Melba Leene Watson, 94, of El Dorado, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Hudson Memorial Nursing Home in El Dorado, AR. She was born on January 17, 1931, to Harvey T. and Thelma Lewis Roberson in Union County, AR.

Mrs. Watson grew up in the Maryville community and graduated in 1949 as the class Valedictorian of McRae High School in Mt. Holly, AR. She retired from the El Dorado School District, where she worked as an administrative secretary. Melba also worked as a bookkeeper for Gilliam Brother’s Concrete. She enjoyed working word puzzles and reading her Bible. Her grandson, Jackson, and her great grandchildren were the joy of her life.

Preceding her in death along with her parents are her husband, Kermit J. Watson; brother, Charles; and an infant sister, Julia Lynn.

Survivors include her daughter, Judy Martin (Scott) of Smackover, grandson Jackson Martin (Torey) of Little Rock; two great grandchildren, Barrett and Reese Martin and one on the way, Beau Carter Martin. She is also survived by a sister, JoAnn Roberson of Smackover, AR, as well as a brother, James (Syble), niece Ann McLeckie all of Longview, TX, and a great niece, Valarie Spiegel (Sam) of Dallas, TX. She also leaves a host of other family and friends to cherish her memory.

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Graveside services, under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors, will be held at 11:30 am Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at McFarland Cemetery in Banks, AR , with Rev. Carley Davis and Dr. Roger Copeland officiating. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am at the cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice, 403 W. Oak, Suite 201, El Dorado, AR 71730, or to the Union County Animal Protection Society, PO Box 204, El Dorado, AR 71730.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at Hudson Memorial Nursing Home, Drs. Gary Bevill and Greg Smart, as well as Arkansas Hospice for the exceptional care given.

Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngfuneralhome.com for the Watson family.

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Greg owned a successful maintenance business for 40 years, but he preferred spending time outdoors rather than being stuck at his desk. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman; no matter the season, you could find him in the woods, in a blind, or on a hunting stand. A passionate traveler, he loved creating lasting memories with friends and family in beautiful locations, ranging from the Grand Canyon to Hawaii. Known for his humor, he was “a joker, a smoker, and a midnight snacker.” A generous man, he was always willing to give the shirt off his back. His laugh, stories, and vibrant spirit touched many, and he will be deeply missed.

Greg was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his two daughters, Kimberly Hill and Alison Hill; his brother, Pat Hill (Daya); and his sister, Joanna Hill. He also leaves behind three grandchildren: Benjamin, Chloe, and Charlotte Killingsworth, as well as his former wife, Sherry Armstrong Hill.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 10:00 AM, with a visitation on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 5:00 PM, at Young’s Funeral Home.

Family and friends wishing to send flowers may do so to Young’s Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to UCAPS of El Dorado at P.O. Box 204, El Dorado, AR 71730.

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Ralph Eugene Craig, 75, of Strong, AR, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Gene aka Paps lived a life full of adventure, love, and laughter. Born on October 12, 1948, Eugene’s journey was marked by a deep love for his family and a passion for life’s simple pleasures. For 30 wonderful years, Eugene shared an unbreakable bond with his beloved wife, Gloria, as they traveled the country together in their 18-wheeler. His love of the open road was only matched by his love for the people he held dear. Whether hauling freight or taking in the beauty of the landscapes, Paps made the most of every mile with his life partner by his side. A true outdoorsman, Gene was an avid fisherman and hunter, spending countless hours enjoying nature’s beauty. He cherished the times spent in the wilderness, often with family by his side. Above all, Paps adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy to his life. His love for them was endless, and his proudest moments were spent creating memories with them. Eugene is survived by his wife, Gloria Craig, his children, Ronnie Craig (Mitzi), Paula Dugal (Rodney), Beth Craig (Brent), Shay Dugal (Allison); his siblings, Linda Hughes, Lisa Myers, Becky Toney, and Jerry Craig; his grandchildren, Brooke Reeves (Roger), Raegan Johnson (Matt) Brennan Craig, Baylie Davis, Seth Dugal (Lauren), Bradley Davis (Kenadee), Ariel King, Ty Dugal (Jacee), Kale Dugal, and Russell Roberson and his great-grandchildren Slade and Skylar Dugal, Macon Johnson, Klaira and Banks Davis, Trent Purvis, Kaylie Dollar, Koley Williams, Gabi, and Trey and Morgan Roberson, as well as a special niece, Michelle Harvey (Matt).  He is also survived by a wide circle of friends and extended family who will forever remember his warmth, generosity, and adventurous spirit. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martha and Verner Craig, a daughter, Nikole Dugal and a great grandson Drake Howe.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 10:00 a.m. until funeral services at 11:00 a.m. at Knowles Baptist Church with Rev. Todd Thompson officiating. Interment will be in the Centerpoint Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home of El Dorado, AR

Eugene will be deeply missed but never forgotten, as his legacy of love, adventure, and devotion to his family lives on in all who knew him.

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Carole Elizabeth Stegall, 86 of El Dorado passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Courtyard Health and Rehab. Born April 3, 1938 in Magnolia Springs, Alabama she was the daughter of Kermit Morris and Mary Margaret Glore Dowdell.

Carole started working for Murphy Oil in 1961. She worked as a medical secretary for Dr. Hartman and Dr Calloway as a legal secretary from 1966-1972. Her life time career began in 1973 with Munoco Company working for William Nolan Sr. and Theodosia Nolan until retirement in 2002.

Carole was hard working and independent. She loved to trout fish and vacation at the beach. She loved her family at College Avenue Church of Christ. She was famous in her family for her Easter Duck Gumbo.

Carole was an artist, loved cats, read John Grisham books, and was a life long donor to PBS and a loving mother and grandmother.

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Preceding her in death along with her parents was an older sister, Trudie Welch and her husband Jimmy.

Survivors include a younger brother, Edward Dowdell of Ruston, LA, and her daughter, Janet Tribble (Michael) of El Dorado. Surviving grandchildren are Courtney Tribble and Walker Reed Tribble both of El Dorado along with great-grandchildren Jackson Wayne Tribble, Kynslee Elyse Jester, Kimber Rose Noel Jester, and Klover Reine Jester. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon, Monday, January 27, 2025 until service time of 1:00 p.m. in Young’s Chapel with Gary Schloemer officiating. Interment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jim Welch, Bob Welch, Michael Tribble, Walker Tribble, and Courtney Tribble.

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Memorials may be made to College Avenue Church of Christ, 1817 College Ave., El Dorado, AR 71730 or to the Union County Animal Protection Society, P.O. Box 204, El Dorado, AR 71730.

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

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.

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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.