Obituaries

Denver L. Thornton, El Dorado

Published

2 days ago

January 22, 2025

Denver L. Thornton, 82, of El Dorado, Arkansas passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025, in El Dorado after a brief illness. He was born on December 27, 1942, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was the son of the late Homer E. Thornton and Maggie L. Thornton.

Proceeding him in death were his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Dean and Marjorie Thornton; and a son-in-law, Roger Dollar. Survivors include his precious wife of 19 years, Robin Thornton of El Dorado; daughters, Jennifer Stone (Paul) of El Dorado; and Lara Kathryn Dollar of El Dorado; in-laws, Frank and Melba Bandy of Montgomery, LA; step-son, Paul Marcus Northcutt, Jr. (Whitney) of Gentry, AR; step-daughters, Amanda Cooley (Scott) of El Dorado; and Amy Sturdivant (Cole) of Smackover, AR; sister-in-law, Ginger Davies of Baton Rouge, LA; brothers-in-law, Jeff Bandy (Mary) of Calhoun, LA; and Brad Bandy of Vidor, TX; nephew, Deano Thornton (Teresa) of Winnfield, LA; and niece, Gilda Wood (Wayne) of McKinney, TX; and 4 granddaughters, Chloe Northcutt, Jill Stone, Rebekah Cooley, and Rachael Cooley. Everyone who knew him, knows that his granddaughters were the absolute joy of his life.

Denver received his undergraduate degree from Henderson State University and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 1967. Denver was a Captain in the Army Reserves; he went to boot camp in Fort Polk, Louisiana.

After law school, Denver was hired as a Federal Law Clerk for U.S. District Judge, Oren Harris and moved to El Dorado. He later went into private practice with Worth Camp and Ron Griggs. In November, 1974, he went into solo practice. He was elected Delegate to the Arkansas Constitutional Convention, which was held in 1979 through 1980. He practiced law for over 50 years. In his later years, his practice was limited to Social Security Disability, Personal Injury, and Workers Compensation.

He was the owner of Thornton Thoroughbred. Where he bred racehorses and enjoyed watching them run at Oaklawn and Louisiana Downs.

He was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church, where he taught numerous Sunday School Classes over the years. He helped fund and had built the El Dorado Nursing School in the Mulongo Democratic Republic of Congo. He was also a member of the El Dorado Lions Club; the Saharah Shriners; he was a Mason; he was member of the Union County Bar Association, and the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Young’s Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, January 25, 2025, at First United Methodist Church with Reverend Allen Crum officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Zion Methodist Cemetery, Montgomery, LA at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 201 South Hill Ave., El Dorado; to the American Cancer Society; or to the Friendly Planet Missiology, 402 East Main Street, Plainfield, IN 46168 (on behalf of the nursing school in the Congo).

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the Union County Bar Association.

Obituaries

Carolyn Russell, Huttig

Published

1 day ago

January 23, 2025

Staff Reports

Carolyn Elizabeth Ward Russell, age 84, of Huttig, AR passed away Monday, January 20, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family. Carolyn was born July 23, 1940 to the late Sylvin and Wilma Ward in Bloomington, Illinois.

She worked for Dr. South’s eye clinic until her retirement. Carolyn enjoyed spending time with her family, and spoiling her grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; and one son Mark Allen Lambert.

Those left to cherish her memory include: her loving husband Charles “Eddie” Russell; sons Lance Lambert and Steven Lambert; daughter -in-law Betsy Lambert; grandchildren Mark Lambert, Courtney Lambert (Kevin Scott), Elizabeth Lambert, and Magan Lambert; two great grandsons; great-granddaughter Elena Lambert; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Funeral services in her honor will be held at 10:00 AM Harper Springs Baptist Church in Huttig, AR Saturday, January 25, 2025, Bro. Glen Little officiating, interment following at Harper Springs Cemetery adjacent the church. A time of visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM Friday evening, January 24, 2025, at the church. Perry’s Funeral Chapel 312 W. Oak St El Dorado, Arkansas 71730, 870-863-0800. Online condolences can be made at www.perrysfuneralchapels.com.

Obituaries

Patsy Lee, El Dorado

Published

1 day ago

January 23, 2025

Staff Reports

Patsy Ruth Lee, 81, of El Dorado passed away Sunday, January 19, 2025. Born March 10, 1943 in El Dorado, she was the daughter of Guy P. and Cynthia Lois Darden Lee.

Patsy (Mamaw), devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. She was married to her beloved husband, Jimmy, for over 55 years, and together they raised three children. Patsy was a dedicated homemaker who found joy in cooking and cherished providing southern lunches for her family and the crew at Lee’s Trucking.

For many years, Patsy’s heart would beat with the excitement of dirt track racing. It was a true family affair, and she lived for watching her family race. Patsy also had a love for rodeo, always cheering on the Gaffney’s and was an avid supporter of Lee Crew in motocross. Patsy loved to go to the lake and fish. She was always on the go, living life to the fullest, until cancer slowed her down. Even then, she found joy in playing cards, working on puzzles, watching football, and cuddling with her beloved dogs Dixie and Chevy.

