Stacey Rea Brazzel, 58, of El Dorado, AR passed away Monday, May 5, 2025, following a brief illness.

She was born November 5, 1966, in Homer, LA to JoAnn Dewberry and Chestley Rea.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Stacey was a devoted mother and Mimi.  She took special joy in creating special memories for those that are left to cherish her.  Stacey enjoyed nursing, spending time with loved ones and planting her flowers.

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Those left to cherish her are her loving husband of 19 years, Michael Brazzel, her children, Brandon Brazzel and wife Morgan, Zach Upshaw and wife Nicole, Valarie McDonald and husband Justin, Cody Brazzel, Sara Wulff and husband Brett, Timmy Brazzel, Tommy Brazzel, her grandchildren, Stark Brazzel, Banner Brazzel, Corabeth Brazzel Dear, Leanna Upshaw, Stetson Upshaw, JoCee Mayes, Ropyr Wulff, River Wulff, Raine Wulff, sisters, Angie Mc Dowell and husband Wayne, Pat Bonner and husband Jerry, Karen Donaldson and husband Bodie and a host of nephews and friends.

Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Bailey Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 8, 2025, in the Chapel of Bailey Funeral Home with Rev. Terry Smith officiating.  Interment will be in the Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home of El Dorado, AR.

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After graduating from Norphlet HIgh School in 1961 Joe enrolled at Centenary College in Shreveport then transferred to Southern State College in Magnolia. Joe also received a degree in psychology and counseling from Southern State University in Magnolia.

Joe grew up in the Norphlet Church of Christ afterwards transferring to College Avenue Church of Christ. Living in Houston for a while he attended the El Dorado Street Church of Christ.

Joe was first employed at First National Bank of El Dorado as head teller and then finished his career as a trust officer after nearly 25 year’s. His next career was working as a cost analyst with engineering and construction companies in Texas, Arizona and Florida as well as serving a six month stint in Paris, France for an engineering company. His last career employment was working as an administrative assistant with Hanna Law Firm.

Preceding him in death along with his parents were his daughter, Peggy Candela, brothers; Doris, Bill, Morris and Frank White and sisters; Joan White , Margie Evans and Dorothy Wood.

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Survivors include his longtime companion, Irma White of El Dorado, granddaughter, Kayla Candela of Dayton, Ohio, a sister, Joyce Amis (Harvey) and a brother, Bonny J. White (Barbara) all of El Dorado along with a host of nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at the College Avenue Church of Christ Auditorium. The family invites all friends to a reception in the Christos Cafe immediately following the service.

Memorials may be made to College Avenue Church of Christ, 1817 North College, El Dorado, AR 71730.

Condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

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Laurie Ann Russell, 52, of El Dorado, passed away on April 29th, 2025 at home surrounded by those who loved her deeply. Born on September 30, 1972, to John E. Cary Sr. and the late Deborah R. Smith. Laurie brought warmth, laughter, and a vibrant spirit to everyone she met.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Andrew Russell of El Dorado; her beloved son, Brandon Russell of El Dorado; her sister, Amy L. Cary of El Dorado; and two brothers, John E. Cary Jr. of El Dorado and Michael R. Cary of Magnolia. Laurie is also lovingly remembered by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends who became like family.

Laurie was preceded in death by her mother, Deborah R. Smith; her grandparents, Raymond and Beulah Smith of El Dorado, and Clyde and Joyce Cary of Magnolia; and her nephew, Madison (Matt) Cary of Gurdon.

Laurie had a love for music that knew no bounds. In her younger years, she was known for her joy in dancing and socializing—always the one to light up a room with her energy and laughter. She had a gift for reconnecting with friends, no matter how many years had passed. Fishing was another of her favorite pastimes, though she proudly left the baiting and unhooking to her husband Andy.

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Her heart was big, her smile unforgettable, and her memory will be cherished forever by those fortunate enough to know her.

Visitation will be Saturday May 3rd, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Perry’s Funeral Home, located at 312 West Oak Street in El Dorado, Arkansas. A Celebration of Life service will be held Sunday May 4th, 2025 at 4: 00pm First United Methodist Church located at 201 South Hill Avenue in El Dorado, Arkansas. There will be no graveside service.

