Wayne Earlson Calhoun, Sr.

Wayne Earlson Calhoun, Sr., 101 of Bella Vista, Arkansas died at home Sunday, March 11, 2018. He was born December 21, 1916 in Montrose, Missouri to the late Earl and Verda (Manbeck) Calhoun. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 79 years and two brothers. He is survived by his sister, Alice Jane Wagner (Les), two sons, Wayne E. Calhoun, Jr. (Linda) of Bella Vista, Arkansas and Charles E. Calhoun (Mary) of Denton, Texas, four grandchildren, Kelley Bowers, Patrick Calhoun, Charles Calhoun, Jr. and Laurie England, 10 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren. He was an outstanding father and husband who was involved in coaching little league baseball, being a Boy Scout leader and scoutmaster, achieving the Silver Beaver award which is the highest non Boy Scout award, teaching Sunday school and school activities, turning down promotional opportunities, with Sears to stay in Tulsa. He moved to Bella Vista from Tulsa Oklahoma in 1974 upon retiring from Sears & Roebuck. He and his wife, Ara Mae Calhoun were leaders in the Bella Vista community. He was the branch manager of the Bella Vista Benton County Savings and Loan office in Town Center which later became Simmons Bank. He was instrumental in establishing the ambulance service with the fire department and the recycle center and was a volunteer at Helping Hands of Bentonville for many years. A Memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Bella Vista at 10 A.M. on Thursday, March 22, with the Reverend Jeanne Williams officiating and where he and his wife were charter members. Having served in the China, Burma, and India Theater in World War II where he flew "The Hump" as a radio operator on a C-46; he will be buried at the V.A. National Cemetery in Fayetteville, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial s may be made to First United Methodist Church, 20 Boyce Drive, Bella Vista, Ark., 72715 or the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Arrangements are entrusted to Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.