LITTLE ROCK — OBITUARIES Information for

the obituaries and funeral

notices below was supplied

to the Arkansas Democrat-

Gazette Advertising Depart

ment by funeral homes.

INDEX

Some obituaries may appear in certain editions of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and not in others. This list shows the names of all people whose obituaries are in at least one edition. For obituaries not in this edition, please see our website, Arkansas Online, at arkansasonline.com/obituaries/.

PULASKI COUNTY

Paul D. Johnson, 63, of North Little Rock.

Kathleen Rose Kelly Klein, 59, of Little Rock.

R.C. Otey Jr., 88, of Little Rock.

Charlene D. Poe, 80, of Little Rock.

James E. Thweatt, 89, of Little Rock.

George Edwin Williams, 92, of Little Rock.

James Winston Sr., 65, of Little Rock.

ELSEWHERE IN ARKANSAS

BISMARCK Verna Steier Emory, 79.

BLYTHEVILLE Lois Wadkins, 71.

BRADFORD Mary Lucille Combs, 66.

CONWAY Johnny Leo Belt, 70.

Helen A. Colquitt, 89.

Larry J. Jeffries, 71.

Mary Louise Woodcock, 80.

DERMOTT Mary Jane Gibson Bowman, 87.

Bennie Mae Gamble, 69.

EL DORADO Harley Gholson, 84.

EMERSON James Lee Kreiger, 63.

FRIENDSHIP Royce Trout, 67.

GRADY Floyd Scott Edwards, 71.

GREERS FERRY Shurman Thomas Fife, 80.

HATFIELD Gerald Dean Potter Jr., 40.

MORRILTON George Michael “Mike” Allison, 59.

Katherine Elaine Horton, 44.

NEWPORT Hugh Fisher, 83.

PARAGOULD Robert H. “Doc” Paynter, 85. PARIS Irene Garrett, 93.

PINE BLUFF Doris Jean Eberhart, 84.

RUSSELLVILLE Alma Jean Adams, 55.

Lois Lawson Morris, 96.

SCOTT Sheila Dawn Frisco, 67.

SPRINGDALE Shirley Ann Barber, 63.

Pulaski County

PAUL D. JOHNSON, age 63, died on Oct. 14, 2011 at BaptistHospital, North Little Rock. He was born in Camden, Tenn., on Feb. 12, 1948 to Paul Johnson and Faye Spence Johnson Wilder.

Mr. Johnson was preceded in death by hisfather, Paul Johnson, and his sister, Terrie Johnson. He is survived by his mother, Faye Wilder of North Little Rock; three sisters, Wanda Irving (Larry) of North Little Rock; Diane Johnson of Jacksonville; Sherrie Johnson of North Little Rock; brother, Danny Johnson (Pam) of Dallas, Texas; three nieces, Sonya Irving, Jennifer Washington and Tanya King; one nephew, Larry Irving Jr.; three great-nieces, Brianna, Trinity and Grace; two great-nephews, Corey and Gavin; and his pride and joy, two dogs, Tobey and Lacy.

Mr. Johnson was a son, brother, uncle and friend. Paul, or “PJ,” as he was called by his nieces and nephews, served seven years in the U.S. Navy and was a Vietnam War veteran. He was also a skilled carpenter and was employed by Terminex Inc. for 28 years.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011 at Roller-Owens Funeral Home Chapel, 5509 JFK Blvd.,, North Little Rock, Ark. 72116 (501-791-7400) with Major James Taylor and Major Diane Johnson officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17, 2011 at Roller-Owens. Interment will follow at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, North Little Rock.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Salvation Army, Jacksonville Corps and Community Center, 209 South Oak Street, Jacksonville, Ark. 72076. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.

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KATHLEEN ROSE KELLY KLEIN, 59, died on Oct. 17, 2011, atHospice Home Care in Little Rock. She was diagnosed with brain cancer in March 2011.

Survivors include her husband, Bernard; her son, Bradley; her daughter, VanessaCouch and husband Leland; her mother, Lucille Metrailer Kelly;her stepfather, Dr. John Howard; 13 brothers and sisters: Tom, Carolyn, Cornelia Beck, Paul, Lucille DeGostin, Margaret Lovell, Christine Frost, Marie Bennett, Frank, John, Joseph, Brian and Michael; many brothers and sisters-in-law; numerous nieces and nephews, many great-nieces and nephews; three aunts, and numerous cousins. Kathleen was preceded in death by her father, William T. Kelly; her paternal grandparents, William and Bertha Dehmer Kelly, and her maternal grandparents, Anthony and Henrietta Ruff Metrailer.

