Herschel Benton Duncan
LINCOLN -- Herschel Benton (H.B.) Duncan, age 71, passed away on Dec. 21, 2009, at his home in Lincoln after a very short bout with cancer. He was born in Fayetteville on Aug. 31, 1938, to the late Walter Nathaniel Duncan and Ora Ruth Meredith-Duncan of Round Mountain east of Fayetteville.
His was preceded in death by his grandparents Wm. and Cleo Duncan of Round Mountain and Joe and Ora Meredith and of the Wyman Community.
Herschel and his siblings were reared in a home by very devout, loving parents in the Assembly of God denomination. His dad, Walter Duncan, was a dedicated and honorable Assembly of God pastor for many years. His brother, Ralph, is the pastor of an Assembly of God church in Franklin, Tenn.
Having been reared in a family that was taught the meaning of hard work, Herschel began at the age of 17 driving a truck to help support his family after his dad became seriously ill. He and his brothers helped the family survive until their dad regained his health.
Herschel served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963 at Fort Eustis, Va. After serving two years, he and his wife, Loretta Ruth Blalock-Duncan, moved back to Northwest Arkansas where they began their family, a daughter, Cheryl Kay, and a son, Jim.
Herschel became a very successful and respected businessman in Springdale. In 1963, he and his wife bought Shaver Produce from Sherrel and Anita Shaver and operated as Duncan Produce for several years. When Urban Renewal purchased the building, they bought 10 acres on East Emma and built a new building, operating as Springdale Banana House for several years.
In 1969, Herschel purchased a small grocery store on East Emma and operated as Sav-Mor Grocery Store. Then, with growing pains, Herschel built a larger grocery store on East Emma in front of his Food Service so that he could manage both operations personally while operating as Farmer's Warehouse Market. Herschel built up many friends during these busy, hectic years in the Springdale area.
Herschel expanded his produce business to a full food service and operated as Duncan Foods for several years. His company incorporated the full-service needs of restaurants, local grocery stores and schools in Northwest Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma with fresh produce, meats and other cafeteria supplies. Herschel became known as the "Banana King of Northwest Ark" because of his ripening skills of bananas. He closed out this business in 1994.
Herschel and his wife owned 40 acres west of Springdale during this time, which now incorporates the Arvest Ballpark. He and his wife felt very honored that such an entity would choose the exact property which they owned. Among the crops that were produced on the farm were grapes, apples and peaches that Herschel and his family tended along with the other businesses that he owned and managed.
In 1994, Herschel purchased a truck and trailer and went on long-haul driving. He hauled for Dewayne Provence of Fayetteville several years, and later, Wal-Mart out of Bentonville. He really enjoyed driving his 'big' truck until he fell out of his trailer onto the concrete pavement while making a delivery to a Tyson chicken plant in Pine Bluff in 2004 and crushed his hip. He managed to get back up into the truck and, while holding his leg in traction, drove the truck back to Mountainburg where he was picked up in the family vehicle and driven back to the hospital emergency room in Springdale. He had to have a total hip replacement, which hindered greatly his driving ability. He took his grandson, Brandon Tabor, with him and taught him how to operate the big rig over the next few years. Then Herschel's wife sold his truck at her yard sale so that ended that season of his life.
In all that Herschel did, he believed in working long, hard hours, usually 15 to 18 hours a day, and seven days a week. His motto over the years was "You are only selling a service. So you had better be the best at what you do." He and his wife worked together in these operations and reared their two children to be responsible workers through the company.
Herschel very seldom met a stranger. Anyone that met Herschel remembered him. He might not always remember their names when he met a person, but he always made conversation with them. Once you met Herschel, you usually did not forget him. He had a sly sense of humor that people were drawn to and was highly regarded by family and friends.
Among Herschel's survivors are his wife and caregiver, Loretta Ruth Blalock-Duncan of 48 years, their daughter Cheryl Tabor and her husband, Ralph Gary, of Lincoln, and a son, Jim Duncan, of Lincoln. Herschel was blessed with four grandchildren, Brandon Tabor and his wife, Andrea; Josh Tabor and his wife, Tiffany; Duncan Tabor, and Jessica Tabor-Lassiter and her husband, Chris, of Normal, Ill. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren: Destiny Tabor, Maura Layne Tabor and Kolden Tabor.
