Obituaries

Oct 16, 2025

Paul Oscar Marus, Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep, with family by his side, in the early hours of October 16, 2025 at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould. His health had been declining in recent years due to a combination of ailments, including dementia and congestive heart failure. A...

Oct 16, 2025

Elizabeth Ann Franklin Bateman was born into this life on January 21, 1948, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to Benjamin Edward and Georgia Lorene (Wilson) Franklin. She passed from this life on October 16, 2025, at the age of 77. She married Donald Bateman on April 28, 1964 and was married to him until his death on July...

Oct 16, 2025

Donnie Gene Newman, 80, of Paragould, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025. He was born September 16, 1945, to George and Sarah Newman.

An avid hunter and fisherman, Donnie had an enduring appreciation for nature. His happiest days were spent in the quiet of the woods or beside a stream....

Oct 16, 2025

James Edward Nailling, 98, of Paragould, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025. He was born March 24, 1927, to Price and Violet Nailling. James served proudly in the United States Army during World War ll. He farmed for a living on county land with his wife and children where he made the most out...

Oct 11, 2025

Ralph Erwin Lawrence, 81, of Paragould, passed away Saturday, October 11, 2025.  He was born October 8, 1944, in Rector, Arkansas.  Ralph, or Papa to his babies, was a man of honor, integrity and loyalty. He was as humble as they come, and dedicated his life to his loving wife, children, grandchildren and many foster children. When...

Oct 10, 2025

Earl Wayne Gibson, 68, of Paragould, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 19th, 1957, in Flint, Michigan, Earl was a devoted husband, father and friend. He had many passions, such as wood working, fishing, hunting, and anything to do with the outdoors. He proudly served in the...

Oct 10, 2025

John Byron Wilkins passed away on October 10, 2025, in Paragould, Arkansas. Born on November 11, 1962, in Kennett, Missouri, Byron's early years were marked by a spirited enthusiasm for life.

Byron enjoyed his time at Senath-Hornersville High School.  It was there, in the hallways of his alma mater, that he met his high school...

Oct 7, 2025

Sonya Carole Hester, known for her passion for genealogy, her adoration of her cats, and her green thumb in gardening, passed away on October 7, 2025, at the age of 81. Sonya was born on February 26, 1944.

Sonya dedicated many years to exploring her family roots. Her love for genealogy...

Oct 6, 2025

Glenda Beth Thomason, 82, of North Little Rock, Arkansas, was gently called home to Heaven on Monday, October 6, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born to Wils and Hilma Thomason, Glenda grew up with a joyful heart and a giving spirit that never faded.

She was preceded in death by her parents,...

Oct 6, 2025

Steve Lawrence Ellenburg, 55, of Paragould, passed away on Monday, October 6, 2025. He was born April 21, 1970, to Larry and Jackie Ellenburg. Steve loved drag racing and in his spare time, he enjoyed working on cars and cooking. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

...

Oct 4, 2025

Kathy June Taylor, 68, of Paragould, passed away Saturday, October 4, 2025.  She was born June 25, 1957.  Kathy took pride in her profession as a nurse and devoted herself to caring for all of her patients through home health.  A love for others directed not only her career path, but her everyday life.  She enjoyed helping...

Oct 1, 2025

Tommy Dee Cooper, a husband, father, brother, and grandfather, left this world on October 1, 2025, at the age of 77, in his lifelong home of Paragould, Arkansas. He was born on September 21, 1948.

Tommy graduated from Oak Grove High School in 1966.  He started his career at Emerson Electric in 1969 until his...

Sep 30, 2025

Leland Ray Bryant passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on September 21, 1947, Leland's life was marked by a warm and compassionate spirit that profoundly touched all who knew him. He was a proud Army Veteran who served many years in the Military.

In...

Sep 27, 2025

Peggie Beasley, age 78, passed away on September 27, 2025. She was born on July 12, 1947, Peggie's journey through life was marked by a passion for the simple pleasures.

Peggie enjoyed fishing. It was not just a pastime for her; it was a cherished ritual that provided solace and joy....

Sep 24, 2025

Kenneth Leroy Fortney, 74, of Paragould, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. He was born April 21, 1951, to Russell and Lacona Fortney. Kenneth loved listening to music and cooking. In his spare time, he enjoyed shopping and above all, he loved spending time with his family.

Kenneth was preceded...

Sep 21, 2025

Frederick Eugene Hood, known as Fred to his friends and family, passed away on September 21, 2025, in Paragould, Arkansas, at the age of 66. Born on June 26, 1959, in Staunton, Illinois, Fred was a man whose generosity and skills left an indelible mark on those around him.

Fred's life was one of dedication...

Sep 19, 2025

Martin David Whitman, 62, of Lafe, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025.  He was born April 19, 1963, in Trumann, to the late Benton "Jr." and Irene Whitman.  David had a great love for his family.  He adored his pit bull, Molly.

David was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mona Whitman; brothers,...

Sep 18, 2025

Billy Joe Dowdy a loving husband and father passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2025.  He was born July 13, 1940, in Alexander, Arkansas, to the late Leonard and Lola Bateman Dowdy.

Billy Joe was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Charles Dowdy of Paragould, Grayson Dowdy and Buford Dowdy...

Sep 16, 2025

Marsha Michelle Downs passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, in her hometown of Paragould, Arkansas, at the age of 60. Born on July 28, 1965, to the late Jay and Betty Downs, Michelle grew up in a close-knit family and remained a lifelong resident of Paragould.

Michelle is survived by her devoted sister and...

Sep 16, 2025

Doris June Rogers, a beacon of warmth and joy, passed away on September 16, 2025, at the age of 89 in Wichita, Kansas. Born on May 3, 1936, in Blytheville, Arkansas, to the late Robert and Dee Henson, Doris's life was one of love, adventure, and steadfast faith.

Growing up in the heart of Arkansas,...