Born in Little Rock on April 16, 1952, she attended Our Lady of Good Counsel Elementary School and graduated from Mount Saint Mary Academy in 1970. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in 1975 from the University of Central Arkansas and began her career as an occupational therapist. Later in life, she became a Registered Nurse. She last worked as director of the Generations Program at SalineMemorial Hospital. Kathleen’s compassion was without limit. She worked tirelessly to bring comfort and healing to her patients. Kathleen was selfless and generous; she had a great sense of humor. Kathleen especially enjoyed family trips to the Gulf of Mexico, where she loved to fish and sun on the beach. With her vivid imagination, she produced many unique crafts and works of art. She also enjoyed gardening. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

There will be a Memorial Mass held on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Holy Souls Catholic Church.Burial will be private. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Arkansas Cares, 5821 West Charles Bussey Avenue, Little Rock, Ark. 72204. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

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R.C. OTEY, 88, of Little Rock died Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011. Hewas born on March 12, 1923 to Reverend R.C. Otey Sr. and Mary Otey. He was a graduate of North Little Rock High School. Otey broke into pro baseball in 1942 with Amarillo, but was quickly nabbed for military service. After three years in the Navy, including eight months on Okinawa, he met and married the love of his life, Ida MaxineMorton, who eventually was the director over the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and Superintendent of Missouri Pacific Hospital. Maxine precedes him in death. In 1949, the Arkansas Travelers bought Infielder Otey off the Pampa Club of the Class C West Texas-New Mexico League. He was the only player who had been with one Southern club for 10 consecutive seasons. He held many records in his tenure, including the most double plays by a second baseman. In 1958, Otey retired from playing baseball and became the Ray Winder Park Superintendent, a position he held for almost 30 years.

He leaves to cherish his memory his nephew, Johnny G. Sharp, and his wife, Judy Sharp, and a trail of loyal friends: Greg Johnston, Jim Bailey and Lee (Catfish) Moore. He leaves his angel Dana McGibboney and a host of extended family and friends, all who will miss him dearly.

The family wishes to thank everyone for their kind prayers and support of Otey. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011 at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Griffin Leggett Forest Hills Funeral Home with Brother Larry Ballard officiating. Burial will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011 at Griffin Leggett Forest Hills, 10200 Hwy. 5 North, Alexander, Ark. 72002 (501) 455-1067 Please share your memories of Otey at www.griffinleggettforesthills.com.

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CHARLENE D. POE, 80 years old, of Little Rock, Ark., wentto be with the Lord on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011. She was born Feb. 2, 1931 in Chadwick, Ark., to Esker and Nellie Shirley Mathis. She was an active member of Chicot RoadBaptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas C. Poe. She is survived by her two sons, David Poe and wife, Sheila of Little Rock and Bruce Poe of Little Rock; two daughters, Sheila Elliott and her husband, Larry of Glenwood, Ark., and Debra Breaux and her husband, Dalton of Killeen, Texas; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011 at Chicot Road Baptist Church, 13301 Chicot Road, Mabelvale, Ark., with pastor Tim Curtis officiating. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. at Mayflower Cemetery. Family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 Interstate 30, Little Rock, Ark. 72209 (501) 455-5800. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/drummond.

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Funeral services for JAMES E. THWEATT of Little Rock will be held at 11 a.m. today at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church. Private Inurnment with Military Honors will be at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Mr. Thweatt’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

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GEORGE EDWIN WILLIAMS, 92, of Little Rock died Saturday, Oct.15, 2011. He was born on Feb. 7, 1919 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., a son of the late Edwin and Ruth Silvernell Williams. In high school, he was a track star and participated in the Penn Relays.George served in WWII and was retired with 20 years plus in the United States Navy. He was a conference coordinator at Penn State University Conference Center. He was an avid sports fan, a runner, golfer, and fisherman.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Jean Layman Williams, his parents, and one brother, Robert Williams. He is survived by two daughters, Gay Hensley (Robert) of Sherwood, Ark., and Lynda Clark (Dennis) of Clarksburg, W. Va.; four grandchildren, Jonathan Wrotny (Rebecca), Gary Wrotny, Megan Mitchell (Justin), and Matthew Clark (Nicole); three great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Phyllis Williams.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in North Little Rock. Interment will be at a later date at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 901 N. University Avenue, Little Rock, Ark 72207, or to The First Tee of Central Arkansas, #1 First Tee Way, Little Rock, Ark. 72204. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

