Van Buren County REMEMBERS

06/08/2026

With hearts full of both grief and gratitude, we announce the passing of our beloved Carolyn Sue (Parish) Lee of Bee Branch, Arkansas, who went to be with the Lord on June 8, 2026, at the age of 78.

Born on June 4, 1948, in Morganton, Arkansas, Carolyn was full of life, love, and laughter. She devoted her life to her family, creating a warm and welcoming home that served as a cherished gathering place for those she loved.

Carolyn never met a stranger. She built a successful career in fire equipment sales, becoming the company's top national salesperson and dealer. As a trailblazer for women in a male-dominated industry, she earned the respect and admiration of colleagues and customers alike.

Whether she was singing gospel hymns, watching hummingbirds while enjoying the view of the family farm, traveling with her loved ones, or cheering from the stands at her grandkids' baseball and softball games, Carolyn poured love into everything she did.

She taught us the value of loving with all our hearts, working hard, showing kindness, and remaining resilient through life's challenges. She leaves behind a legacy of love and will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her beloved son, Kevin Joseph Lee; her parents, Doris Mae Parish and Jesse Doyne Parish; her brother, Kenneth Parish; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Don and Erma Lee; and her nieces, Jan and Angie Pennington.

She is survived by her husband, Kenny Lee; her daughter, Alaina Lee; her son, Robert (Victoria) Lee; her grandchildren, Carson and Saylor Lee; her sister, Linda (Quinton) Pennington; her brother, Jerry Parish; and many beloved members of her extended family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hardin Cemetery.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday morning, June 11th at 9:00am at Hardin Cemetery in Bee Branch, Arkansas. Family and friends are invited to attend.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ozark View Funeral Home. To share a memory or kind words to the family, please visit www.ozarkviewfuneralhome.com

https://www.ozarkviewfuneralhome.com/obituary/Carolyn-Lee

06/08/2026

Amelia “Millie” (Rohr) Schwindt, passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on June 2, 2026, while being held in the arms of family at her home in Clinton, Arkansas.

Millie was born in Quinter, Kansas to Martin and Mathilda (Herman) Rohr. She went to school in a one-room schoolhouse in Gove County through the 8th grade. While living at home, she would help neighboring ladies with household chores and childcare needs. She married Delano “Doc” Schwindt on August 25, 1952, in Park, Kansas. She was loved by her Church Families at Utica Christian Church, Ransom Praise Fellowship Church, and Clinton, Arkansas New Life Apostolic Church.

Every year Millie would go deer hunting with Doc and the boys. She had the nickname “Little Millie Oakley,” as she was a sure shot with her deer rifle! Something else she liked to use was her “Migapletcha” which is a flyswatter in German. She would threaten anyone that got out of line with it. Her family grew up playing music and dancing. She loved the “Flying Dutchman”.

She loved to be around family and have big family dinners. She was the best cook. She loved her family unconditionally. She could always find something good in everyone. She always made everyone feel welcome. She loved to craft, especially making her bears. She sold over 1,000 of them. She had a servant’s heart and wanted to help people however she could. She loved playing her piano and harmonica and played them both up until the very end. She loved to make people laugh. Her mission in life was for everyone to get along, especially her family. She was the 5th child born in a family of 11 children. She was an amazing wife, mother, sister, and friend. Anyone that knew her was blessed because of it.

Millie loved her vanilla ice cream. She would tell us, “I’m stuffed! I can’t eat another bite!” We would say, “oh, so you’re too full for ice cream then?” She would quickly reply, “I didn’t say that!” She loved God and going to church, worshiping, and hearing the Word of

God. She was kind and compassionate, and always full of joy and happiness. Her smile was infectious. She won the hearts of everyone that ever knew her. She lived a good life here on earth, but her best life is just beginning.

