Joseph William Sexson, 67, of Royal passed away on December 23, 2019.  He was born on August 19, 1952 in Harrisonville, Missouri and was the son of the late Grover William Sexson and Mona Lou Wilson Sexson.

He attended Apostolic Faith Tabernacle. He was a member of the National Federation of the Blind and AEMTA.  He was a paramedic and police officer who assisted with the September 11^th World Trade Center. During Hurricane Katrina he also assisted with the rescue efforts in New Orleans at the Superdome.  He was also a personal paramedic for the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.

He is preceded in death by his grandma and granddad Wilson of Searcy, Arkansas and grandma Rosie Sexson of Neosho, Missouri.

Joseph leaves behind his loving wife Susie Sexson; his sons Joseph W. Sexson, II (Naomi) of Vilonia, Arkansas and Kevin W. Sexson (Shelly) of Hot Springs, Arkansas; his grandchildren Thomas W. Sexson, Abgail R. Sexson, Michael W. Sexson, and Anastasia M. Sexson; his siblings Steve Sexson, Gina Rutledge, and Tonya Ortiz; his aunt Sue McFadden and uncle Jim Wilson; as well as many friends and extended relatives.

Memorial service will be Thursday, January 2, 2020 at 1:00 P.M. at Apostolic Faith Tabernacle, 3217 Airport Road, Pearcy, Arkansas.

September 21, 1960 – December 15, 2019

Kevin McMasters, 59, of Bay, passed from this life on Sunday, December 15, 2019, at NEA Baptist Medical Center in Jonesboro.

Born in Austin, Minnesota, Kevin moved to Bay in 1963 and lived much of his life there. He was a 1978 graduate of Westside High School and earned Bachelors and Masters degrees from Arkansas State University. Kevin was a adjunct professor at Arkansas State University where he taught Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management. He was a member of Broadway Avenue Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and song leader.

For 35 years Kevin has been a member of the Bay Fire Department and has served as Chief for many years. He served 10 years, from 2004-2013, as President of the State Firefighters Association of Arkansas and was active in the National Firefighters Institute, National Volunteer Fire Council and National Association of Emergency Management. Kevin was recognized by Eli Lily Company as a 50-year Type I Diabetes survivor having been diagnosed with diabetes at age 7. Kevin served several years on St. Bernards Patient and Family Advisory Council and the Arkansas Patient and Family Advisory Council.

Survivors include his wife, Tracey Holt McMasters of the home;
His parents: Robert and Dale McMasters of Bay;
1 brother, Kent McMasters of Jonesboro;
2 sisters: Vanessa Criswell of Bay and Valorie (David) Wade of Lafayette, Indiana; and
1 niece, Hayley Overbay of Jonesboro;

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday in Emerson Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday in Emerson Memorial Chapel with Bro. Rick Jensen and Bro. Joel McMasters officiating. Rachel Nix, Director of the Arkansas Fire Academy in Camden will deliver the eulogy. Burial with Firefighters Honors will follow in Jonesboro Memorial Park.

Members of the Jonesboro Fire Department Honor Guard will serve as active pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be John Henry, J.R. Mann and members of the Bay Fire Department.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to the Bay Fire Department Building Fund, POB 13, Bay, AR 72411; the Broadway Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, POB 10, Bay, AR 72411; or the Arkansas Fallen Firefighter Memorial Fund, POB 56470, Little Rock, AR 72215.

Israel DeShane Porterfield, 38, a lifetime resident of Lunsford, died Friday, November 15, 2019, at St. Bernard’s Regional Medical Center.  He was a member of the Lunsford Baptist Church.  “Izzy” worked 15 years in the EMS field and was a Nationally Registered Paramedic.  He was a member of the S.H.O.T. (Special Hazards Operations Team) for Medic I.  He also worked for the Harrisburg Police Department.  In addition to his active work life, he always found time to go fishing and hunting.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Hubert and Madlyn Batten; Neal and Nita Jo Porterfield and his aunt, Barbara Batten Knight.

Survivors include his wife of nine years, Stacy Porterfield, of the home; daughter, AnnaLynn Porterfield of the home; stepson, Tristin Curtis of Paragould; parents, Ricky “Pete” and Charlotte Porterfield of Lunsford; several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be 10:00 Monday, November 25, 2019 at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Bro. Ron Langston officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.  Burial will follow at Prairie Cemetery near Lunsford with Matt Emerson, Logan Furnish, Jon Paul Weatherford, Dan Loven, Vance Evans, and Jarred Young serving as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers will be all EMS personnel in NEA.  Visitation will be from 5-7 Sunday night at Emerson Memorial Chapel  To sign an online guestbook, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.