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JAMES WINSTON SR., 65, of Little Rock passed away Oct., 14,2011. He retired from the Union Pacific Railroad after 15 years of loyal service. He is survived by his wife, Valarie Winston, and six children, Marvin, James Jr., Kim (Raymond), Kena (JamesJr.), Cathy (Albert), and Jacent. The Services and the Family Hour are entrusted to Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home. The Family Hour will be Friday, Oct. 21 at 6 p.m., and the Funeral Service will be held Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011 at 11 a.m. Interment follows at Oakland Cemetery in Little Rock.

Arkansas

BISMARCK - Verna Steier Emory, 79, of Bismarck died October 16, 2011. Survivors: sons, Alfred (Sheila), Paul (Becky), Aaron Steier (Katherine); daughters: Cheryl Prince (Sherman), Christina Steier, Patricia Thornton (Scott); brothers: Boyd and Eddie Owens; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren. Visitation Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Regency, Malvern. Graveside service, Wednesday, 2 p.m., Phillipi Cemetery. Guestbook, regencyfuneralhome.com.

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BLYTHEVILLE - Lois Irene Tucker Wadkins, 71, of Blytheville died Thursday, October 13, 2011, at her home. Graveside services were held Monday, October 17, 2011, in Dogwood Cemetery with Rev. Mitchell King Jr. officiating. Visitation was from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in Cobb Funeral Home. Condolences may be emailed to cobbfuneralhome@sb cglobal.net.

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BRADFORD- Mary Lucille Combs, 66, of Bradford, went to be with the Lord October 16, 2011. Visitation will be Monday 6-8 p.m. Services will be Tuesday, October 18, 2011, at the Powell Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in the Bethlehem Cemetery at Denmark by Powell Funeral Home, Bald Knob-Judsonia. www.powellfuneralhome.net.

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CONWAY - Johnny Leo Belt, 70, of Conway passed awaySunday, October 16, 2011, in Conway. He was born August 25, 1941, in Hardin County, Illinois, to the late John M. Belt and Golda Banks Belt. Mr. Belt was a graduate of Southern IllinoisUniversity with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. He worked as an accountant prior to his retirement. He attended Antioch Baptist Church, enjoyed listening to bluegrass music and loved all things outdoors, especially camping, hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his wife, Yvonne Helms Belt; two daughters, Kim Pruett and husband, Jim, of Conway, and Kathy Tilton and husband, Randall, of North Little Rock; two sisters, Sue Nowack and husband, Bill, of Medina, Ohio, and Judy Irvin of Marion, Illinois; four grandchildren, Taylor Pruett, Reed Pruett, Logan Tilton and Lawson Tilton; and a host of other family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 22, 2011, in the Roller-McNutt Funeral Home Chapel of Conway (501) 327-7727. Online guestbookwww.rollerfuneralhomes.com. Memorials may be made to: Antioch Baptist Church, 150 Amity Road, Conway, Ark. 72032. www.anitochconway.com.

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CONWAY - Helen Agnes Colquitt, 89, of Conway passedaway Sunday, October 16, 2011. Born in Charleston, Ark., she was a daughter to the late John and Mary (Adams) Miesner. Helen was a loving person and a member of St.Joseph Catholic Church, where she was active in the Christian Mothers Society. She was an excellent seamstress and sewed clothing for many of the parish members. She was an accomplished watercolor artist and loved flower gardening, especially roses.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of over 48 years, Carl Colquitt; a daughter, Kc Simon; a sister, Adele Miesner, and brothers, Raymond and Ray Miesner. She is survived by her daughters: Nancy Settle and Da Rae Colquitt, both of Conway, and Sharon Trout of Little Rock; grandchildren: Jim Crouch, Debbie Pollack, Georgette Van Wright, Sean Simon, Jacqueline Simon-Perry, Meredith McWilliams, Sam Settle, Adam Settle, Stephanie Settle and Sara Settle; 17 great-grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 5:30 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 18, at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, with the Rosary to begin at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue after the Rosary Service. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 2 p.m., on Wednesday, October 19, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Charleston, Ark., with interment to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Samuel M. Settle, Adam J. Settle, Jim Crouch, Jimmy Miesner, Tony Miesner and Sean J. Simon. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com

