Billy J. Nowotny, 76, of Clarksville died Monday, June 8, 2009, at St. Edward Mercy Medical Center in Fort Smith.

He was a native of Clarksville, son of the late Tom J. and Mae Masterson Nowotny, graduate of Lamar High School and Oklahoma City University, member of Cherry Street Baptist Church, veteran of the U. S. Navy having served in the Korean War, member of Russellville Masonic Lodge No. 274, retiree of the U. S. Treasury Department, and preceded in death by two brothers, Jay Nowotny and Thomas E. Nowotny; and two sisters, Bobbie Nowotny McLean and Myrtle Armstrong.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Wilma Holloway Nowotny; one daughter, Lea Ann Waterworth of Fort Worth, Texas; one son, Gary D. Nowotny of Clarksville; three sisters, Mary Mae Williams of Knoxville, Betty Hays of Russellville and Pat Smith of Pocola, Okla.; and four grandchildren, Justin Nowotny and Cody Nowotny of Clarksville and Emma Grace Waterworth and Garrett Waterworth of Fort Worth, Texas.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, at Hardwicke Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Oakland Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.

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Cecile L. Nichols, 90, of Central Falls, R. I., formerly of Coal Hill, died May 3, 2009, in Central Falls, R. I.

She was a daughter of the late George and Blanche Couture Desrochers and widow of William J. Nichols.

She is survived by one sister, Dorothy Audette of Cumberland, R. I.

Funeral was in Central Falls, R. I. on May 9.

A private burial was held at Nichols Chapel Cemetery near Altus on May 24.

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David Gordon (Dave) Anderson, 62, of Hartman died May 20, 2009, on the Island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas while on a family vacation.

He was born in Long Beach, Calif., to John Reuben and Dorothy Lusk Anderson and lived with his family in California, Hawaii, and Arizona. He graduated from Riverside Poly High School and attended BIOLA University, Cal-State Fullerton, Multnomah School of the Bible in Portland, Ore., Missionary Internship in Michigan, the Institute of Spanish Language in San Jose, Costa Rica, receiving a bachelor 's degree from George Fox University in 1980.

Anderson and his wife were full time missionaries in the Mexico City area for two years with Evangelical Friends Alliance prior to returning to the United States to live in Newberg, Ore., from 1979-1997, where the Andersons were members of West Chehalem Friends Church and he was active in various civic organizations. During this time he was employed in management for an energy company, owned several businesses and became a realtor.

In 1997, the Andersons moved to the Clarksville area and he continued Christian missions going to South Africa, Mexico, the Navajo Nation in four corners, as well as several U. S. mission trips doing building and construction and hosting two youth missions in Clarksville. He was a member of Clarksville First Baptist Church, where he served and taught in the college ministry as well as playing the banjo for special music and serving on the media team. In addition, he videotaped and produced media productions for churches and mission organizations, as well as documentaries on HIV-AIDS in Africa.

Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Kathy Jo Anderson;  three sons, John Anderson, Christian Anderson and Benjamin Anderson, all of Russellville; one daughter, Sarah Beth Anderson-Mills of Newark, Calif.; two sisters, Lynda Luther of Port Isabel, Texas, and Donna Anderson of Newberg, Ore.; and 11 grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, May 30, at the First Baptist Church in Clarksville.

Memorials may be made to World Vision, P. O. Box 78481, Tacoma, WA 98481-8481.

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Georgia Earle Smith, 91, of Conway, formerly of Clarksville, died Friday, June 5, 2009, at Conway Regional Medical Center.

She was born in the Jamestown Community, daughter of the late Andrew and Carrie Isobele Garland Russell, widow of Paul L. Smith, Baptist, and was preceded in death by one son, Robert MacArthur; and one daughter, Wanda J. MacArthur.

Survivors are one son, Lamoin Earl Smith of Conway; two grandchildren, Paul L. Smith of Benton and Pamela J. Tomlinson of Dearborn Heights, Mich.; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Ruby Tyner of Clarksville; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral was at 10 a.m. Monday, June 8, at Roller-Cox Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Vernon Bass officiating. Burial was in Oakland Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Paul L. Smith, Pamela J. Tomlinson, Penny Tomlinson, Robert J. MacArthur Tomlinson, and Dennis Wigley.

