Classmate Obituaries - Letter C

These obituaries correspond with the yearbooks that are listed on this website. Whenever possible, the source of the obituary will be shown as well as the date.

Caple, Everett F. "Doc"

Everett F. "Doc" Caple, age 88, of Sardis passed away Tuesday March 8, 2016. He was born November 27, 1927, in Sardis. Everett was a retired Carpenter at Reynolds Metals Co., member of the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon Emeritus. He also served on the McPherson Board of Directors for many years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elliott and Martha Jane Baxley Caple, three sisters, Melba Beaty, Jean Baxley, and Frances McDorman.
Survivors, wife, Orene Caple, Sardis; daughters and sons-in-law, Brenda and Danny Seal, Sardis; Susan and Dr. Rick Grant, Benton; brother, Joel Caple, Sardis; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Sardis with burial at McPherson Cemetery in Sardis. Ministers will be Bro. Rick Porter and Dr. Rick Grant.
Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Senior Men's Sunday School Class.
Memorials may be made to the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church building fund.
Visitation will be 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Saturday before the services. [from Ashby Funeral Home online obituary] [Bryant Class of 1948]

Carson, Robert David

Robert Carson dies of injuries
Robert David Carson, 23, of Benton died Monday at a Little Rock hospital of injuries suffered Thursday when his motorcycle collided with a car near El Dorado, authorities said.
He was a fireman for the Missouri Pacific Railroad, a veteran of the Vietnam war and a Baptist.
Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Bobbie Sanderlin Carson; a daughter, Rachel Ann Carson of the home; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Carson of Benton; three brothers, Stanley, Steven and Daniel Carson, all of Benton; two sisters, Kristin and Mary Grace Carson, both of Benton; and his grandmothers, Mrs. Hiram Carson and Mrs. Bill Hopkins, both of Benton.
Funeral was to be at 1 p.m. today at First Baptist Church in Benton. Burial was to be at Pinecrest Cemetery by Ashby Funeral Service. [from the Benton Courier, November 21, 1972, page 1, column 1] [Benton Class of 1966]

Carter, Peggy Jean

Peggy Jean Carter, 89 of Benton, passed away November 17, 2014. She was born April 30, 1925, in Benton to the late David and Myrtle Rupp Carter. Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, David, Dan, Bill and Ted Carter, sister, Dorris Carter.
She is survived by her daughter, Annamary Carter and sister, Pat Ioup, many nieces and nephews.
Peggy was a hard worker all of her life, holding down two jobs many times. She worked in the parts department of several car dealerships and sold tickets at the Big 4 Drive-in Theater. Peggy also worked at the Reynolds Mining Corp and retired as a sales clerk at Wal-Mart.
Graveside services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at Old Rosemont Cemetery in Benton.
Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Ashby Funeral Home before graveside service at Old Rosemont.
Family comments: The family wishes to thank all caregivers for the wonderful care and support of Peggy during her illness.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church or the Saline County Humane Society. [from Ashby Funeral Home online obituary] [Benton Class of 1943]

Cash, James Raymond, Jr.

James Raymond Cash Jr., age 53, of Alexander; passed away Friday July 9, 2004. He was born on March 23, 1951, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Mr. Cash was a grocery clerk and a member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church.
He is survived by his daughter, Heather Wright and husband Glenn of Benton; parents, James R. and Merrill Cash Sr. of Benton; sister, Jan Cash of Benton and a granddaughter, Hollie Wright.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday at Ashby Funeral Home with burial at Fairplay Cemetery. The minister will be Bro. Scott Spakes.
Visitation will be 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Monday morning at Ashby's. [from Ashby Funeral Home online obituary] [Benton Class of 1969]