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CONWAY - Rev. Larry J. Jeffries, 71, of Conway went to bewith the Lord Sunday, October 16, 2011. He was born October 8, 1940, in Conway to the late C. Wayne and Lucille (Gilley) Jeffries. Larry was also preceded in death by his infant sister,Modena Kay. Larry accepted Jesus as his savior on Mothers Day 1978. He became a devoted teen leader until God called him into the ministry at the age of 41. Larry pastored Immanuel Nazarene Church in Perryville, Pleasant Hill Nazarene Church in the Centerville Community east of Greenbrier, Russellville Nazarene Church and Living Water Nazarene Ministry in Little Rock. He retired three times due to health problems, but was always available to fill in at churches when needed. Larry will long be remembered for his selfless giving to others, his gentle spirit and his sense of humor.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Sandra; a son, Greg Jeffries and wife, Sheila; a brother, Wayne Jeffries and wife, Lavada; grandchildren, Kristin, and Joshua; and sister-in-law, Susan Trent and husband, Barry; nephew, Bryan Trent and wife, Dawne; niece, April (Trent) Ricketson and husband, Cole, all of Conway; two great-nieces, Paige Trent of Conway and MorganTrent of Wooster; and a greatnephew, John Trent of Wooster.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, October 19, at First Church of The Nazarene in Conway with Reverends David Brantley, Tim Kellerman and Jim Sanders officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Conway. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, Conway. (501) 327-7727. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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CONWAY - Mary Louise Woodcock, 80, went to be with the Lord, October 16, 2011. She was born in Bauxite, Arkansas, on December 30, 1930, to the late Lester Ledbetter and Ann Hope.Mary was also preceded in death by her husband, Darrell. She was a devoted wife and mother,and a member of Oak Bowery Baptist Church. Mary was a published poet and member of the Arkansas Poets Roundtable. As her children were growing up, she was very involved with the Girl Scouts, ultimately being named to the Girl Scout Hall of Fame. Mary was instrumental in starting the Happy Valley Girl Scout Camp.

She is survived by her daughter, Janean Knowles of Benton, and son, Lance (Kathy) Woodcock of Greenbrier; sister, Dorothy Adams of Little Rock, brother, Norris Ledbetter of Bakersfield, Calif., sisters-in-law, Doris Huston of Little Rock, Cookie Camp of Grapevine, Texas, and Lois (Richard) Lloyd of Hot Springs; three granddaughters, Andrea (Jeff) Russell of Conway, Shelley (Michael) Cullum of Greenbrier, and Erin (Patrick) Rappold of Vilonia; six great-grandchildren, Charlie and Matthew Russell,Kendall Cullum, Ashton, Kylie and Scarlet Rappold; nieces, Lynn (Ed) Kampbell of Hilliard, Ohio, Machele (Steve) Trachier of Grapevine, Texas, and Kaye (Bill) Eginton of North Little Rock; nephews, Donnie (Lena) Adams of Little Rock and David Myers of Texas.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 18, at Griffin Leggett Funeral Home, Conway. Burial will follow at Edgewood Memorial Park in North Little Rock. Mrs. Woodcock’s online guestbook is available at www.griffinleggettconway.com.

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DERMOTT - Mary Jane Gibson Bowman, 87, of Dermott died Sunday October 16, 2011 at the Dermott City Nursing Home. Graveside Services will be at 11 a.m., October, 18, 2011 at Dermott Cemetery with Bro.Bart Bynum officiating. Arrangements by Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service of McGehee, Ark. Online guestbook: griffinfuneralservice.net.

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DERMOTT - Bennie Mae Gamble, 69, of Dermott Ark. passed away Saturday October 15, 2011 at Drew Memorial Hospital in Monticello, Ark. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She also loved working in her yard, planting flowers, and loved canning. Mrs. Gamble was born March 24, 1942 in Dumas, Ark. to Ben Chatham and Mary Alice Burnett.

She is preceded in death by her father, Ben Chatham, her husband Kenneth Gamble, a granddaughter, and a sister. She is survived by her mother, Mary Alice Chatham of Tillar, Ark., a son, Kenneth Gamble (Jackie) of Dermott, Ark, two daughters; Tamara Williamson and Pam Treat (Carl) both of Dermott, Ark., two brothers; James Chatham and Glenn Chatham both of Dumas, Ark., two sisters; Lenn Christmas of Monticello, Ark. and Cornelia Wells of Lake Village, Ark., 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service in McGehee with Rev. Floyd McKee officiating.Burial will follow in Tillar Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday 6-8 p.m., October 18, 2011 in the Griffin-Culpepper Chapel in Mc-Gehee. Arrangements by Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service of McGehee. Online guestbook: griffinfuneralservice.net.

