Arthur Lee Phelps was born on March 1st, 1929 in Dunklin County Missouri and passed away on July 2nd, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Dora Phelps, along with his brothers, Dub and John Phelps, and a sister, Rebecca Gooch.

He is survived by his sons, Ricky Phelps (Karen), and Douglas Phelps (Kim); grandchildren; Joshua Phelps, Jesse Phelps, LeeAnn Pentacost, and Jeff Evetts; along with 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson; and his sister Neva Welch.

He stood behind a pulpit for 60 years in various churches in and around northeast Arkansas and southeast Missouri. He was a man who was not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ and who was always true to his convictions and bold in his faith. When his formal ministry stopped at the age of 93 he was at that time, the oldest active pastor in the state of Arkansas.

Arthur had a knack for fixing things which led him to start his own small appliance repair business and used his experience for some years as head of maintenance for the Monette Housing Authority. In the midst of all that he drove a bus for 11 years for the Monette School District.

One of his great loves in life was music. He loved to play his guitar and sing the great classic gospel songs. He even recorded his own CD in Nashville, along with Ricky and Doug, at the age of 84. The album was titled “THE SOURCE” emphasizing his influence on his two son’s musical passion.

Another life event that he held dear to his heart was his time in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Arthur was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and carried a deep love for God and country.

Services will be held on Tuesday, July 7, at Phillips Funeral Home. The visitation will begin at noon with the service following at 1:00 p.m. B.R. Miller will be officiating and the burial will follow at Cardwell cemetery in Cardwell, MO.