Lawrence 'Elmo' Samuel

Lawrence "Elmo" Samuel was born Sept. 11, 1918, in Clifty, Ark., to Charles and Ada Rodgers Samuel. He was married to Wilma Ruth Moren Samuel in 1946. He is survived by two daughters, Marlene Jeffus and fiance, Cary Haramoto, of Fayetteville, Ark., and Lea Ann Kirby and husband, Jim, of Rogers, Ark.; grandson, Scott Jeffus, wife, Shaunna, and great-grandchildren, Alexa and Samuel, of Bentonville, Ark.; granddaughter, Laura Zeitz, husband, Pete, and great-granddaughter, Ellie, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and sister-in-law, Wilma Samuel of Fayetteville, Ark. Elmo was a veteran of World War II having served as a staff sergeant in charge of a mortar squad during the Battle of the Bulge, as well as serving in the Army of Occupation. Elmo was associated with Coger Drug Store in Springdale as a practical pharmacist where he worked with his brother, Clifford Samuel. Later he joined the United States Department of Agriculture as an inspector. Thirty years with the USDA were spent in Paris, Texas, with the Campbell Soup Company. He was an avid fisherman, chasing bass, crappie and trout all his life. In spite of having lived through 17 presidents and six major wars or conflicts, his trademark was laughter and happiness rather than gloom. Elmo stayed connected in later years with his large group of friends at the Northwest Arkansas Mall where he held court during many birthday celebrations. He held the honorary title of Mall Mayor and was always ready to hand out his business card. Elmo's spirit of determination and desire to live life to the fullest will be missed but has set an example for many. A gathering of friends will be from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, at the funeral home. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 25, 2013, at Clifty Cemetery in Clifty, Ark. Memorials may be made to Brookstone Assisted Living or animal shelter of choice. Many thanks to friends and caregivers at Brookstone Assisted Living. Arrangements have been entrusted to Beard's Funeral Chapel of Fayetteville, Ark. Online condolences to www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.