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EL DORADO - SGM Harley Gholson, U.S. Army Ret., 84, of ElDorado, passed away Sunday, October 16, 2011. He was born December 18, 1926, to William “Jack” Andrew Harley Gholson and Pauline Locke Gholson in Wesson, Ark. Harleyserved in the U.S. Army from 1945 until his retirement in 1975. During his time of service, he received a Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United NationsService Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Korean Presidential Citation, Civil Action Honor Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Combat Infantry Badge, American Campaign Medal, Expert Infantry Badge, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, World War II Victory Bronze Star Medal (3), Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Armed Forces Occupation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal. He was a member of the DAV, VFW and First Assembly of God Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Marlene Humphrey Gholson; a cousin, Barbara Duncan and her husband Bobby of El Dorado; one nephew, Myron Welch, Sr. and wife Kathy and their son Cameron; and one great-nephew, Myron Welch Jr. his wife Paula and their son Ethan all of Little Rock, Ark.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at First Assembly of God Church with Rev. Alan Womack. Burial will follow with full military honors at Pleasant Grove Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors. Memorials may be made to First Assembly of God Church, 2225 West Hillsboro, El Dorado, Ark. 71730. An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

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EMERSON - Funeral services for James Lee Kreiger will be held on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 10 a.m. at the Brister Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Hephzibah Cemetery under the direction of Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. of Magnolia. Visitation with the family will be Tuesday evening at the funeral home. www.lewisfuneralhome. biz.

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FRIENDSHIP - Royce Trout, 67, of Friendship died Sunday. Memorial service-11 a.m., Thursday, at Welch Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until service time and they request casual attire. Memorials to the American Cancer Society. The family would like to express a special thank you to Hospice Home Care. Guestbook at www.welchfh.net.

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GRADY - Floyd Scott Edwards, 71, of Grady, died Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011. Graveside services will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday at Grady Cemetery with Bro. Lee Zuehike officiating. Visitation will be at the cemetery from 10-10:30 a.m. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City. Online guestbook at www.griffinfuneralservice.net.

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GREERS FERRY - Shurman Thomas Fife passed away Sunday October 16, 2011 at his home in Greers Ferry, Arkansas. Visitation is Monday, October 17, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. at Mr. Fife’s home. Funeral Services Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at Westside Baptist Church in Greers Ferry, Ark. at 10 a.m. Family Funeral Service in charge of the arrangements. www.dwightfamilyfuneral.com.———◊———

HATFIELD - Mr. Gerald Dean Potter Jr., age 40, of Hatfield, Arkansas, passed away October 16, 2011 in Hot Springs. Mr. Potter was sent for cremation under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. The family will hold a private memorial at a later time.

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MORRILTON - George Michael (Mike) Allison of Morrilton, our beloved son, brother and friend went to be with the Lord on October 16, 2011. He was born on October 1, 1952, in Morrilton, Arkansas, where he lived until his death. Hegraduated from Morrilton High School and attended Arkansas Tech University. He is a member of First United Methodist Church in Morrilton. He loved his profession as a cattleman. He worked and managed his family ranch. He also worked for 101 Livestock Auction in Blackwell and Lewis Livestock Auction in Conway. His compassion and love for people reached across Arkansas and beyond. He was greatly loved by many and will be missed by all.

He is survived by his parents, J.H. and Helen Scroggin Allison of Morrilton; a sister, Nancy Allen and husband, Doug; as well as an extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 19, 2011, at the Harris Chapel with Rev. Todd-Paul Taulbee officiating. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Morrilton. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net.

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MORRILTON - Katherine Elaine Horton, 44, passed away Wednesday, October 12. Survivors: her mother, Mary Nell Horton; sister, Mary Joyce Horton; boyfriend, Chris; and other fellow residents and friends at Cottonwood Place and Work Force. Memorial Services: 10:30 a.m., Thursday, October 20, at Cottonwood Place. By Rosewood Cremation of Morrilton. Obit/Photo/Guestbook: www.rosewoodcremation.com.