She is preceded in death by her husband Delano “Doc” Schwindt, her son Randall “Randy” Schwindt, her parents, Martin and Mathilda (Herman) Rohr, and siblings: Wendelin Rohr, Helen (Rohr) Zerr, Eddie Rohr, Florina (Rohr) Heili, Barbara “Barb” (Rohr) Howard, Walt Rohr, and Frank Rohr.

Millie is survived by her children: Bobbie Schwindt, Richard “Rick” and Mary (Johnson) Schwindt, Marilyn (Schwindt) and Billy Johnson, Carolyn “Lynn” (Schwindt) and Joseph “Joe” Folkenroth, thirteen grandchildren, thirty-three great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation for her friends and family in Arkansas will be held at 10:00 am, on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at New Life Apostolic Church in Clinton, Arkansas. The funeral service will follow after at 11:00 am, officiated by Pastor Wesley Norris, of New Life Apostolic Church.

Visitation for her friends and family in Kansas will be held at 10:00 am, on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Praise Fellowship Church in Ransom, Kansas. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, with a graveside service following, at the Utica Cemetery in Utica, Kansas. Pastor Bill Ummel, of Praise Fellowship Church, will be officiating the services.

Pallbearers will be Brandon Schwindt, Robby Schwindt, Eric Schwindt, Jason Schwindt, Dillon Schwindt, and Dustin Johnson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Stuart Johnson, David Johnson, and Michael Folkenroth.

Memorials can be given to Hospice Home Care of Conway, Arkansas, in care of Clinton Funeral Service

(P. O. Box 1399, Clinton, AR. 72031).

Arrangements made by Clinton Funeral Service.

https://www.clintonfuneralservice.com/memorials/amelia-schwindt/5718314/

06/04/2026

Robert "Bobby" Paul Crockett obituary

BIRTH DATE: APR 3, 1943 - DEATH DATE: MAY 29, 2026

Robert “Bobby” Paul Crockett, beloved husband, father, grandfather, attorney, businessman, and Arkansas football legend, passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was 83.
Born April 3, 1943, in Briggsville, Arkansas, in Yell County, Bobby grew up in Dermott, where he excelled in athletics and developed the determination and character that would define his life. Following his graduation from Dermott High School, he signed with the University of Arkansas and became one of the most accomplished players in Razorback football history.

A gifted wide receiver standing 6-foot-3, Bobby was a key member of Arkansas' 1964 National Championship team and helped lead the Razorbacks to back-to-back Southwest Conference championships and a remarkable 22-game winning streak. He earned All-American and First-Team All-Southwest Conference honors in 1965 and was selected to the University of Arkansas All-Decade Team of the 1960s and the school's All-Century Team.

Among his many accomplishments on the field, Bobby made one of the most memorable plays in Arkansas football history when he caught a 34-yard touchdown pass against top-ranked Texas in Austin during the 1964 championship season, helping secure a 14-13 victory. He later set a Cotton Bowl record with 10 receptions for 129 yards in the 1966 Cotton Bowl and was widely recognized as one of the finest receivers of his era.

In 1966, Bobby was drafted by both the Buffalo Bills of the American Football League and the New York Giants of the National Football League. He chose to play for the Bills and enjoyed a three-year professional football career.

While his athletic achievements brought him recognition, Bobby's greatest impact came through the way he lived his life. Known for his warmth, generosity, and ability to connect with people from every walk of life, he never met a stranger. His family remembers him as a man who loved life, loved people, and made everyone feel welcome.

Following his football career, Bobby earned a law degree and established a successful law practice in Clinton, Arkansas, where he faithfully served his clients and community for many years. He was also a businessman and owner of Crockett's Country Store and Canoe Rental in Harriet, Arkansas, a family enterprise that has welcomed generations of visitors to the Buffalo River and continues to be family operated today.

His contributions to sports were recognized with induction into the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor in 2002 and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.
Bobby will be remembered not only as one of Arkansas' greatest football players, but also as a devoted family man, trusted attorney, successful businessman, loyal friend, and proud Arkansan. His legacy of perseverance, humility, and kindness will continue to inspire all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Frances and Robert Crockett and a sister Annette Crockett Norris.