Herschel is also survived by four brothers: Paul and his wife, Doris, of Nettleton, Miss.; David of Tupelo, Miss.; Philip of Booneville, Miss.; Ralph and his wife, Diane, of Franklin, Tenn.; and two sisters: Cleora Brown of Tupelo, Miss., and Sharon Baggett and her husband, Larry, of Fayetteville. Also surviving are several nieces and a nephew.
Visitation is set from 2 to 4 p.m. today at Sisco Funeral Chapel.
Funeral arrangements will be made by Sisco Funeral Chapel of Springdale with services set at 2 p.m. Monday. Pastor Tim Smith of the Fayetteville First Assembly of God Church will conduct the services. Burial will be in the Sonora Cemetery.
The family requests memorials be made to Washington Regional Hospice, 34 W. Colt Square, Fayetteville, AR 72701.
To sign the guestbook online please visit www.siscofuneral.com.
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John Albert Risley
LINCOLN -- John "Buddy" James Albert Risley, 74, a resident of Lincoln, passed away Dec. 23, 2009, at the Quail Ridge Care Facility in West Siloam Springs, Okla. He was born Nov. 11, 1935, in Fayetteville, the son of Adrian Silas and Tina Campbell Risley.
John married Myrtle Marie Jackson at Tahlequah, Okla., in 1951.
In the 1950's he worked for Falstaff Beer for about 10 years, his assistant driver was Ray Mantle, brother of Mickey Mantle. Mickey Mantle signed a baseball for his son, Everett, at the age of 10 after an automobile accident.
Later in the 1960's, he went to work for Miller Beer again as a truck driver. Around 1967, John and Myrtle moved to Arkansas where they started dairy farming. John went to work for the City of Lincoln Street Department while Myrtle worked on the farm. After he left the job at the city, they raised cattle and operated a commercial egg farm for 17 years. John loved the outdoors where he enjoyed fishing, hunting and boating.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Victor Cavalier Risley and one son, Everett Adrian Risley.
Survivors include two sons, Jackie Joe and Jackie Kay Risley and Marvin and Sharon Risley, all of Lincoln; one brother, Jacob Pierre Hensley of Siloam Springs and Bonnie Jean Ross of Hagerman, Idaho; four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Family wishes to express a special thanks to Annie Blackbird for her loving companionship.
The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. today, at the Luginbuel Chapel.
Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Luginbuel Chapel, Prairie Grove, with Mike Whorton officiating. Burial will be in the Cane Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Howard Colburn, Ronnie Campbell, Dave Ross, Don Griscom, Bill Griscom, and Mike Miller.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Bud Rose, Billy Myers, Bud Cox, David Kidd, and Omer Dobbs.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Luginbuel Funeral Home of Prairie Grove. The complete obituary may be viewed on the Luginbuel Web Page. To sign the online guest book, visit www.luginbuel.com.
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Ella Jane Nelson
FAYETTEVILLE -- Ella Jane Nelson, 86 of Fayetteville, died Dec. 23, 2009, in Fayetteville. She was born May 16, 1923 in Niarada, Mont., to Frederick W. and Lauel C. Logan Pennoyer.
She was a homemaker and a member of the Presbyterian Church.
She is survived by three sons; Timothy A. Nelson of Keller, Texas, Dennis W. Nelson of North Richland Hills, Texas, Randall W. Nelson of Boerne, Texas, and five grandchildren.
Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be private at Fayetteville National Cemetery.
Herman Cheek
PINEVILLE, La. -- Herman Cheek, 87, of Pineville, La., passed away Dec. 22, 2009, at the Springdale Health & Rehab Nursing Home in Springdale in the loving presence of his immediate family members.
He was born in Mangham, La., on Aug. 3, 1922. Herman later married Bettie Walden Cheek on Jan. 25, 1947.
Herman is survived by his wife, Bettie; his daughter, Melba Cheek of Dallas; his son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Earlene Cheek of Springdale and his grandson, Ryan Cheek. He was preceded in death by son Malcolm Cheek of Monroe, La.
