Obituaries

Robert Stephen Houldridge, El Dorado

Published

1 year ago

January 16, 2025

Steve/PawPaw was a devoted spouse, loving parent, and cherished grandparent.

Surrounded by his wife and two daughters, Steve passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025, at the age of 67 years old at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas. He was born on October 31, 1957, to Bobby Joe and Mary Ellen McGoogan Houldridge in El Dorado, Arkansas. Delighted to have him as their grandson were grandparents Dewitt and Mildred McGoogan, Horace and Joel Jascitis, and Anthony Jascitis.

To say Steve had a heart of gold is an understatement. His heart was platinum. No matter the situation, Steve selflessly gave of his time to others. His daily posture was “go the extra mile for anyone in need.” Deeply committed to his family, Steve was the biggest cheerleader you could ever want. He loved everyone unconditionally and found immense joy in sharing the gospel with others. “MacGyver” couldn’t hold a torch to Steve Houldridge who was immensely resourceful, highly skilled, and endlessly creative. PawPaw was always involved in the lives of his granddaughters – never absent from any event. He was always front and center at any tennis match, basketball game, softball game, or dance recital.

Steve was a most valuable employee at every job he ever had. No matter where you were on the totem polSe, he treated everyone the same, with love and care. He served and left a lasting impact at Albemarle in Magnolia, Arkansas for fourteen years, Amercable for eight years, and Great Lakes for twenty-five years. Whether fishing, hunting or just piddling around outside on the swing with Alice, Steve loved the great outdoors. The “oneness with nature” brought him deep joy and lasting peace as he admired God’s beautiful creations. He was a devoted member of West Side Baptist Church and held his church family closest to his heart. When God laid it on Steve’s heart to witness to someone, he was always obedient and never backed down from the opportunity to love on and empower others.

Above all, Steve was a devoted husband, father, PawPaw and friend. His family was the center of his world, and he poured his love, wisdom, and humor into every moment spent with them. As a husband, his life was marked by commitment and love, inspiring all who knew them. As a father, he was a steady presence, always offering guidance and unconditional love. As PawPaw, he created memories that will last forever – his laughter, stories, and tender care will be cherished by all who knew him. While he may no longer be present with us on this earth, his legacy of love, strength and kindness will continue to live on. He will be missed more than words can say but never forgotten.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 46 years, Alice Burgess Houldridge. Daughters Heather Gilmore (Shaun) and Haley Bryant (Carter) of El Dorado, Arkansas. His most prized possessions, three granddaughters Delaney Ruth Gilmore, Anniston Reece Gilmore, and Collins, Olivia Gilmore, brothers Dwayne Houldridge and Jim Houldridge along with a host of loving family members and friends.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Young’s Funeral Home. A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday January 19, 2025, at West Side Baptist Church, 2400 West Hillsboro, El Dorado, with Rev. Cody Lain, Rev. David Voss, and Rev. Larry Hudson officiating. Burial will follow at Three Creeks Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to teamcorrie Cancer Foundation, 145 Parker Drive, El Dorado, AR 71730.

Obituaries

Susan Harper, El Dorado

Published

2 weeks ago

February 24, 2026

Grant Merrill

Susan Hurley Harper, 69, of El Dorado, Arkansas passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.

Susan was born on September 27, 1956, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She grew up in El Dorado and graduated from El Dorado High School, Class of 1974 and went on to attend the University of Arkansas where she formed lifelong friendships.

Susan exuded positivity and shared that joy with everyone she encountered and she always had a smile on her face and Hershey Kisses in her purse. She thrived on time spent with her family and especially treasured her grandbabies. She had a lifelong love for animals, particularly her dogs and cats. Susan was well known for her incredible Chèvre, which she made daily after milking her beloved goats. Even Oprah loved her Chèvre so much she sent a team to film her making it and invited her to appear on her show with Martha Stewart.

An adventurous and creative spirit, Susan loved reading cookbooks and watching the Food Network, revealing an undeniable talent in the kitchen. Her travels were often guided by culinary discoveries as she sought out special foods and delicacies she had researched. She also enjoyed fly fishing, traveling, needlepoint, crafting and spending time with her many dear friends.

Susan was a devoted member of the Daughters of the King and the El Dorado Service League. She both worked and volunteered at the South Arkansas Arts Center where she contributed her time, energy and love for the arts to the community.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William “Bill” Harper and her parents, Edward and Shirley Hurley.

Susan is survived by her children: Caroline Hardin of Fayetteville, Arkansas; William Harper and wife Whitney of Little Rock, Arkansas; Annaleigh Quinn and husband Luke of Little Rock, Arkansas; and Suzannah Harper of Hope, Arkansas. She is also survived by her sister, Annette Hurley and partner Candi Grace, along with many extended family members and dear friends who will cherish her memory.

A memorial service will be held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25 with a reception to follow. The family asks that bright, colorful clothing be worn to reflect the bright light that shined from Susan.