Chandler, Martha Reeves

Martha Reeves Chandler, age 63, of Benton passed away November 13, 2010, in Benton. She was born July 28, 1947, in Little Rock to Lester J. and Chole (Reeves) Chandler.
Ms. Chandler was a graduate of Texas Women’s University, received her masters degree in Human Services at St. Edwards University, and was a student recruiter for Texas Women’s University and the University of Texas.
She was preceded in death by her father, Lester J. Chandler, in 2006.
Survivors include her mother, Chloe Chandler of Benton, three aunts, Geneva Kiem, Dorothy Bussey, both of Malvern, and Carmen Chandler of Benton, numerous cousins and many friends.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 16, 2010, at New Rosemont Memorial Park in Benton under the direction of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home in Benton (501-315-4047) with Brother Frank Thurman officiating.
There will be no visitation.
The family request memorials be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 612 Valley View, Benton, AR 72019. [from Roller-Ballard Funeral Home online obituary] [Benton Class of 1965]

Chastain, William Earl "Bill"

William Earl "Bill" Chastain, age 63, of Benton, passed away Sunday, January 12, 2014. He was born May 29, 1950, in Benton, Arkansas. Bill graduated from Benton High School in 1969. He was a clerk for Safeway/Harvest Foods for 25 years and later was a custodian for the Benton Public Schools. Bill was a member of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church where he was in the Pairs and Spares Sunday School Class and a member of the Lakeside Hunting Club in Malvern. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Floyd Jr. and Mildred Wright Chastain and a sister-in-law, Cathy Chastain.
He is survived by his wife, Lanette Phillips Chastain; two daughters, Amber and Paige Chastain; and four brothers, Ken Chastain, Fred Chastain and wife Emilia, Terrell Chastain and wife Tammy and Kevin Chastain and wife Donna.
Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 14 at Sharon Missionary Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 15 at Sharon Missionary Baptist Church with burial at Sharon Cemetery. Bro. Richard Hamlin, Bro. Muncy Harris and Bro. David Wayne Phillips will be officiating.
Memorials may be made to Sharon Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund. [from Ashby Funeral Home online obituary] [Benton Class of 1969]

Cheshier, Larry David

Larry David Cheshier, 59, of Whitney, passed away Sunday, July 30, 2006, at his residence. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West. Burial will follow at Bold Springs Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
David was born in Warren, Arkansas, to Peter and Frances (Simms) Cheshier. He attended schools in Benton, Arkansas, and graduated from Benton High School before attending the Assembly of God University in Waxahachie. On October 11, 1997, he was united in marriage to Donna Kathyleene Vaughan in West. He was a truck driver for U.S. Transport in Waco since 1997. He was a member of the Open Range Cowboy Church in Whitney. David enjoyed fishing, attending church functions and listening to Blue Grass and Gospel music. He especially loved playing with his grandchildren and attending their sports and school events.
Survivors include his beloved wife of eight years, Kathy Cheshier, of Whitney; son, Eric Cheshier, of Denton; daughters, Stephanie Gray and her husband, Les, of Abbott, Amy Willbanks and her husband, Clint, of Aquilla, and Connie Slay, of Arlington; grandchildren, Mike, J. D. and Kassidee Willbanks, Cutter and Bailey Gray, Alec and Megan Cheshier, Michelle and Shane Cooper; his father, Peter Cheshier, of Neodesha, Kansas; brother, Edward Cheshier, of Mabank; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. [from the Waco Tribune-Herald] [Benton Class of 1965]