Buren John “B. J.” Johnson, Jr., age 74, passed away Thursday, November 14, 2019.

Born February 10, 1945 at Paris, AR, he was the son of the late Buren John Johnson, Sr. and Myrtle Faye Lumpkin Johnson. He graduated from Dollarway High School in 1963 and attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello. He also served in the United States Army Reserves for a number of years.

B. J. was well-known in law enforcement and emergency medical circles. He was an EMT for over 40 years. He was also a corporal in the Arkansas State Police for 11 years and had worked for the Pine Bluff and Sheridan Police Departments.

He was a member of Bethel #1 Missionary Baptist Church in Rison and was also a Mason.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Sandra Jones.

Survivors include his wife, Kathryne “Kathy” Tyler Johnson, who he married on December 23, 2000; his children, Teresa Howie (Shannon), Steve Johnson (Jodie), Austin Johnson, and Samuel Johnson (Saige Brodnax); step-sons, Tyler Puckett (Courtney) and Wilson Puckett; a sister, Brenda Rogers (Glen); grandchildren, Allison Brasher (Jacob), Katie Howie, Olivia Howie, Marlee Johnson, and Maycee Johnson; a great-grandson, Carsyn Brasher; and many other loving family and friends.

There will be a visitation for B. J. on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Robinson & Fuller White Hall Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to assist the family with funeral expenses, please visit https://fundthefuneral.com/b-j-johnson

Thomas “Tommy” Daniel Crouch, 33, of Bauxite, Arkansas, passed away October 31, 2019. He was born December 21, 1985 in Houston, Texas to James and Elizabeth (Smith) Crouch.

Tommy was a 2004 graduate of Bryant High School. He was a hard worker. Tommy had served as a deputy with the Pulaski County Sheriff Department, had previously volunteered as a firefighter with Sardis Fire Department. Worked as a security guard with Elite Protection Group, was an EMT, and worked alongside his father at Door Control Services, Inc. a division of DH Pace. Tommy loved being a dad and enjoyed spending time with his children. He was an avid gamer and collected many video games. Tommy was into Superheroes and was a big kid himself.

Preceding Tommy in death are his daughter, Elizabeth Angel Crouch; brother, Justin Foster; and his grandparents.
He leaves behind his parents, James and Elizabeth Crouch of Mabelvale, Arkansas; children: Rayden Crouch and Serephina Crouch ( Savannah), and Austyn Crouch (Kandice) all of Benton, Arkansas; Valorie Sharp, the mother of their soon to be son Ryan, whom he loved so very much, of Leola , Arkansas ; sister, Heather Crouch of Arkansas; brother, Kevin Fulghum of Houston, Texas; aunts: Patricia Weir of Deridder, Louisiana, Michelle McIntire and husband Mitchell of Lonoke, Arkansas, Alethea “Leigh” Shu and husband Gary of Louisville, Kentucky; and Krissy Delaney of Ward, Arkansas; uncle, Robert Smith of Louisville, Kentucky; and many family members and friends who love Tommy and will miss him always.

Visitation will be held 6:00-7:00 PM, Tuesday, November 5, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Funeral service, officiated by Pastor Kevin McManus, will follow at 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

Thomas Keith Smith, 37, was born on December 27, 1981 in West Memphis. He died on October 12, 2019, hours after Mindy Harris died on the same day.

 He leaves to mourn his loss, his parents, Kay and Danny Smith of Horseshoe Lake, Arkansas; his three sons, Bryan Steven Smith of Wynne, Arkansas, Kieran Alexandre Smith of Horseshoe Lake, Arkansas, and Hunter Farley of Marion, Arkansas, the son of Mindy Leigh Harris. He also leaves behind his brother, Jeremy Smith (Alex) of Marion, Arkansas; his paternal grandmother, Mary E. Smith of Hughes, Arkansas, as well as additional family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Patricia A. Woodward of Alabama, Tomiko Snyder of Georgia, Kenneth L. Snyder of Georgia and his paternal grandfather, Steven G. Smith.

 In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be made to LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, East Arkansas Community College, Allied Health Scholarship Fund or Marion Paws Program.

 Visitation

Roller-Citizens Funeral Home

201 North Pine Street

West Memphis, AR 72301

10/19/2019 at 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Service

Funeral Service

Roller-Citizens Funeral Home Chapel

201 Pine

West Memphis, AR 72301

10/19/2019 at 1:00 PM

Darren Wayne Cowley, 33, of Simms, Texas passed away Tuesday, October 8, 2019 in De Kalb, Texas.

Darren was born August 28, 1986 in Texarkana, Texas to Robert DeWayne Cowley and Linda Gail Cowley. He was a Paramedic with LifeNet and an Instructor of Emergency Services for Texarkana College. He was a member of Brothers Keepers Motorcycle Club and Avery First Baptist Church.