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Harley Wade Wagoner, 47, of Clarksville died Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at his home.

He was a native of Booneville and 1980 graduate of Clarksville High School.

Survivors include his parents, Jerry and Delores Wagoner of Clarksville; and two brothers, Mitchell Wagoner and Jerry Jay Wagoner, both of Clarksville.

A memorial service was held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 4, at Hardwicke Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Marci Ward officiating.

The body was cremated.

Memorials may be made to the University of the Ozarks, 412 North College Avenue, Clarksville, AR 72830; First Presbyterian Church, 212 North College Avenue, Clarksville, AR 72830; or the American Diabetes Association, 212 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205.

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Jessica Jolene Sams, 30, of Ozone died Saturday, June 6, 2009, from injuries sustained in a one-vehicle accident on Highway 21.

She was a native of Clarksville, daughter of the late Junior Thomas Cummins, certified nurses aide, and attended Salus Full Gospel Church.

Survivors include her husband, Lee Wayne Sams; one daughter, Josie Elizabeth Sams of the home; one son, Logan Wayne Sams of the home; mother, Evelyn Louise Reynolds Cummins of Ozone; one sister, Sherry Elaine Davenport of Ozone; one brother, Steven Thomas Cummins of Isabel, Kan; grandparents, Joyce Reynolds of Oark, Rosie Cummins of Ozone, and Joyce W. and Lemuel Reynolds of Lamar; three nieces, Desalynn Cummins of Isabel, Kan., Rachel Davenport of Ozone, and April Richardson of Clarksville; and one nephew, Dane Richardson of Clarksville.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 10, at Roller-Cox Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Robert Boen officiating. Burial will be in Mossville Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be David Reynolds, Brad Reynolds, Lonnie Reynolds, Teddy Bohannon, Robert Sams, and Dolan Stepp.

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Morris Ray Holman, 79, died Sunday, May 31, 2009, at his home in Royse City, Texas.

He was a native of Johnson County, son of the late Pierce and Elizabeth King Holman, Baptist, retired employee of American Printing Company in Dallas, Texas, and was preceded in death by one grandson, Robert Holman Jr.; three sisters, Vivian and Tressie Holman and Eula Holman Cole; and two brothers, Donald Holman and Cecil Holman.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Betty Jo Holman; two sons, Robert Holman and wife, Glenna, of Lavon, Texas, and Kenneth Holman and wife, Barbara, of Prosper, Texas; six grandchildren, Aaron, Rachael, Ashley and Paige Holman and Payton and Taylor Jones; two sisters, Juanita Cole and Ruth Sims, both of Clarksville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral was at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, at Rest Haven Funeral Home-Rockwall Chapel with Rev. Mac Costlow officiating. Burial was in Rest Haven Memorial Park in Rockwall, Texas.

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Robbie McKeage, 67, of Altus, mother of Danny Hawkins of Coal Hill, died Thursday, May 28, 2009, in a Fort Smith hospital.

She was a daughter of the late E. O. and Arline Bethea Vickers, native of Monticello, Baptist, and preceded in death by one sister, Ruby Gay Flanagin.

She is survived by two other sons, Butch and Tracy Hawkins, both of Altus; five sisters, Bonnie McPherson, Lou Livermore, and Linda Zolliecoffer, all of Altus, Nettie Turley of Channelview, Texas, and Naomi Taylor of Liberty, Texas; one brother, Richard Vickers of Houston, Texas; ten grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Graveside services and burial were at 3 p.m. Monday, June 1, at Shady Grove Cemetery at New Edinburg with Rev. Keith Bryant and Rev. Robin Hood officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Shaffer Funeral Home of Ozark.

Pallbearers were nephews, Jeff, Randy and Cassie Chambers, Gene and Chris McPherson, and Bill Flanagin.

