Richard S. Werts

Richard Werts, 77, of Paragould, formerly of Bentonville, passed from this life on January 26, 2016, at St. Bernard's Hospital in Jonesboro. He was born in Topeka, Kansas, on May 19, 1938. He was a retired carpenter and a member of The Church of the Nazarene. A veteran, Richard spent 20 years in the United States Navy. He was passionate about his years of service. He loved his wife, his kids, his grandchildren, and all of his friends. Richard enjoyed golfing, drinking coffee with his buddies, traveling, fishing, and spending time with his family. He was the son of the late Ivan Werts and late Ruth Patterson Chilcott. He was also preceded in death by his uncles, Tom and Harold "Pat" Patterson. Survivors include his wife, Sherrie Werts of Paragould, along with his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Sharon Joe and Patty Gatlin of Paragould; sons, Richard S. (Paula) Werts, Rex (Luann) Werts, and Tim (Melissa) Werts; daughters, Pattie Werts Ericson and Amanda Werts; step-daughter and step-son, Lindsey and Justin Hagood of Paragould; 17 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Linda Van Riper Poort, Cheryl Van Riper Busey, and Alice Chilcott Bates; brothers-in-law, Keith, Darryl, and Travis Gatlin, all of Paragould; sister-in-law, Joni Gatlin of Paragould; several nieces and nephews; and his dog, Jake. Visitation is Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. at Heath Funeral Home. The funeral begins at 10 a.m. with Rev. Mark Snodgrass officiating. Burial will be in Finch Cemetery. Pallbearers are Keith Gatlin, Travis Gatlin, Darryl Gatlin, Dan Bailey, Justin Hagood, and Evan Freeman. Eric Wazenegger is an honorary pallbearer. Online tributes: www.heathfuneralhome.com.