At the time of his retirement, Herman had completed 18 years of employment with the Rapids Parish School Board while also operating his own appliance repair business. Herman was a decorated World War II veteran and a 32nd Degree Mason in the Pineville Masonic Lodge. Herman was a cherished friend to many, a faithful and loving husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather.
Friends may call from 9 a.m. until service time Monday at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home in Pineville.
Services for Herman Cheek will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday at the Hixson Brothers Funeral Home in Pineville with interment to follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Rayville, La.
To extend online condolences to the Cheek family, please visit us at www.hixsonbrothers.com.
Local arrangements were under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville.
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Donald Marvin Erickson
FAYETTEVILLE -- Donald Marvin Erickson, 74, of Fayetteville, died Nov. 21, 2009, at Fayetteville Veterans Home. He was born March 28, 1935 in Virginia, Minn., to Oscar and Helen Carson Erickson.
He was an Air Force veteran who served during the Vietnam War.
He is survived by three daughters, Diane Erickson of Little Rock, Susan Erickson of Rogers, Nancy Sobieski of El Lago, Texas; two sisters, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
His cremated remains will be placed during a memorial service at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Fayetteville National Cemetery, and in Virginia, Minn., in July.
Arrangements are with Heritage Funeral Home in Springdale.
Candy G. Monson
ROGERS -- Candy G. Monson, 58, of Rogers passed away Dec. 21, 2009, in Rogers. She was born Sept. 6, 1951, in Stafford, Kan., the daughter of Kenneth & Florence Krum Rock. She was an X-ray technician for Rogers Medical Center. She was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband, Stephen Monson of the home; her son, Travis Monson and wife Ashley of Springdale; her sister, Cherry Dirks and husband Norvin of Littleton, Colo.; two brothers, Lester Rock and wife Sharon of Port St. Lucie, Fla. and Leslie Rock and wife Anitra of Brighton, Colo.; and her granddaughter, Tierney Monson of Springdale.
The family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday at Benton County Funeral Home in downtown Rogers.
Memorial contributions may be made to Washington Regional Hospice c/o Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. Fourth St., Rogers, AR 72756. Online condolences may be made at www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.
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Lillian Agnes Groharing
FAYETTEVILLE -- Lillian Agnes Groharing, 94 of Fayetteville passed away Dec. 25, 2009, in Springdale. She was born Nov. 21, 1915, in Fayetteville to Charles David Tuck and Mary Lucinda Hutchinson Tuck.
She was a retired office manager for Bulwin Manufacturing and a Baptist.
She is survived by three daughters; Mary L. Jean of Fayetteville, Sue Ridder of Quincy, Ill., Alice Stefferud of Racine, Wis., two stepdaughters; Ramona Wright of Carson City, Nev., Dorothy Cast of Washington, 17 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, and several great great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Monday at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ray Baggett officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service up until service time. Burial will be in Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona Del Mar, Calif.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fayetteville City Hospital Activities Fund or Circle of Life Hospice.
To sign the online guest book please visit www.nelsonberna.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home and Crematory of Fayetteville.
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Jean Ann Pogue
BENTONVILLE -- Jean Ann Pogue, 75, of Bentonville died Dec. 22, 2009, at Northwest Medical Center-Bentonville. She was born July 11, 1934 in Chicago to Fred Max Sparrer and Mable A. Jeffers Sparrer.
She was raised and educated in Chicago and attended college at the University of Arkansas. Jean married William R. Pogue on Sept. 1, 1979, in Fayetteville. She helped her husband writing books. She learned to fly at age 60. Jean also had a great love of arts and crafts. She was a member of the Bella Vista Community Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and one sister, Joan.
She is survived by her husband, William R. Pogue of Bentonville; four sons, Bruce E. Baird of Bella Vista, Steven F. Baird of Bella Vista, Douglas H. Baird and wife Judy of Springdale, Grant H. Baird and wife Janice of Bella Vista; 13 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Bella Vista Community Church, 75 E. Lancashire Blvd. with Dr. Thad Moore officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Benton County Women's Shelter, P.O. Box 1059, Rogers, AR 72757.
On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.