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NEWPORT - Hugh Fisher, 83, of the Newport Airbase died Monday. Survivors: wife, Bobbie; brothers, Marcus, Harold, Ralph, Jr.; sisters, DeLois, Pauline, Janas, Lutricia, Sue; step-children, Vickie, Shirley, Jo Ellen, Danny, Commie Dale; step-grandchildren; nieces, nephews. Visitation: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. Funeral: 1 p.m., Wednesday, Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel. Interment: Blue Springs Cemetery. www.jacksonsfh.com.

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PINE BLUFF - Doris Jean Burkle Eberhart, 84, of Pine Bluff, Arkansas passed away Saturday, October 15, 2011, at Davis Life Care Center. Born December 3, 1926, in Lafayette, Indiana, she was the daughter of the late George D. and Esther Frances Elser Burkle. She was reared and received her early education in Lafayette, graduating from St.Francis High School. She attended St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing, where she became a Registered Nurse. In December of 1947, she married James N. Eberhart, in Lafayette. Mrs. Eberhart was an RN at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lafayette, Indiana and also at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1970, she and her family moved to Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where she worked as an RN for Jefferson Regional Medical Center until her retirement. Mrs. Eberhart was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and St. Joseph Altar Society, and was also a member of RSVP. She was an active volunteer for the Red Cross, having received the 50 year pin for her years of service. She enjoyed traveling, having visited all 50 United States and much of the world. She also enjoyed reading and sewing.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Georgie and Bobby. She is survived by her husband of nearly 64 years, James Eberhart, of Pine Bluff; her sons, Alan David Eberhart of Lafayette, Indiana, and Douglas Lee Eberhart of Cabot, Arkansas; her daughter, Lynne Ann McAllester of Alexander, Arkansas; seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; her brother, William Anthony Burkle of Ohio; and her sister, Jacqueline Mary Gushwa of Lafayette, Indiana.

A Funeral Mass will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, October 19, 2011, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father L. Warren Harvey officiating. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery by Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors. A Vigil will be held 6 p.m., Tuesday, in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson& Son with a visitation following. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Red Cross of Jefferson County, 211 West 3rd Avenue, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601. Friends may sign the online register at www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.

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PARAGOULD - Beloved father and grandfather; longtime coach, teacher, mentor, and friend Dr. Robert H. (Doc) Paynter went home to the Lord on Sunday, October 16, 2011. He was 85. Bob was born November 25, 1925, in Richmond, Ky. to Howard and Bessie Mae Todd Paynter. Doc grew up during the Great Depression attending Madison (Ky.) High School where he lettered in basketball and football, as well as was the King of the Prom. He graduated in 1942 at the age of 16. Too young to join the military, he went a year to Eastern Kentucky University. In 1943, Doc enlisted in the Navy and qualified for the V-12 program which is similar to the ROTC programsof today.

The Navy started Bob’s officer training at Iowa State. He was only there for a couple of months before the Navy transferred him to St. Mary’s in Winona, Minnesota. His first year at St. Mary’s, 1944, he played basketball and football, lettering in both. In 1945, the Navy transferred him to Marquette University where he lettered in basketball during the 1946 season. While at Marquette, he played against the first real basketball big man, George Mikan of DePaul University and later the Minneapolis Lakers. At the end of the war in 1946, Doc decided to transfer back to St. Mary’s. His last two years at St. Mary’s he lettered in basketball and football and was a captain of both teams. He also earned All-Minnesota honors in football and basketball, as well as, All-American honors in 1947.Upon graduation from St. Mary’s he earned a Bachelor’s of Social Studies, Phys Ed, and Sociology. In 1948, he went back to Eastern and earned Master’s degrees in Education Administration and Sociology. During this time he continued to play basketball in an AAU and American Legion Leagues. After graduation from Eastern in 1949, Doc took his first head coaching position at the East Tennessee University High School in Johnson City, Tennessee. Doc took a team at University High that was winless the season before and went 8-15. It was his only losing season in 14 years of coaching.

During that first year, Doc had two very special assistant coaches. They were Buck Van Huss and Charlie Bayless. Again while he was coaching, he continued to play competitive basketball. He played for teams in an AAU league, the American Legion League, and a semi-pro team that played in the Southern Textile League. It was while playing for Paty Lumber Company that Doc met his wife Wilma Bogan. She was a fine athlete herself earning All-State honors at Paragould High School. She went on to play at Sunflower Junior College in Mississippi for two years, before she signed a pro contract to play for former Redhead’s star Hazel Walker’s Arkansas Travelers. Bob and Wilma met while playing an exhibition game in Kingsport Tennessee. They guarded each other, though she bested him as the Travelers won the game. It was love at first sight and during the next year anytime Wilma was within 150 miles, Bob was inthe bleachers.