Childs, Judy G. Avery

Her loving, heavenly father reached His arms out from heaven and welcomed His loving servant, Judy Gail Childs, 59, home on Saturday, August 11, 2007. Formerly of Hot Springs, she passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Huntsville, Arkansas.
Judy was born on August 7, 1948, in Glenwood, Arkansas, to Charles and Virene Avery. She was predeceased by her father, Charles Avery.
She was a member of Assembly of God Churches.
Judy was a very creative person and loved making arts and crafts and was very creative in those endeavors. She and her husband, Steve, went to and shared in countless arts and crafts fairs. Her loving hands created many unique items and she lived her very active life to the fullest. She was also an accomplished hair stylist, working in and owning several beauty shops in the Hot Springs area. She will be lovingly remembered for the abundant energy that she put into every project she undertook, whether it was arts and crafts, beauty salons, or uniquely designing her homes. She was a non-stop bundle of energy and always active in the churches she attended, from women's ministries to the nursery.
Most of all though, Judy loved to focus her creative abilities on her four grandchildren, Stefanie White, currently attending Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, David and Sarah White of Hot Springs Village and Ella Childs of St. Paul by making clothes, blankets, etc., for them. At the time of her death, she was back at work making new blankets for her first great-grandchild, who is due in December 2007.
She is survived by her husband, Steve Childs, who loved the adventured called "life" with her; one son and daughter-in-law, Willy and Cyndy Childs of St. Paul; one daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Barry White of Hot Springs Village; four grandchildren; her mother, Virene Avery of Hooks, Texas; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Eddie and Sandra Avery of New Boston, Texas, and Buddy and Diane Avery of Farmersville, Texas; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Joyce Loy of Dallas, Texas, Jan and Art Bradford of Dallas, Texas, and Jill and David Pennington of Hot Springs; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 14, 2007, at Mount Tabor Community Church in Glenwood with Reverend Don Hutchings of Evangel Temple of Fort Smith officiating.
Visitation will be Monday evening, 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Glenwood, with all friends and family invited.
Interment will be held at Mount Tabor Cemetery under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Glenwood.
Memorials may be made to Evangel Temple Assembly of God, 110 S. 12th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901 (479) 782-9121. [from the Sentinel-Record, August 13, 2007] [Hot Springs High School Class of 1966]

Chism, Glenn Ray

Glenn Ray Chism, age 57 of Greenbrier, died Saturday, February 3, 2007, in Benton. He was born April 30, 1949, in Little Rock to Ray Chism and Georgia Ruth Carter Chism Walesiak. His father, and sister, Pat Abbott, preceded him in death. Glenn was a graduate of Benton High School in 1967 and a United States Navy veteran serving one year in Vietnam.
He is survived by his son, Scotty Chism of Rising Sun, Maryland; grandson, Brock Chism; his mother, Georgia Ruth Carter Chism Walesiak of Wooster; brothers, Robert Wills (wife Lou Jane) of Conway, Kenneth Chism (wife Peggy) of Norco, California; sister, Donna Cottrell (husband Larry) of Greenbrier; five nieces; five nephews; extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, 10:00 a.m., February 6th at Roller McNutt Funeral Home of Conway (501-327-7727) with burial in Social Hill Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be Monday from 6-8 p.m.
Pallbearers will be: Tommy Hart, Ronnie Goodwin, Ray Abbott, Larry Cottrell, Casey Cottrell, Joey Powell Robbie Wills and Jason Cheney. [from Roller-Ballard-Funeral Home online obituary] [Benton Class of 1967]

Cody, Charles Ray

Spicewood, Texas - Charles Ray Cody of Spicewood, Texas, formerly of Benton, Arkansas, died Saturday. He was 42.
He attended school in Benton and was later employed by Southwestern Bell Telephone. He held a number of management positions in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Little Rock, Arkansas, and Houston, Texas. He had been Southwestern Bell's area manager of construction in Austin, Texas, since 1987.
Survivors are his wife, Cheryl Cody; one son, Kevin Cody of Bryant; his parents, Collins E. and Wilma Rae Cody of Benton, and two brothers, Robert E. Cody and Tommy Dale Cody of Benton.
Funeral was at 5 p.m. Monday in the Forest Oaks Memorial Chapel with the Rev. John Rudd officiating.
Local funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Ashby Funeral Home Chapel in Benton with burial to follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be Ronald Johnson, John T. Robuck, Claud White, LaVan Cody, Jack T. Loyd, Bill Hubbell and David Woodall.
Family visitation will be from 7-9 tonight at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, Austin City Unit, P.O. Box 49000, Austin, Texas 78765. [from the Benton Courier] [Benton Class of 1966]