Known lovingly as Mamaw, Patsy was a long-time member of Bible Baptist Church. Her legacy of love, faith, and devotion will continue to inspire all who knew her

Preceding her in death along with her parents were her husband, Jimmy D. Lee, a son, Guy Dale Lee, great-granddaughter, Payton Williams, a brother, Wade Lee, a sister, Mary Lou O’Dell and a son-in-law, Richie Chadwick.

Survivors include two daughters, Lisa Owens (Toby) and Tonya Chadwick all of El Dorado. Surviving grandchildren are Guy’s children, Jessica Lee (Jamie), Kristi DeTraz (Kyle) and Cheryl Lee and their children, Katie Lee, Brady Lee, Leighton DeTraz, Bailee DeTraz and Chloe Williams and Leiyah Williams; Lisa’s children Brandy Gaffney (Gary) and her children Brennan Gaffney and Landen Gaffney; and Tonya’s children Cody Chadwick and Chasity Chadwick along with Cody’s children Faith Chadwick and Chase Chadwick.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Young’s. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 24, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in Young’s Chapel with Dr. J. D. Weido officiating. Interment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors. Memorials may be made to the Bible Baptist Church Building Fund, 2165 Smackover Highway, El Dorado, AR 71730.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com

Obituaries

Marcus Russell, El Dorado

Published

2 days ago

January 22, 2025

Staff Reports

Marcus Lafayette Russell, age 75, passed from this life on Friday, January 17, 2025. Marcus was born February 1, 1949 in Strong, AR to the late Alvie and Lucille Russell.

Marcus served as a United States Vietnam Veteran. He loved hunting and fishing. Moreover, he was a loving father and brother.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his mate Nora Jean Russell; and siblings Buddy, Maxi, A.C. Jr, Woodrow, Birdie, Ion, Mattie Lee, Leddi, and Alma.

Those left to cherish his memory include: one daughter Amy Sullivan and her husband Kevin Oliver of Stephens, AR; one son Aaron Russell of Shreveport, LA; two grandchildren Jared Taylor, and Brien Sullivan, Jr and wife Hannah; two brothers Jesse Doyle “Sonny” Russell and his wife Dot; and Steve Russell and his wife Sue; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Funeral services in his honor will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Perry’s Funeral Chapel in El Dorado, AR. A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until time of service at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank Lucy Honeycutt for her dedication and care of Marcus through his final journey.

Obituaries

Mary Barker, El Dorado

Published

2 days ago

January 22, 2025

Staff Reports

Mary LaVerne Sawyer Barker, 94, of El Dorado passed away January 17, 2025. She was born January 29, 1930, in Huttig, AR to Charles Brown and Katie Lee Womack.

LaVerne was a proud long-standing member of Mt. Union Baptist Church. She loved flowers, birds, painting, and her cats. She enjoyed cooking and everyone agreed that Mammaw’s cooking was the best! LaVerne’s sweet spirit will be missed by everyone.

Preceding her in death are parents; husband Ernest Sawyer and husband Harold Barker; daughter Sandra Kay Henry; and brother Alvis Brown.

Survivors include daughters, Pam Braselton (Ron), Angie Morgan (Raymond); son, Ernie Sawyer (Jackie); grandchildren, Trey Dees, Charlie Dees (Tiprina), Kendra Knowles, Ben Dees, Ron Braselton (Anna), Adam Sawyer (Sarah), Daniel Sawyer, Rachael Johnston (Doug); and fourteen loving great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held 2 pm, Thursday, January 23, 2025, with visitation an hour prior to the service, in Young’s Chapel with Bro. Tyler Williams officiating. A private burial will take place at Arlington Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

An online registry can be signed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

Obituaries

Sandra Mattox, El Dorado

Published

2 days ago

January 22, 2025

Staff Reports

Sandra Diane Mattox, age 78, of El Dorado, Arkansas, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025. She was born in El Dorado, Arkansas to Barney and Melba Sullivan on June 30, 1946.

Diane was employed by 1st National Bank for nearly 37 years and 1st Financial Bank for 10 years. She was a member of Mt. Union Baptist Church and enjoyed the outdoors. She especially loved mowing the grass with her husband. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Susan Kay Roberson (Robert); nephew Michael Roberson; aunts, Linda Means, Laverne Breaseal (George), Lois Snowden (Rowdell); and cousin, Mary J-Nell Davis.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years,Tommy Mattox; her sister-in-law, June Pumphrey; nephews, Steve Roberson (Amanda), Ryan Roberson (Megan), Robbie Roberson, Allen Roberson, James Pumphrey, and John Pumphrey (Pam); and nieces, Julie Guillot (James) and Sonjia Helms (Dave).

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Mt. Union Baptist Church with Rev. John Ayers officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Smyrna Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

Online condolences for the Mattox family can be made at youngsfuneralhome.com