Linus Chikaodili Ukomadu

Father Linus Chikaodili Ukomadu, 55, pastor of St. Michael Catholic Church in Cherokee Village and St. Mary of the Mount, Horseshoe Bend, died on May 21, 2014 at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. Father Linus, was born in Orlu, Nigeria on April 27, 1959, and ordained to the Priesthood in the Catholic Church there on July 28, 1990. He served in various capacities in the Diocese of Orlu until September 1999 when he began priestly service in the Diocese of Little Rock, which encompasses the whole of the State of Arkansas. Father Linus served as associate pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Hot Springs, and subsequently, St. John Catholic Church, Malvern, and St. Mary Church in Arkadelphia prior to being named pastor in Cherokee Village and Horseshoe Bend. Father Linus was a very dedicated priest with a true missionary spirit. He served those entrusted to his care with gentleness and love. A Vigil service will be prayed at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, 617 S. Louisiana, Little Rock, on Friday, May 23, at 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated, also at the Cathedral, on Saturday, May 24, at 10 a.m. Bishop Augustine of Orlu will be the principal celebrant. A second Vigil service will be prayed at St. Mary of the Mount Church, 1002 First Street, Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas on Sunday, May 25, at 6 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Michael Catholic Church, Tekakwitha Drive and Hwy. 62/412, Cherokee Village, Arkansas on Monday, May 26, at 11 a.m. Bishop Anthony Taylor, Bishop of Little Rock will be the principal celebrant. Burial will take place in Orlu, Nigeria. Arrangements by North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.