Combs, Gloria Ann Diemer

Gloria Ann Combs, 60, of Cherokee Village, formerly of Benton, found peace Saturday, May 12, 2007. She was born on August 13, 1946, to the late Earl and Gladys Diemer. She was a 1965 graduate of Benton High School and earned a degree in Special Education from Henderson University in 1970. Gloria taught for the Benton School District for 26 years and retired early due to health problems. She spent summers as a volunteer tutor for CSTEP at Camp Robinson. She treasured teaching children, was an avid cook, loved to travel, and make ceramics. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Benton.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Gladys Diemer; one brother, Earl Diemer Jr. of California; three sisters, Lois Diemer, Peggy Joyce Goins, and Linda Harper of Benton. She is survived by her husband, William E. Combs of Cherokee Village; one daughter, Rachel Shelnut and husband, Matt, of Benton; two grandchildren, Samantha and Jonathon; one brother, Dale Diemer of Arkadelphia; seven nieces and nephews; ten great nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 19, 2007, in the Roller-Ballard Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Marcus Blakley officiating. Interment will follow in Bolin Cemetery at Paron.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, May 18, 2007, at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home (315-4047). [from Roller-Ballard Funeral Home online obituary] [Benton Class of 1965]

Combs, Rickey Allen

Rickey Allen Combs, 66, of Oklahoma City, died Thursday, June 13, 2013, at a local hospital. He was born at Benton, Arkansas, on November 28, 1946, to the late Henry Andrew and Emogene Thelma Robinson Combs. He graduated from Benton High School in 1965, then joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served multiple tours in Vietnam before his discharge in 1969. After the military Rickey worked as a baker until retirement. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Julie, and by a half brother, Derrell Gene Combs. Survivors include his only child, a dauther, Kristin Jean and husband Jimmy, and three grandchildren: Blake, Benjamin, and Blair. Cremation arrangements were by OK Cremation & Mortuary of Oklahoma City. A committal service will be Friday, June 21, 2013, at Fort Sill National Cemetery with military honors by the U.S. Marine Corps. [from OK Cremation & Mortuary of Oklahoma City online obituary] [Benton Class of 1965]

Cox, Clisty Leo

Mr. Clisty Leo Cox age 77, of Benton died Thursday November 6, 2008, at his home. He was born December 17, 1930, in Benton. Mr. Cox was a retired supervisor for Alcoa with 31 years, member of the Charolis Association, Cattleman's Association, a cattle and hay farmer and a member of the Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his brother, Joe Daniel Cox. Sister, Billie Steele, and his parents Jeff and Elva Cox.
Survivors, Dorothy Cox, Benton; daughters and sons and law, Kathy and Rocky Denison, Jeannie and Martin Sims, and Cheryl and Larry Fletcher, all of Benton; sister, Jeffie Jean Cox, Avilla; grandchildren, Brook and Houston Metzler, Ashley Denison, Candace, Courtney and Catherine Fletcher, Cara Dickerson, and Conley Sims, great-grandson, Layton Dickson.
Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Saturday at Ashby funeral Home Chapel with burial at Pine Crest Cemetery. Minister will be Bro. Jack Everett.
Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Friday at Ashby's.
Pallbearers: Jeff Steele, Norris Cox, Van Turbyfill, Keith McGhee, Gill Adams, Danny Adams.
Honorary Pallbearers: Houston Brazil, Leland Turbyfill, Xuryvan Turbyfill, Earl McGhee, Doyle Hunt and Tommy Adams. [from Ashby Funeral Home online obituary] [Bryant Class of 1950]

Crain, Dustin "Dusty"