He is preceded in death by grandparents, Dewie Davis and Lloyd and Sylvia Cowley; one son, Walter DeWayne Cowley; and one sister, Kaitlyn Hollowell.

He is survived by his wife, Taniesha Kennedy of Simms, Texas; his parents, Robert and Melanie Cowley of De Kalb, Texas and Linda Cowley of Avery, Texas; grandmother, Alma Davis of Avery, Texas; four sons, Cole Cowley of Lufkin, Texas, William Cowley of Lufkin, Texas; Wallace Cowley of Longview, Texas, and Jedediah Cowley of Longview, Texas; five daughters, Sylvia Cowley of Lufkin, Texas, Emma Bihary of Texarkana, Texas, Brayli Roberson of Longview, Texas, Rylee Ketchum of Simms, Texas and Hannah Ketchum of Simms, Texas; one brother and sister-in-law, James Cowley and Lindsey Book of New Boston, Texas; one aunt and uncle, Theresa and Rocky Pierce of Shreveport, Louisiana; cousins Jessica and Dennis Williams of Shreveport, Louisiana; and numerous other family members and friends.

Services will be 3:00 P.M. Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Bates Family Funeral Home in De Kalb, Texas with Rev. Harold D. Lambert and Bro. Bud Callaway officiating. Interment will follow at Old Union Cemetery in Simms, Texas.

Visitation will be held 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Bates Family Funeral Home in De Kalb, Texas.

It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone that is loved and cherish. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved David R. Donovan (Monticello, Arkansas), who passed away at the age of 59, on July 13, 2019.

Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home

943 Highway 425 North

Monticello ,  AR 71657

Visitation  – 7/19/2019 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Service – 7/20/2019 at 2:00 p.m.

Interment:

Rock Springs Cemetery
Rock Springs Rd.
Wilmar, AR 71675

https://www.stephensondearman.com/services.asp?page=odetail&id=2078&locid=0

Dean William Loos, 33 of Springdale passed away Monday, July 1, 2019. He was born May 28,1986 in Carmichael, California to David and Lisa Bell Loos.

Dean was a Firefighter/EMT. He began his service with the City of Springdale on January 7, 2013, and it was while on duty that he met his wife, Tabitha. He loved riding his Harley, he was very athletic, enjoyed all extreme sports and was an avid Raiders and Sharks fan. Dean was a great dad and loved his children very much. He was extremely proud of his kids. He loved his family and friends immensely and always embraced them with a warm hug and kind words. Dean will always be a hero to his family and friends.

Dean was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard and Miriam Bell and Carl Loos and three uncles, Rick Bell, Randy Bell and Joe Loos.

Survivors include wife, Tabitha Loos of the home; two sons, Kayden Isaiah Loos and Kael Guinness Loos (and their mother Amanda Acosta); two daughters, Averlea Kate Loos and Ebbie Jo Loos all of the home; his father David Loos; his mother Lisa Fields and husband John Fields; one brother, Darrick Carl Loos and wife Brittany and one sister, Jessica Miriam Loos Brewer and husband J.P. all of Rogers. He is also survived by many other nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

A memorial service will be Saturday, July 6, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Har-Ber High School in the Marsha Jones Performing Arts Center.

Taylor Lloyd Bullard, 32 of Traskwood, was taken from his loving family far too soon Wednesday, June 26, 2019. Taylor was born on May 5, 1987 in St. Louis, MO. He was a 2005 graduate of Lakeside High School in Hot Springs, Arkansas where he was a gifted baseball player. Taylor loved the outdoors, but he was most passionate about his family. Taylor was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend and teacher. He was a Lieutenant/Paramedic with the Jacksonville Fire Department where he served honorably for 9 years.

He loved life, loved to laugh and loved grilling and serving his family and friends wonderful food. He will be missed terribly by his family as well as his friends whom he considered family.

Taylor is survived by his wife, Jennifer Page Bullard, daughter, Nora Elizabeth, his parents, Jim and Linda Bullard, Jennifer’s parents, Jim and Carol Sharp, siblings, Jamie Huisman (Cody, Harris, Harper, Henson), Jolie Hand (Garrett), Tanner Bullard, Jordan Sharp (Katie Wright) Jake Sharp (Amber, Kaydi, Taralyn, TJ), Angela Knight (Jon, Layla, Max, Mela) grandmothers, Betty Brown and Elizabeth Lovell, numerous aunts, cousins and friends.

Church services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 12:00 p.m. on Monday, July 1, 2019 at McArthur Church in Jacksonville.

Visitation will be at Ashby Funeral Home on Sunday, June 30th, 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.