He is survived by his wife Laurel Shields Crockett; three sons Bobby Crockett and his wife Samantha, Hayden Crockett and his wife Paige and Creed Crockett and his wife Amanda; six grandchildren Trey Crockett and his wife Kortney, Sydney Crockett, Taylor Hearnsberger and her husband Will, Spencer Crockett and his wife Hannah and Kale and Lilly Crockett; three great grandchildren Presley and Chet Crockett and Hank Hearnsberger and countless friends, teammates, and former clients whose lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 6, 2026.

The family expresses their sincere gratitude for the many prayers, calls, visits, and expressions of love and support during Bobby's illness. His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and he will be deeply missed.

Cremation arrangements under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home.

Read the obituary of Robert "Bobby" Paul Crockett from Fayetteville, AR. Leave your condolences and send flowers to the family to show you care.

06/03/2026

Jerry Wayne Bradford, 77 of Damascus, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. He was born February 26, 1949 in Clinton, AR to the late Wilburn and Loene Bradford.

Jerry was a member of the Colony Church of Christ. He owned and operated Jerry’s Service Heat and Air for 16 years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Benny and Beatrice Bradford; and brother, Bill Bradford.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara; children, Bart and Blake (Shauna) Bradford of Damascus; grandchildren, Skylar and Hunter Bradford; brother, Will Bradford (Loetta) of McKinney, TX; and sister-in-law, Lavone Bradford; and a host of other family and friends.

A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, June 6 at Wilcox Family Funeral Home, with a visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 5, also at the funeral home. Burial will be in Fowler Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mary Jo Shaver, the staff at UAMS, Conway Regional and Lifetouch Hospice.

https://www.wilcoxfamilyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com/obituaries/jerry-bradford

06/02/2026

Angela Gail Pennington, 63, of Birdtown, A.K.A.... Mom, Nonna, Our first child, Our big sister, My Aunt Angie, My niece, My cousin, My favorite teacher, My school friend, My church friend, My crafting friend, My Bible study friend, My CARTI friend, Princess, and most importantly a Child of God Angie passed away Tuesday night May 26, 2026.

On that night God said "Angie why don't you come home" we know she was ready for that call They say "Heaven is a prepared place for prepared people" and she was prepared.
Angie is survived by her daughter Kinsey (Jackie) Blaylock of Birdtown Kinsey was her everything until Angie was blessed with three grand children that instantly became her angels Emmy, McKenna, and McCoy Blaylock of Bridtown She is also survived by her parents Quinton and Linda Pennington of Damascus Siblings Jeff (Sheila) Pennington of Damascus, Greg (Jennifer) Pennington of Bee Branch, and Lana (Kevin) Parish of Bee Branch.

She was preceded in death by a sister Janet Pennington.
Also a host of nephews and nieces and even great nephews and nieces.

She got much enjoyment from watching ball games of the grand children and nephews and nieces Early in life Angie knew she wanted to be a teacher and earned her degree from UCA in Early Childhood Education. She taught school for 31 years (all at South Side Bee Branch) and retired in 2016 As a teacher Angie touched many lives and made impacts on her students that will never be fully known If you were lucky enough to be assigned to her class you got a teacher who truly cared for her students both academically and personally.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday June 12, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Center Ridge.

In lieu of flowers her family requestes donations to be made to St. Judes Childrens Research Hospital. A cause that was dear to her heart and one that she supported herself.

