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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

Born in Camden, AR on January 11, 1940, he was the son of Judson and Norma Bishop Patterson who preceded him in death along with his sister, Virginia Patterson Miller and his son Thomas Lake Patterson and his beloved Brittany Spaniel bird dog, Trouble.

Tommy graduated from El Dorado High School in 1958, making wonderful memories, playing football, baseball and running track. (Yes, and his suffering knees reminded him at 85 years!) A lifetime of friends came of these school years too!

He started college at UCA and went on to finish at Henderson, ready with his degree to start a career in coaching, which he greatly loved. He began coaching at Camden Fairview and ended with Junction City after 17 years. Tommy then started a new phase as a Real Estate Agent, Broker and owner. He found his place in that and loved it for 45 years.

He loved to garden and raised lots of peas, potatoes, tomatoes and peppers thru the years along with beekeeping and harvesting honey. Tommy loved the outdoors, and fishing, (both bass and crappie). Some of his favorite times were quail hunting in West Texas with his buddies, Doodle, John and Bill.

Advertisement

Survivors include his wife, Kay Spooner Patterson, daughters, Lisa Patterson and spouse, Kristin Fentress, and Sheri Lucas; step-daughters, Leslie Stegall Morgan and Laura Stegall along with grandchildren, Keri, T. J., Jacey, Lindsey, and Jamie and 8 great-grandchildren and one nephew, Jon Fouse and especially his faithful buddy, ToTo.

Visitations will be held Sunday May 4, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Young’s. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 5, 2025 at First United Methodist Church in El Dorado with Rev. Allen Crum officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery in Camden, AR under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

In lieu of flowers please make memorials to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or UCAPS in El Dorado.

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

Advertisement

Bobby was born on Valentine’s Day, 1953 to Margaret and Bob Compton in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where Bob Sr. was posted with the FBI. Margaret, a spirited Mississippi native and steel magnolia drew a line in the sand when her husband was transferred to Newark, New Jersey. Instead, they moved to El Dorado to raise their family.

Bobby spent his junior year of high school in Washington as a page for U.S. Senator Bill Fulbright before returning to graduate from EHS with the class of 1971. He earned his degree from Hendrix College. After undergrad, Bobby dabbled in law and politics, but his calling was his art.

He was working as a criminal defense investigator when he discovered that he was a gifted photographer. At age 43, he jettisoned everything else in his life and moved to New Orleans, where he spent his days and nights roaming the streets with his camera, teaching himself how to use available light. Bobby’s art encompassed varied subjects around the world, but the subject he loved most was the city of New Orleans. He photographed the city’s people, its places, and mostly, its music. His work is included in the Jazz Archives at Tulane University, has been shown from coast-to-coast, and adorns homes around the country.

Bobby embraced life on his own terms. He loved beautiful women, fast cars, live music, and good dogs. He was brilliant, fun, and loved by many.

Advertisement

Survivors include his sister, Cathi Compton (Bill Wilson); his brother, Walter Compton (Beth); his nephew, Jackson Compton; his nieces, Maggie Benson (Matthew), Whitley Hobbs (Sean), Tyler Compton (Taylor), and Jade Hack; and two grandnieces and a great-nephew.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the New Orleans Photo Alliance, the Union County Animal Protection Society, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Cremation services are entrusted to Young’s Funeral Directors.

Advertisement