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Velma Jean Sparks, 68, of Clarksville died Wednesday, June 3, 2009, at Johnson Regional Medical Center.

She was a native of Hunt, daughter of the late Silas and Rosie Willis Harmon, widow of Alvin Sparks, and Baptist.

Survivors include one daughter, Diane Holt and husband, Steve, of Clarksville; three brothers, Hoyt Harmon and wife, Babe, of Altus, Lonnie Harmon and wife, Margie, of Denning, and Roy Harmon of Ozark; and two grandsons, Tyler and Trever Holt, both of Clarksville.

Funeral was at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at Roller-Cox Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. William Hickman officiating. Burial was in Liberty Hill Cemetery at Hunt.

Pallbearers were Warren Harmon, Johnny Wayne Harmon, Mike Meek, Cody Harmon, Jason Kremers, and Justin Kremers.

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Shirley Sue Selby Toombs, age 72, passed away at her home in Clarksville, Arkansas on Monday afternoon, June 1, 2009.

She was born and raised in Clarksville. Shirley moved to Flint, Michigan in 1955. It was there that she met Earl W. Toombs of Paragould, Arkansas. They were married in Flint on February 15, 1957 in a double wedding ceremony performed by Rev. George Domerese. Shirley and Earl returned to Clarksville after their retirement.

While residing in Flint, Shirley worked in various settings including the Mill End Stores, Central Baptist Church, General Motors and later for attorney Thomas McCombs.

Shirley was a Christian, baptized in Spadra Creek in Clarksville, AR. She was a member of East Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Clarksville and Central Baptist Church in Flint, MI where she served in various ministries over the years, including Children's Sunday School teacher, Women's Missionary Union and Church Secretary.

She was active within her community in Flint, volunteering in her children's schools and extra curricular activities. Shirley served on the Hospital Auxiliary at Flint General Hospital and enjoyed assisting with local political campaigns.

Throughout her life, she took great joy in entertaining friends and family and was always eager to set another place at the table for whoever happened to "drop by" at dinner time. She encouraged her children in their endeavors and always had a listening ear for friends and family of all ages.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Rob and Marie Selby. She leaves behind her husband of 52 years Earl W. Toombs. Her children, Tina and David Pelton (Draper, Utah), Robert Toombs (Flint, Michigan). Her grandchildren whom she loved dearly, Jeremy and Taylor Pelton (Draper, Utah), Rachel Toombs (Grand Blanc, Michigan) and Breeana Toombs (Flint, Michigan). Beloved sister, Robbie Domerese (Flint, Michigan) and Robbie's children, Don (Sandi) Domerese, Gary (Kathy) Domerese and Freda Gregory. Husband's siblings, Mack (Patricia) Toombs, Gary Toombs and Faye (Willie) Williams. Many other nieces and nephews who all held a special place in her heart. Special friend Nancy Tomlin Adkins along with many other dear friends from over the years who she continued to keep in contact with right until the end.

Special thanks to the Arkansas Department of Health Hospice Staff, especially Dr. Jack Patterson, Teresa Qualls, RN, Theresa Jackson, LPN. Gayle Connor and the many aides who assisted Shirley. Each of you helped make her last months more comfortable, enjoyable and dignified. For this our family is extremely grateful.

Viewing was Thursday, June 4 at the Hardwicke Funeral Home in Clarksville. Visitation with the family was Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services were Friday, June 5 at 11:00 a.m. in the Hardwicke Chapel. Graveside service immediately followed at the Mount Vernon Cemetery in Clarksville. The minister was Rev. David Qualls.

Pallbearers were Gary Domerese, Jeremy Pelton, Taylor Pelton, J. R. Toombs, William Toombs, and David Pelton.

Shirley was fond of saying to whoever would listen, "You'd better slow down and stop and smell the roses," the family would encourage you to take pause and do likewise, make time to tell the people you love how precious they are to you.