In 1950, Doc’s team won the Kentucky Championship and went to the National Tournament in Kansas City, Missouri. It just so happened that Wilma and the Travelers were playing in Kansas City and he asked her to marry him. They were married in 1950 in Paragould and she returned to University High as not only as Bob’s wife but also the Senior High Girls coach. Her coaching career only lasted two years. After that she became Bob’s cheerleader, confidant, and critic. She helped keep the books for the high school team, as well as the teams Doc played for. Though she never coached actively again, she was always deeply involved in Doc’s career.The reason her coaching career ended is because in 1953 Doc was selected as an exchange teacher. Bob and Wilma packed up and crossed the Atlantic so he could teach a year in Leeds, England. He taught education in the 1953-54 school year. True to form, he continued to play competitive basketball for both Leeds University and a semi-pro team in England. They returned to University High in 1954. Doc coached University High for 14 years from 1949 to 1963 turning in an overall record of 312-141 with only one losing season and 4 regional tournaments and one state tournament. They finished fourth in that state tournament and that was before they had classifications. University High was a very small school playing the likes of Memphis and Knoxville high schools. From 1963-1968, Doc put down the whistleto become Director of the University School. Additionally, during this time he was attending the University of Tennessee ay Knoxville working on his Doctorate. He finished up his education with a Doctorate of both Education and Sociology. Additionally during this time, Bob and Wilma became parents of a son, Todd. With his education completed but also with a heavy heart Bob and Wilma left the University School in 1968 for a position at the University of Tennessee at Martin in Martin, Tennessee.

In 1968 Bob took the position of Assistant to the Chancellor at UTM. He held that position until 1971. In 1971 Bob was named the Athletics Director and the head basketball coach of the Pacers.His two most successful seasons were the ’75-’76 and ’76-’77 seasons when the Pacers competed for a Gulf South Conference Championship and a berth in the NCAA Division II tournament, falling short both years. During the late 1970s Doc was growing tired of the demands of being a college basketball coach and Athletic Director. He stayed in Martin until 1980, but in his heart he was looking for a position back in high school basketball because he knew that was where he could have a real impact on young men’s lives. In 1980 Doc left both positions at UTM with a 108-120 record. Doc found that high school position, unlikely as it may seem, back in Wilma’s old stomping grounds. In 1980 Doc became the head basketball coach for Paragould High School.

During his time at the helm of Paragould basketball, Doc guided them through many transitions. Paragould High was a AA school in 1980 and were known as the Bulldogs. In his twenty-five years at Paragould, he would take them through two name changes and jumps in classifications from AAA to AAAA and finally AAAAA. The names changed from the Bulldogs to the Ridgecrest Rams and finally as they are known now, the Paragould Rams. However, no matter what name was on the front of the jersey or what classification the school was in, Doc always put competitive teams on the floor. With his easy manner, always sitting on the bench with legs crossed, Doc led the teams he coached to 12 state tournament berths, and 7 regional tournament berths.He took five of those teams to the state quarterfinals. He only had four losing seasons in his 25 years at Paragould. His final record when he stepped down in 2004 was 483-254. Doc passed the whistle in 2004 but he did not retire. Doc continued as a teacher evaluator assisting the principals from 2004-2007. The only reason he retired then was because his beloved Wilma was stricken with Alzheimer’s. Showing total devotion to his wife, Doc retired in 2007 so he could spend as many moments with Wilma as the Lord would allow. Doc’s final record as a coach was 903-515.

At the time he achieved that in 2004, he was only the 15th boysonly coach in the country to win over 900 games. Two of those other 15 coaches started with Doc at the Training School. Buck Van Huss won over 1000 games and Charlie Bayless, who is still coaching and is in his eighties, has won over 900. Those three young men who started their coaching careers in 1949 at avery small school in East Tennessee have accumulated almost 3000 wins. According to the AAA State Farm record book, Doc is the 7th-winningest coach in the state and the first in boys-only. In 2004 he was the Lowell Manning award winner as the Coach of the Year in the state of Arkansas. Additionally that year, he was also named Coach of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Coaches Association. Doc was always selfless and humble.

