Obituaries

Garlan Dean Reading

Photo of Garlan Dean Reading
Garlan Dean Reading of Fayetteville, Arkansas passed away peacefully on November 2, 2015 with his family by his side. He was a committed husband and a loving and encouraging father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed by his devoted family, Georgia (Dockery) his wife of 60 years; daughters, Teresa G. Reading of Washington, D.C. and G. Denise Reading (Linda DeMarco) of Chagrin Falls, Ohio; and son, G. Kent Reading (Clesha Reading) of Ozark, Arkansas; also, by his grandchildren, Lauren and Logan Parks of Ozark, Garlan A. Reading of Washington, D.C. and Shari DeMarco and James Pace of Chagrin Falls. A cattleman, hunter and entrepreneur, Garlan's family was his first priority. They had just returned from a family vacation together in Alaska when Garlan was diagnosed. His illness was mercifully brief. The youngest of five brothers, Garlan was born in 1929 and reared in Gentry, Arkansas. His parents Francis Marion and Valla Elizabeth Reading and his brothers Paul, Virgil, Charlie, and Gene preceded him in death. Garlan lived his adult life in Fayetteville after serving in the Korean War. He graduated with a Master's degree from the University of Arkansas where he started a career in plant pathology research, prior to his 28 year career with Elanco (animal products division of Eli Lilly). Garlan was known for his work ethic and perseverance. He maintained many interests in agriculture, primarily in the cattle market. Upon retirement Garlan started I-40 Livestock Auction in Ozark, Arkansas with his son Kent, retiring again in 2005. He continued his cattle operations until the time of his death. Garlan's keen mind and life-long curiosity, his quick wit, and his sincere interest in others made him good company. He was a willing mentor and a friend to many. His light burned brightly to the very end and he will be fondly remembered and missed dearly. Visitation will be 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Friday November 6th at Moore's Chapel, followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 7th, at Center Street Church of Christ in Fayetteville. A graveside celebration of Garlan's life will follow at 3 p.m. at Fairmont Cemetery in Gentry, Arkansas. Garlan's family extends special thanks to his physician Dr. Ronald Brimberry; Eugenia Baumgarden and Becky Perkovich of Washington Regional Hospice; and caregiver Cathy Peck for their compassionate care for Garlan and his family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Washington Regional Hospice, 325 E Longview St., Fayetteville, Ark. 72703 or Gospel Tracts International, 2129 North Center Street, Suite E, Fayetteville, Ark. 72701. To sign the online guest book, visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.

Published November 6, 2015

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