Perry’s Funeral Chapel 312 W. Oak St El Dorado, Arkansas 71730, 870-863-0800. Online condolences can be made at www.perrysfuneralchapels.com.

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Morris Allen “PeeWee” Evans, age 89 of El Dorado, departed this life and started his eternal life on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at his home.  PeeWee was born on October 19, 1935 in El Dorado to the late Marjorie Gail VanAllen Evans and Howard Isaac Evans.  He was the youngest and last survivor of seven children.

A true Cowboy, PeeWee found a love for Rodeo and livestock at an early age, eventually co-founding the Evans Rodeo Arena, alongside his son, Randy and his son in law, Dwain, whom he referred to as his other son.  His fondness of rodeo only grew stronger when he began taking his daughter, Laurie and her barrel horse, Leo, all over the country to compete.  He had a love for horses and never went a day without owning a couple, a love his daughter too shared with him.  He was an avid Arkansas Razorbacks fan, and loved them until the end.  He was a Christian Man, who loved his Lord dearly and always walked firm in his faith.  He was a longtime diesel mechanic for Wheeling Pipeline and eventually retired from Union County Highway Department.  He loved his family with all his heart and was a proud father, grandfather and great grandfather.  He was a hard worker and found very few things he couldn’t fix.  He was seldom seen without Mrs. Dorothy.  They were inseparable.  He was a former chief and staple member of the Faircrest Volunteer Fire Dept, an honor that his son, Randy was later awarded.  He was a man of many stories and tall tales, that he loved to share with whomever would listen.  He never met a stranger and had more friends that one can list, although he outlived most of them.  He never shied away from work and was never too busy to help anyone in need.  He will truly be missed by many, a special thank you to Summer Alphin for everything she has done for PeeWee and Mrs. Dorothy.

He was preceded in death by two sons, Richard Allen Evans and Morris Randall Evans; four brothers, Clifford Evans, Lloyd Evans, Howard Evans and Dallas Evans; two sisters, Marjorie Evans and Sylvia Davidson

Survivors include; his wife of 69 years, Dorothy Greer Evans; daughter, Laurie Mayfield and husband Dwain; sister in law, Sarah Evans; daughter in law, Tara Evans; grandchildren, Michael Evans and wife Kimberly, Ashley Kussman and husband Larry, Jerrod Mayfield and wife April, Evan Mayfield and fiancé, Courtney, Anna Marie Mayfield, Nathanael Evans and wife Cecily, Isaac Evans, Grace Roden and husband Davis, and Catherine Evans; great grandchildren, Collen, Claire, Jake, Owen, Sarah, Daniel, Adam, Bryce, Peyton, Knox, Riley, Miley, Shepherd Randal, Warren Cole, twin baby girls due in October, and a baby boy due in July, along with numerous, nieces, nephews and friends.

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Visitation will begin at 3:00 pm, followed by a funeral service at 4:00 pm on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at Mt. Union Baptist Church, with Bro. Chad White officiating.  Interment will follow at Smyrna Cemetery, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.

Sarah Eisele Merkle passed away April 29, 2025 after a long illness. She was preceded in death by ten brothers and sisters and two grandchildren. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Bob; a daughter, Margaret Niel of El Dorado; a son, Robert Merkle Jr. of Dallas, Texas and four granddaughters.

Sarah was a graduate of LSU and a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Sarah was an award-winning artist and a signature member of two watercolor societies. Sarah was an active member of the El Dorado First Baptist Church, having taught the third and fourth grade Sunday School for many years and participating in foreign and domestic mission trips.

Sarah was a loving mother and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

Pallbearers will be Chris Hegi, Will Hegi, Buddy McAdams, Steve Rogers, Matthew Shepherd and Phil Wylie. Honoraries are all that were taught by or had kids who were taught by Sarah in Sunday School.

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Visitation will be held from 3:00-5:00 P.M., Sunday, May 4, 2025 at Young’s Funeral Directors.

Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M., Monday, May 5th at First Baptist Church with Taylor Geurin officiating. Burial will follow at Arlington Memorial Park under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 207 West Main St., El Dorado, AR.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

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