Angie was a very kind lady and did her best to make people feel good about themselves even when she herself was suffering She went out of her way to share her faith in God and to share her bright light and kindness to those who she crossed paths with. If you didn’t get a chance to know Angie you missed out, but if you did know her you were truly blessed. Angie, we love you and will miss you. See you soon.

https://www.harrisfuneralhomes.net/obituaries/angela-pennington-2/ #!/Obituary

06/01/2026

Arkansas football great Bobby Crockett, formerly of Clinton, who helped beat Texas twice, dies at 83

From the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Former Arkansas football player Bobby Crockett, a standout wide receiver on the 1964 national championship team, died Friday at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, the family confirmed to WholeHogSports.

Crockett, who was 83, had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and contracted pneumonia earlier in the week.
The 6-foot-3 Crockett was a key contributor on Arkansas teams in the mid-1960s that earned back-to-back Southwest Conference titles and won 22 consecutive games. He earned All-America and first-team All-Southwest Conference honors in 1965.

“We just appreciate everybody who has been reaching out to us because we all know how much people loved my father,” Bobby Crockett Jr. said Saturday. “My father was bigger than life. He fit into any setting there was.
It didn’t matter how much money you had or how little money you had. He fit in with everybody. People just loved him for who he was and how much he loved life.”

The family will hold a celebration of life June 6.
Crockett made one of the most important catches in program history, a 34-yard touchdown from Fred Marshall to give Arkansas a 14-7 lead over top-ranked Texas in a game the Razorbacks won 14-13 in Austin on Oct. 17, 1964. The Razorbacks finished the season 11-0.
“Everybody knows he was a joy to be around,” said Ken Hatfield, who signed in the same class with Crockett and who led the Razorbacks to a 55-17-1 record as head coach from 1984-89.
Hatfield recalled a particularly rough scrimmage inside Razorback Stadium when the coaching staff was trying to w**d out the 50-man class.

“They must have given him the ball 20 times in a row and I was on defense at the time,” Hatfield said. “I said, ‘Don’t get up, Bobby,’ and I mean they were just knocking the dog out of him and he could barely get off the ground.

“The coaches would say, ‘Get back in the huddle,’ and somehow he would drag his butt back in there. And I was just thinking, ‘Bobby, stay down. You’re getting killed. You’ve got no blocking right now.’ They were just trying to find out how tough you were and he was one tough hombre.”

Crockett had multiple catches during the Razorbacks’ 27-24 win over No. 1 Texas in 1965 in Fayetteville, including a reception to the Longhorns' 1-yard line that set up quarterback Jon Brittenum’s game-winning touchdown run with 1:32 remaining.

An Associated Press story from that game detailed that Crockett was in the shower when a reporter asked to speak to him. Bobby Roper, an end, interjected, “You don’t need to talk to him. Just write that he’s the greatest that ever was.”

Crockett caught a Cotton Bowl-record 10 passes for 129 yards during the 1966 game and had the only Arkansas touchdown in the 14-7 loss to LSU that snapped the 22-game winning streak.
He was selected to the Razorbacks’ All-Decade team of the 1960s as well as the school’s All-Century team.

Crockett opened a law practice in Clinton and served the community for many years. He also owned and operated Crockett’s Country Store and Canoe Rental in Harriett, near Clinton, which serviced visitors to the Buffalo River. The store is still a family-run business.

Crockett was born in Briggsville, in Yell County, and played his prep football at Dermott High before signing with the Razorbacks.
Crockett was drafted in 1966 by both the American Football League’s Buffalo Bills and the NFL’s New York Giants. He signed with the Bills and played three seasons in Buffalo.

He was inducted into the UA Sports Hall of Honor in 2002 and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.

Tom Murphy
[email protected]
Tom Murphy is a sports reporter for WholeHogSports. A graduate of Louisiana Tech University, he is a member of the Football Writers Association of America and voter for the Heisman Trophy and A

05/27/2026

Russell John Danson Obituary
Russell John Danson, 90, passed away peacefully at his home in Clinton, Arkansas on May 22, 2026.

Born on December 4, 1935, in Newark, New Jersey, Russell lived a life defined by dedication, intelligence, service, and love for his family. He proudly served in the Army National Guard and spent his career working as a mechanical engineer, a profession that reflected both his sharp mind and hardworking nature.

