Obituaries

Jerry Donald Haptonstall

Jerry Donald Haptonstall, 81, of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2013, at Washington Regional Hospital. He was born June 12, 1931, in Edgewood, Texas, to Fredrick Clinton Haptonstall and Vada Novice Daniell. He graduated from Edgewood High School in 1949 and from Arlington State College with a BBA degree in 1965. He had several professions throughout his life. He was both a telegrapher and a station-master for the Texas and Pacific Railway. After graduating from college, he was a warranted contracting officer for NASA Houston. Throughout this time and during retirement, he served as a Lions Club president in Fayetteville and League City, Texas, president of the Johnson Space Center Credit Union, president of General Lafayette Chapter Sons of the American Revolution and was State Registrar for the SAR. Jerry served as Cub Master for Troop 430 of the Boy Scouts of America. He also served as a primary teacher for his church. He was a Mason for 63 years and was a member of Washington Lodge #1. He was a life member of the Arkansas Pioneers. As if these activities weren't enough, Jerry was an avid writer, writing stories and poems for his children, grandchildren and many friends. Jerry was an instrument-rated pilot. He was an avid birdwatcher and naturalist. He took great delight in teaching children, like Jenna Caudle, who he treated like a grandchild. He was a volunteer at the VA hospital for the past 18 years. He particularly loved interacting with the patients. Jerry was also a ham operator. All who knew him loved him. He was a good and gracious man. He loved being a friend and grandfather to the Billy Ammons family. Jerry was so thankful for Gary Taylor, who faithfully home-taught his family the principles of the Gospel. He really loved Michelle's French bread. He is survived by his loving wife, Rose Marie Gilstrap Haptonstall of Fayetteville, Ark. He and Rose Marie were married in the Salt Lake Temple on Aug. 3, 1978. He is also survived by his daughter Sheree Carlton (Mike) of Friendswood, Texas; son, Craig Haptonstall (Mildred), of Grapevine, Texas; stepchildren, Norman Powell (Jennifer) of Simpsonville, S.C., and Sharon Ormsby (Jimmie) of Odessa, Texas. He is also survived by his loving sister, Wilma Davenport (Roy) of Gainsville, Ga.; 20 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. Jerry had been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints since Aug. 4, 1977. Viewing will be Thursday, April 25 at 1 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Zion Road, Fayetteville, Ark. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. Internment will take place, Friday, April 26, 2013 at 2 p.m. at Small Cemetery in Edgewood, Texas. The family would like to thank all of the doctors and nurses at Washington Regional Hospital, who worked so hard to care for Jerry. Nelson-Berna Funeral Home and Crematory of Fayetteville, Ark., will be handling the funeral arrangements. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.nelsonberna.com

Published April 24, 2013

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