His quiet manner and his cool calmness in which he coached led many to believe that Doc wasn’t giving it his all to win a game. On the contrary, the reason he could be that way is his teams were always prepared to play. No matter the opponent nor the setting, Doc’s teams were ready before the ball was ever tossed in the air to start the game. Doc was a quiet leader, a leader by example. He taught kids the game of basketball and through basketball taught thosesame kids about life. Many of his players may not have realized it at the time but Doc wasn’t preparing them only to win championships but also to be good men, good fathers, good employers and good employees. He took a relatively simple game and turned it into a teaching tool to prepare boys to become men. Once asked after his retirement by a reporter from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette if he was ever sorry that he never won a state championship. Doc pondered the question a little while and said, “It would have been nice [to win a state championship] but I never lost any sleep over it. I was more concerned about the positive effect I washaving on those boys’ lives.” We will miss you Coach. You made the world a better place and left your impressions on many. No higher honor can be bestowed on a man than to have his legacy to live on in others.

Bob was preceded in death by his dad, Howard; and his mother, Bessie Mae; as well as his wife of 57 years, Wilma. Dr. Paynter is survived by his only son, Todd; Todd’s wife, Holly; and their two children, Matthew and Sarah, all of the home.

Visitation will be at Heath Funeral Home on Wednesday October 19, 2011, at 6:00-9:00 PM with the funeral to follow the next day, Thursday, at 1:30 at the First United Methodist Church.Presiding over the service will be Rev. Bill Lesley and Rev. Sky McCracken District Superintendent of the Methodist Church in Paducah, Ky. Sky is an old family friend and a former basketball official. Pallbearers will be Michael Maguire, Jay Robertson, Nathan Stewart, Nathan Newby, Bill Woodworth, Lawrence Dodd, and Dylan Hoggard. Honorary Pallbearers are any former players or assistant coaches from Doc’s 49 year career. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Doc’s name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or the First United Methodist Church of Paragould.

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RUSSELLVILLE - Alma Jean Adams, age 55, of Russellville died Saturday, October 15, 2011, at her home. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m., Thursday, October 20, 2011, at Cornwell Chapel in Dardanelle. Burial will be in Howell Cemetery in Danville. Visitation will be held Wednesday, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Dardanelle. Arrangements By Cornwell Funeral Home, Dardanelle.

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RUSSELLVILLE - Lois Lawson Morris, 96, a resident of Russellville, died Sunday, October 16, 2011, at her home. She was born November 27, 1914, at Antoine, Arkansas, to Oscar M. and Dona Ward Lawson, long-time residents of Clark County. She finished high school at Delight and was a graduate of Henderson College of Arkadelphia and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. After teaching for five years at Delight and seven years at Russellville High School, she accepted a teaching assignmentat the University of Arkansas where she remained for 27 years. Following her retirement in 1982, she painted and wrote articles for historical magazines. In 1972, the Arkansas Teacher’s Association presented her with an award for the best college teacher of the year. Later she was included in Marquis biographical publications, Who’s Who in American Women, Who’s Who in the World and Who’s Who in America. Her grandchildren have childhood memories of spending the summers with her on the campus of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville; traveling; and visiting battlefields, museums, art galleries and many different cities around the country while she continued her education to include four master’s degrees.She was a member of the Democratic Party, and was active in all of Bill Clinton’s political campaigns. She was a member of All Saints’ Episcopal Church and was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William Doyle Morris; and a daughter, Lavonne Howell.

Survivors include a granddaughter, Rebecca Howell, and her husband, Jerry Gosnell, of Russellville; a grandson, Frank Howell of Florida; a son-in-law, Charles F. Howell of Hot Springs Village; and three great-grandchildren, Charles Andrew Howell, Amy Katherine Howell and John Bloomquist Howell, all of Little Rock.

There will be a private graveside service at Rest Haven Memorial Park under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19, 2011, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the church of your choice or to the Washington County Historical Society, 118 East Dickson Street, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701. The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.shinnfuneral.com.

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SCOTT - Sheila Dawn Frisco, 67, of Scott, passed away Friday, October 14, 2011. She was born October 9, 1944, in Scott, Arkansas, to the late H.D. and Barbara Howell Gammel. Memorial services will be held 10 a.m., Wednesday, October 19, 2011, at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home Chapel, (501) 224-8300. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

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SPRINGDALE - Shirley Ann Barber, 63, a resident of Springdale and formerly of Little Rock, passed away October 13, 2011, in Springdale. Shirley’s memorial service will be at 2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 24, at First United Methodist Church in Springdale. Online tributes to the family may be made at www.bentoncountymemorialpark.com.

Arkansas, Pages 12 on 10/18/2011