Russell was preceded in death by his lifelong sweetheart and wife, Joan-Kay Grant in February, 2008; his parents, Lillian Hull and Thomas Danson; his brother, Tom Danson and his wife, Helen Danson.

He is survived by his daughter, Lyn; granddaughter, Megan; and great-grandchildren, Audrey and Grant. He is also survived by his son, Russell Danson Jr. and wife Laura; granddaughters, Taylor, Lindsey, and Haley Danson Dennis and her spouse, John Scott Dennis; along with nieces, nephews and the many friends he had made along the way.

Russell was especially overjoyed by the anticipation of his future great-granddaughter , Leland, late this summer.

Russell enjoyed taking part in the Cattleman’s Association meetings, lunches at the senior center, taking care of his property, building rock walls around his garden, drinking coffee and watching nature from his porch.

He will be remembered for his steady presence, working on his farm, and the love he carried for his family. Though deeply missed, his family finds comfort knowing his legacy lives on through the family he cherished so dearly.

A celebration of life for Russell is being planned to be held at the Hwy 110 firehouse in the near future.

https://www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Russell-John-Danson?obId=48500195

05/22/2026

Emma Jean Koone Obituary
Emma Jean Koone, born on March 17, 1939, passed away on May 21, 2026, in Clinton, Arkansas, born to the late Orville and Minnie (Henley) Millsap on March 17, 1939, leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to her family and the many lives she touched.

Emma found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. She especially enjoyed flowers, gardening, and fishing, and these interests reflected the peaceful and nurturing way she approached the world around her. Whether tending to her garden, admiring the beauty of nature, or spending time fishing, she appreciated the moments that brought calm and happiness.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Royce Koone, her daughter, Wanda Brooks, and her siblings, Oliver Millsap, Joe Millsap, Bob Millsap, Sherman Millsap, and Merna Raudenbaugh.

Emma leaves behind a family who will cherish her memory and honor the example she set. Her children, Marvin Koone and his wife Teresa, Janice James, and Marilyn Koone, her grandchildren, Melony Doty, Shawna Lasater and her husband Cody, Brandy Andrews, Tori James, Jeremy Koone and his wife Nikky, Jason Brooks and his wife Amanda, Justin Brooks and his wife Felicia, and Brittany Hern and her husband Jordan, will remember her with deep affection and gratitude. She also leaves behind a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, along with extended family and friends who were blessed by her presence.

Though she will be deeply missed, Emma’s life stands as a beautiful reminder of the value of a loving heart and a kind soul.

The family will have a memorial service at a later date to be announced.

https://www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Emma-Jean-Koone?obId=48458409

05/21/2026

Verl Dean Ridings Obituary

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Verl Dean Ridings passed away May 20, 2026. A complete obituary will follow.

Service information:

Visitation: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Saturday May 23, 2026 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Clinton, Arkansas. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Crabtree Cemetery.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to help offset the cost of Mrs. Dean's funeral arrangements directly to the funeral home.

https://www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Verl-Dean-Ridings?obId=48454741

05/20/2026

Martha Jean Sweeten, 75, born January 19, 1950, of Clinton, Arkansas passed from this life on January 14, 2026.

She is preceded in death by her son, Brent Sweeten; daughter, Tonya Lafferty; parents, James Tacker Sr. and Norma Tacker; three brothers, James Tacker Jr., Johnny Tacker Sr., and Hugh “Ricky” Tacker; two nephews, Christopher Tacker and Travis Tacker.

Left to cherish her memory are grandsons, Michael Deaver and Lane Sweeten; daughter, Savannah (Shane) Cheek; eight great grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Wilbanks, and Tina Denham; and nephews and nieces.

She is where she wanted to be in the arms of Jesus.

There will be a memorial at a later date.

https://www.wilcoxfamilyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com/obituaries/martha-sweeten