Thanks be to God for Susan Harper.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hope Landing, El Dorado, Arkansas. Or to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church: https://www.stmaryseldorado.com/give.

Obituaries

Helen Hastings, El Dorado

Published

2 weeks ago

February 24, 2026

Grant Merrill

Helen Janell Hastings, 91, of El Dorado, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Timberlane Health and Rehabilitation. Born December 23,1934 in Ashdown, AR, she was the daughter of Hubert and Elsie Carver Sutton.

Mrs. Hastings was retired from Robinson Buchanan Real Estate. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Lady Golf Association.

Preceding her in death along with her parents was her husband, John Charles Hastings; and sister, Modine Sutton.

Survivors include her son, Charles David Hastings (Cynthia) of El Dorado; daughter, Vikki Hosford of El Dorado; grandchildren, Michael Nordin (Ashley), Aaron Hastings, and Carly Hastings; and four great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 27, 2026 at Arlington Memorial Park under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Young’s.

Memorials may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/donate-online/, or to Life Touch Hospice, 403 W. Oak St., Suite 201, El Dorado, AR 71730.

Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Hastings family.

Obituaries

Mary Alice Carelock, North Little Rock

Published

2 weeks ago

February 24, 2026

Grant Merrill

Mary Alice Carelock, 95, of North Little Rock, formerly of El Dorado, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in North Little Rock.

Born August 7, 1930, in Smackover, Arkansas, she was the daughter of Amos Jackson and Cleatus Thurlkill Jackson. Mary Alice earned an Associate Degree of Practical Theology from Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas, Texas in 1982. She had been a music minister traveling extensively, ministering in Maui, Hawaii, Nigeria, Ghana, and Haiti, including serving at Women’s Aglow retreats and numerous churches.

She was a gifted musician who played clarinet since high school, and also played any instrument. She recorded two albums, “His Hand in Mine” and “He Has Made Me Glad.” She had also been employed by the State of Arkansas as a tax collector.

Preceding her in death along with her parents were a brother, John Amos Jackson, and a sister, Cleta Faye Ellenburg.

Survivors include three sons Danny Carelock, David Carelock, and Glenn Carelock; grandchildren Marcie Carelock, Jeremy Carelock, and John Carelock; and great-grandchildren Lunelle Lowry, Brilee Carelock, John Daniel Carelock, and William Carelock.

Cremation services entrusted to Young’s Funeral Directors. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association of Arkansas, 11300 North Rodney Parham Road, Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72212.

Online condolences for the Carelock family may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com

Obituaries

Helen Orren, Smackover

Published

4 weeks ago

February 11, 2026

Grant Merrill

Helen Orren, 86, passed away Tuesday February 10,2026. Services will be held Friday February 13,2026 at Perry’s Funeral Chapels. Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm with services following at 1:00 pm. Burial will be at Smackover Cemetery in Smackover, Arkansas.

Obituaries

Kyle Gleghorn, El Dorado

Published

4 weeks ago

February 11, 2026

Grant Merrill

Kyle Reed Gleghorn, 74, of El Dorado, Arkansas passed away February 10 at Timberlane Health and Rehabilitation.

Kyle was born January 31, 1952, to Bob and Bertie Gleghorn in El Dorado, AR. Kyle was the first born son to be followed by Gifford and Toni a couple of years later. Although Kyle spent most of his life in his hometown, he moved as a young boy to Sweetwater, TX for two years. From that time on, the Texas blood started flowing through his veins, and he has loved all things Texas, especially the Texas Longhorns. Kyle graduated from El Dorado High School in 1970 where he represented his school as a delegate to Boys’ State. In 1973, Kyle married Stephenie Dumas. Five years later they welcomed their only child Andria who has always been a “daddy’s girl.” Kyle started working at United Parcel Service at 21 and worked there for 30 years. He loved his job. He never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone laugh–two things that led to him being a fun UPS man! His territorial town Magnolia celebrated him with a “Kyle Gleghorn Day” upon his retirement. Kyle was raised at First Presbyterian Church but converted to the Baptist faith upon marriage. Wyatt Baptist Church became his home church. He loved the Lord and loved to sing, a legacy he passed on to his daughter.

Kyle was preceded in death by his parents Bob and Bertie Gleghorn.

Surviving him are his wife of 52 years Stephenie and his daughter Andria, his brother Giff Gleghorn (Rhonda), his sister Toni Robertson (Carlon), his brothers-in-law Don Dumas (Pat) and Stephen Dumas. Kyle has several nephews and nieces that adored him-Dustin Foster, Nathan Gleghorn (Angie), Blake Foster, Jennifer McElroy (Mark), Joshua Dumas, and Christian Dumas.

A celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Church on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 2:00 with visitation at 1:00.

Donations in Kyle’s memory can be made to the Barton Gives Back Fund at Barton Junior High where Kyle was a proud Wildkitten!

Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Gleghorn family.