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Clara Wright
ROGERS -- Clara Wright, 79 of Rogers died Dec. 24, 2009, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale She was born March 29, 1930, in Springdale to Marion William and Jessie Mae Riggins Fields.
She was a homemaker.
Survivors include two sons, Mike Wright and wife Barbara of Fayetteville and Marion Wright of Rogers; two daughters, Marcia Stamps and husband Rick of Springdale and Belinda Reynolds and husband John of Ozark; a brother, Jim Fields of Springdale; three sisters, Lela Pianalto of Springdale, Betty Reed of Springdale, Nadine Holland of Gentry; nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Sisco Funeral Chapel of Springdale. Burial will be in the Zion Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, Arkansas 72762.
Carl Jean Burris
ELKINS -- Carl Jean Burris Sr., 70 of Elkins went to be with his Lord on Dec. 25, 2009, in his home. He was born Dec. 17, 1939, in DePue, Okla., to Chester C. Burris and Leona Owens Burris.
He was a retired fireman for Chino, Calif., a U.S. Army veteran and a Baptist.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn L. Burris, three son; Carl Burris Jr. of Sioux City, Iowa, Bill Burris of Elkins, Mike Burris of Elkins, and 11 grandchildren, one great grandchild.
Graveside funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday at McCord Cemetery near Elkins.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or St. Jude Children's Hospital.
To sign the online guest book please visit www.nelsonberna.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home and Crematory of Fayetteville.
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Linda June Lilly
FAYETTEVILLE -- Linda June Lilly, 69 of Fayetteville, died Dec. 25, 2009, at her home after a battle with cancer. She was born September 22, 1940 in Fayetteville to David Roberts Henson and Rebekah June Sawyer Henson.
Linda was a realtor with Lindsey & Associates in Fayetteville. She was a member of University Baptist Church since 1975 where she served in many capacities including eight years Chairman of the Women's Council and 14 years as the teacher of the Senior Ladies Bible Fellowship.
She was a member of the Rural Builder's Club where she was past president and a member of the Board of Directors. Her interest in livestock conservancy led her to raise rare breed sheep and llamas. She served on the board of directors of the Jacob Sheep Breeders Association.
She put her trust in God, loved her family and friends and enjoyed her work. She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Lisa Anne Lilly Garton.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Bill J. Lilly; three sons, David Lilly and wife Robin, John Lilly and wife Sheila and Stephen Lilly; a sister, Mary Buckley of Fayetteville; nine grandchildren, Sarah Garton Langham and husband John, Mary Garton, Catherine Lilly, Ben Lilly Jonathan Lilly, Kayleigh Lilly, Emily Lilly, Malcolm Lilly and Grace Lilly; a aunt, Mary Louise Wade; a sister in law, Dr. Melba Hutsell and husband Lt. Col. H.H. Hutsell, ret.; two nieces, Kim Lilly Evans and Shirley Clark Parnell; two nephews, Bobby Clark and Daniel Clark.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at University Baptist Church. Burial will be in Fairview Memorial Gardens under the direction of Moore's Chapel.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday at Moore's Chapel.
Officiating will be Dr. H.D. McCarty and Dr. Mike Lumpkin
Memorials maybe made to University Baptist Church, 333 W. Maple, Fayetteville, AR 72701 or Humane Society of the Ozarks , 413 N. College, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
To sign the online guest book visit mooresfuneralchapel.com.
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Sharon E. Sanders
SPRINGDALE -- Sharon E. Sanders, 60, of Springdale died Dec. 24, 2009, in Springdale. She was born Nov. 11, 1949, in Antioch, Calif., the daughter of Johnny and Doris Morgan Whiteley.
She was a supervisor for Superior Linens for 25 years. She was a member of Springdale United Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband, Bill Sanders of the home; two children, Donnie Sanders and wife Rhonda of Springdale and Angelia Walker of Springdale; one brother, Kenny Whiteley of Green Forest; two sisters, Marilyn Wood of Springdale and Helen Vandergriff of Berry ville; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Elkins Full Gospel Church with the Revs. Ray Shackelford and Mark Wood officiating. Burial will be in the Brannon Mountain Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday at Beard's Funeral Chapel.
Memorials may be made to any Arvest Bank for help with funeral expense.
Onlince condolences may be made at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.
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