Dustin Crain
skydiving accident kills Benton man
Dustin "Dusty" Crain, 21, of Benton died in a Texarkana hospital Sunday after being injured in a sky-diving accident at a private airport in Texarkana.
Also injured in the accident was Dennis M. Lodenberg, 22, of Stockton, California, who is stationed at the Little Rock Air Force Base.
The two were participated in an event sponsored by the Texarkana Parachute Club when the accident occurred.
A spokesman said Crain and Lodenberg jumped from the plane for a free-fall parachute jump, and that one of them jumped on top of the other and the parachutes failed to open.
Other reports stated that Crain attempted to open his emergency parachute.
Crain and Lodenberg were taken to St. Michael's Hospital in Texarkana where Crain died about an hour after the accident. Lodenberg was reported suffering a severe neck sprain and a fractured leg, but was not in serious condition.
Crain, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Crain of Benton, was associated with his father in the Crain-Burton Ford Company here. He was a 1969 graduate of Benton Senior High School.
Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Carla Lane Crain of Little Rock; his parents; and a sister, Miss Jo Carol Crain of North Little Rock.
Funeral for Dusty Crain will be at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Ashby Funeral Chapel. [from the Benton Courier, date unknown] [Benton Class of 1969]

Crone, Mary Ann

Mary Ann Crone, 63, of Muskegon, Michigan, formerly of Hot Springs, died February 16, 2012, in Muskegon. She was born July 21, 1948, in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Her beloved dog "Poops" will accompany her to heaven.
Mary devoted her life to the care and well-being of horses as a stable manager and race horse trainer and was revered by her stable and farm hands.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, Glen Crone Sr. and Marguerite Reed Crone; brothers, Jimmy, Ronnie and Mike Crone.
Survivors are brothers, Bill (Jane Ann) Crone, Bob (Zella) Crone, Dick (Diane) Crone, Donnie (Candy) Crone; sisters, Judy (Frank) Langston, Nancy (Russ) Burbank, Betty (Duke) Denty, Debbie (Steve) Hill; sisters-in-law, Leah Crone and Donnetta Crone; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary will always be remembered as a fun-loving devoted friend to her adopted "Michigan Family," Helmer (her football buddy), Sally, Danny, Helmer David, Erin, Sarah and Lexi, Virginia Hinton and all the special ladies at Hickory Village. Her hospice nurses, Teressa and Dawn, who were so caring and compassionate in her last days.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Hot Springs, conducted by Tim Evans.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to animal welfare in memory of Mary.
Arrangements are by Hot Springs Funeral Home. [from the Sentinel-Record, February 28, 2012, page 9A] [Hot Springs Class of 1966]

Crouch, Herman W.

Herman Crouch Loses Life In Auto Crash
Herman W. Crouch, 39, of Benton was fatally injured early Sunday when his car struck a bridge abutment on Otter Creek on Highway 67/70 six miles south of Little Rock.
State Trooper Lyndon Cowart, investigating officer, said Crouch's car hit a guard rail at the end of the bridge, left the road and traveled 94 feet through the air. When the vehicle landed, it rolled over another 48 feet, the trooper reported.
Cowart said he assumed Mr. Crouch was thrown from the car when it hit the ground. The victim was taken to Baptist hospital by a Little Rock ambulance service, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Mr. Crouch's watch was stopped at 3:09. The accident was discovered at 4:27 by an unidentified motorist, Trooper Cowart said.
A Baptist, Mr. Crouch was a salesman for Smithers Furniture Company. He was a World War II veteran.
Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Perrylene Haygood Crouch; two daughters, Donna Kay Crouch and Phyllis Ann Crouch, both of Benton; his mother, Mrs. Charlie Crouch of Benton; a brother, Paul Crouch of Benton; and two sisters, Mrs. Wanda Nichols of Malvern and Mrs. Alice Miller of Benton.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church of Benton by the Rev. Bernes K. Selph and Bro. E. G. Neilson. Burial was in Graham Cemetery on the Malvern Highway by Ashby Funeral Home. [source unknown] [ Benton Class of 1943