Dennis Darrel Wheeler Sr. of Lamar, Arkansas passed away June 4, 2009 at his home at the age of 88. He was born June 5, 1920, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Charles Sherman and Mary Ellen (Sexton) Wheeler. He is preceded in his death by his parents; four brothers, Roosevelt Wheeler, Herschel Wheeler, Everett Wheeler and Kenneth Wheeler; and one sister, Oma Wheeler.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Edna Marie (Overbey) Wheeler; one son, Dennis Darrel Wheeler Jr. and wife, Sharon, of Lamar, Arkansas; three daughters, Brenda DuBois of Lamar, Arkansas, Janet Williams and her husband, Paul, of Lamar, Arkansas, and Joy Wheeler of London, Arkansas; ten grandchildren, John DuBois of Danville, Illinois, Michael DuBois of Danville, Illinois, Cassandra Williams of Little Rock, Arkansas, Alisha Williams of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Angela Spencer of Edmond, Oklahoma, Rebecca Eldridge of Lamar, Arkansas, Valerie Fetters of Russellville, Arkansas, Darren Wheeler of Lamar, Arkansas, Matthew Griffith of Kansas City, Missouri, and Sara Griffith of London, Arkansas; and three great-grandchildren, Amanda Gray of Lamar, Arkansas, Jack Spencer of Edmond, Oklahoma, and AnnMarie Eldridge of Lamar, Arkansas.

Dennis proudly served his country for three years in the United States Army during World War II, serving for nineteen months in the Philippines and Okinawa with the 536th Amphibian Tractor Battalion as a tank commander. He received recognition for his support and commitment as a founding sponsor for the National Museum of the U. S. Army. He was an honoree, and is service registered, in the World War II National Memorial in Washington, D. C.

Dennis worked for many years in the timber, lumber and manufacturing industries. He was a master electrician and a maintenance supervisor, working for Joe B. Mills, Bibler Brothers, Ladish Company, and as an independent electrical contractor. Upon his retirement, he worked with his son, Darrel, on their cattle farm at Lamar.

From the ground up, he helped organize what is now the "East Johnson County Water Users Association" bringing municipal water to the rural residents of eastern Johnson County and western Pope County. For more than twenty years, he was a member of the board, and also served as secretary-treasurer.

He was a member of the Johnson County Cattlemen's Association, lifetime member of the American Legion, having been a charter member of Bunch-Walton Post 22, in Clarksville, lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a member of the Cabin Creek Baptist Church in Lamar.

The family received friends at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m. Monday, June 8, 2009. The funeral service was at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at the Cabin Creek Baptist Church with Brother Gary Blair officiating. Burial followed in the Lamar Cemetery.

Pallbearers were John DuBois, Michael DuBois, Matthew Griffith, Darren Wheeler, Shawn Spencer, Lance Fetters, Gary Eldridge, and Shane Gray.

Honorary pallbearers were members of the East Johnson County Water Users Association Board past and present.


Alice Jane Jacaway, 63, of Lamar died Wednesday, June 3, 2009, at her home.

She was born May 11, 1946, a daughter of the late Johnny and Evelyn Jean Winfield Bowen and a graduate of Clarksville High School.

Survivors include one daughter, Lisa Holmes of Clarksville; three sisters, Sharon Freeman and Angela Cox, both of Clarksville, and Betty Childers of Eureka, Calif.; two brothers, Leonard Bowen of New Albany, Miss., and James Bowen of Ozone;  two grandchildren, Britney Cowell of Santa Rosa, Calif., and Jesse Cowell of Clarksville; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, June 12, at Faith Community Foursquare Church with Rev. Jill Perdue officiating.

The body was donated to the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences in Little Rock.

Arrangements were under the direction of Hardwicke Funeral Home.

A Mother's Farewell

To Her Children

When I must leave you for a little while,

Please do not grieve and shed wild tears,

And hug your sorrow to you through the years,

But start out bravely with a gallant smile;

And for my sake and in my name,

Live on and do all things the same,

Feed not your loneliness on empty days,

But fill each waking hour in useful ways,

Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer,

And I in turn will comfort you and hold you near;

And never, never be afraid to die,

For I am waiting for you in the sky!