnolia, and Charles Evers of Covington, La.; 13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. today at Christies Chapel United Methodist Church with the Rev. Barbara Lewis officiating and assisted by Bro. Eric Goble. Burial will follow in Christies Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. of Magnolia. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, First Sergeant Charles Franks, Jeffrey Franks, Chris Burcham, Matthew Burcham, Hudson George, Jonathan George and Dwight Kirkpatrick. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Eastern Star. Memorials may be made to the Christies Chapel Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 166, Emerson, AR 71740-0166. To sign the on-line guest registry, visit www.lewisfuneralhome.biz ------------------ ELOISE B. GRANT Published: 05/30/2008 Grant Eloise Bailey Grant, 72, of Magnolia, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 27, 2008, in Shreveport, La. Born Sept. 23, 1935, in Farmerville, N.C., she was the second of three daughters born to Robert "Bob" and Esther "Pat" (Ellis) Bailey. She graduated from Magnolia High School in 1954. In 1955 she married Howard W. "Howdy" Grant Jr. In 1957 Howdy entered the military and she spent the next 20 years as a military wife following his career. In 1975 they returned home to Magnolia. In her early years Eloise spent some time modeling and was also a talented interior designer. She always enjoyed spending time with her family and playing bridge with her friends. Even in retirement she continued to play an active role in the funeral business, spending the last four years as co-owner and operator of Bailey Funeral Homes and Bailey Mortuaries, Inc. She was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Magnolia. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Howdy. Those left to cherish her memory include a son, Howard Steve Grant and his fiance', Teresa Smith, of Benton, La.; a daughter, Lydia Grant Smith and her husband, Conny, of Springhill, La., five grandsons, Ed Grant and his wife, Brooke, of Springhill, Zackery Grant of Knoxville, Tenn., Heath Grant and his wife, Caroline, of Brister, Cody Grant and his wife, Samantha, of Springhill, and Tate Smith of Springhill; two great-granddaughters, Claire Grant of Springhill, and Ensley Grant of Brister; two sisters, Joyce Neel and her husband, Leon, of Coldspring, Texas, and Wanda Kay Farrington and her husband, Aubrey, of Benton; several nieces, nephews and a host of friends. Services were held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bubba Smith officiating. Interment followed in Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home of Magnolia. Pallbearers were Cody Grant, Ed Grant, Heath Grant, Tate Smith, Troy Smith and Russell Farrington. Honorary pallbearers were Larry Burrow, Michael Fess, Aubrey Farrington, Leon Neel and Conny Smith. Memorials may be made to American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association or First United Methodist Church. Sign our online registry at www.baileyfuneralhome.net ------------------ EDNA B. LOFTIN Published: 05/30/2008 Edna Bass Loftin, 94, of El Dorado, died Thursday, May 29, 2008. Arrangements will be announced by Bailey Funeral Home. ------------------ GRADY McMATH JR. Published: 05/30/2008 Funeral for Grady McMath Jr., 69, of Bryan, Texas, will be at 11 a.m. today at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan with family receiving friends at 10 a.m. Graveside service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday at Strong Cemetery in Strong. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Family Life Center building fund at Central Baptist Church in Bryan. Memorial Funeral Chapel of Bryan, is in charge of arrangements. ------------------ ROBERT L. NICHOLSON Published: 05/30/2008 Robert Lee Nicholson, 77, of Warren, died Wednesday, May 28, 2008, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff. Born Nov. 17, 1930, in Argenta, Ill., he was the son of Cecil Nicholson and Gertrude Lanter Nicholson. He was a retired sergeant first class in the U.S. Army, with 23 years of service. He served during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty Jean Phillips Nicholson; and a son, Jimmie Lee Nicholson. Survivors include two daughters, Susan Rose Creswell and Sara Marie Weaver, both of Warren; eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Oakland Cemetery under the direction of Frazer's Funeral Home of Warren. ------------------ JAMES M. PROTHRO Published: 05/30/2008 Funeral for James Maxwell (Max) Prothro, of El Dorado, will be at 11 a.m. today at Young's Chapel with Dr. Benjy McCann officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors. The family will be at 2802 Junction City Road, El Dorado. ------------------ BONNIE S. TEATER Published: 05/30/2008 Funeral for Bonnie Sue Teater, 68, of Hampton, will be at 10 a.m. today at Camp Ground Presbyterian Church in Hampton with the Rev. Mike Nutt officiating. Burial will be in Camp Ground Cemetery under the direction of Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. ------------------ CHARLES B. WALLER Published: 05/30/2008 Charles B. Waller, 53, of El Dorado, died Wednesday, May 28, 2008, at St. Michaels Hospital in Texarkana, Texas. Arrangements will be announced by Andrews Funeral Home. ------------------ JOSEPH J. EDWARDS By: - El Dorado News Times - Published: 05/31/2008 Funeral for Joseph Jerome (Rome) Edwards, 45, of El Dorado, will be at 2:30 p.m. today at St. Paul A.M.E. Church with the Rev. Isiah Walker officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery in El Dorado under the direction of Andrews Funeral Home. Public viewing will be from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. today at the funeral home. The family will be at 1212 E. Monroe St., El Dorado. The family will meet with friends after the service in the fellowship hall of St. Paul A.M.E. Church. ------------------ JERRY L. FRAZIER By: - El Dorado News Times - Published: 05/31/2008 Memorial services for Jerry Lee (Bull) Frazier, 67, of El Dorado, will be held at 11 a.m. today at St. James Baptist Church with Bishop George Calloway Jr. officiating. Andrews Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. There will be no viewing or visitation at the funeral home or service. He was cremated. The family will be at 603 S. Bradley and will meet with friends there after the service. Memorials may be made to Life Touch Hospice, 2301 Champagnolle Road, El Dorado, AR 71730. ------------------ MYRTLE A. HOGUE By: - El Dorado News Times - Published: 05/31/2008 Myrtle Ann Nickels Hogue, 87, of Magnolia, died Sunday, May 25, 2008, at her son's residence in El Dorado. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 2, at Saddle Cemetery in Saddle under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors of El Dorado. There will be no visitation. ------------------ EDNA B. LOFTIN By: - El Dorado News Times - Published: 05/31/2008 Edna Bass Loftin, 94, of El Dorado, died Thursday, May 29, 2008, at Hillsboro Manor Nurse Care following a lengthy illness. Born June 19, 1913, in the Hopeville Community of Calhoun County, she was the daughter of William Russell and Mittie Cooper Bass. She was a member of Union Baptist Church and a homemaker. Preceding her in death along with her parents were her husband, J.Y. Loftin; a daughter, Gail Loftin Pilot; a son-in-law, Jim Swehla; six siblings, Basil, Lundy, Royce, Marion and George Bass and Gertrude Bass Hill. Survivors include two daughters, Linda Swehla of Greenfield, Mass., and Nancy Hargett of El Dorado; one half-sister, Amy Strow of Dallas; seven grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Also surviving is a son- in-law and his wife, Jeanne, of Duncansville, Penn., and a dear friend, Thomas Price. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 1, at Old Union Cemetery with the Rev. Doug Pilot officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Life Touch Hospice, 2301 Champagnolle Road, El Dorado, AR 71730; or to Old Union Cemetery Fund, 144 Crain City Road, El Dorado, AR 71730. Online registry is available at www.baileyfuneralhome.net. Say not it's a dreadful journey When the Savior leads the way; It's passing through the shadows To the land of endless day! - Bosch ------------------ MARION McELROY By: - El Dorado News Times - Published: 05/31/2008 Marion McElroy, 80, of Dallas, died Friday, May 30, 2008, at Heart Stone Hospice. Arrangements will be announced by Young's Funeral Directors. ------------------ ESSIE McKINLEY By: - El Dorado News Times - Published: 05/31/2008 Essie McKinley, 80, of El Dorado, died Thursday, May 29, 2008, at Medical Center of South Arkansas. Arrangements will be announced by Andrews Funeral Home. ------------------ ROBERT L. NICHOLSON By: - El Dorado News Times - Published: 05/31/2008 Graveside services for Robert Lee Nicholson, 77, of Warren, will be at 2 p.m. today at Oakland Cemetery under the direction of Frazer's Funeral Home of Warren. ------------------ RODNIE L. NORMAN By: - El Dorado News Times - Published: 05/31/2008 Rodnie Leon Norman, 63, of Huttig, and formerly of Gary, Ind., died Monday, May 26, 2008. The son of Curtis Leon Norman and Alberta Shutes-Norman, he was born Aug. 6, 1944, in Detroit. He was preceded in death by his parents. He graduated from Gardner High School in 1963. He retired from U.S. Steel in Gary. He was a master craftsman and an inventor. Survivors include his wife, Ira Norman; daughters, Dewanda and Latongie of Merrillville, Ind.; two brothers, Raniell Leon Norman, his twin, and Stanley Delane Norman of Urbana; and four grandchildren. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Gary. Guy and Allen Funeral Home in Gary is in charge of arrangements. Visitation willl be held from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, 2959 W. 11 Ave., Gary, Ind. 46407. ------------------ HELEN J. PITTMAN By: - El Dorado News Times - Published: 05/31/2008 Helen Joyce Pittman, 79, of El Dorado, died Friday, May 30, 2008, at Medical Center of South Arkansas. Arrangements will be announced by Bailey Funeral Home.