Obituaries

Charles “Charlie” Vernon

CHARLES “CHARLIE” VERNON BLOUNT  Charles “Charlie” Vernon Blount, 71, of Mountain Home, Arkansas passed away on Saturday, August 2, 2025, in Mountain Home. He was born on March 6, 1954,…

PORTLAND Maine-Kathryn left our lives on Monday evening after a short illness. Born on a farm in Pocahontas, Arkansas, 8th out of 9 kids, she lived a very colorful life. Studying by lamplight until her home got electricity while in high school, she was the first in her family to go to college. She got her associates degree at Arkansas State College and her first teaching job was in a one room schoolhouse in the community where she was raised. She moved to St. Louis to teach and met her future husband Wilbur (Bill) Cheever there. From there she followed Bill to Madrid, Spain while he was in the Air Force. Moving back to the states and civilian life took them to brief stops in Bethlehem, PA and Baltimore, Maryland. Leaving there they settled in Wethersfield, Connecticut where both Wilbur Jr and Suzanne were born and raised. They spent 20 years in Elmhurst, Illinois before retiring to Freeport, Maine in 2004 where her son built her the salt box home she always wanted. The family would like to thank the staff at Maine Medical Center for their compassionate care all the way from the emergency room through palliative care. Kathryn will be with her husband Bill who left our lives 2 years prior. She leaves behind a sister Shirley Johnson, 2 children, eight grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Craig Bruce Nalepinski, age 73, passed away on Friday, July 16, 2025, at the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Craig Bruce Nalepinski, age 73, passed away on Friday, July 16, 2025, at the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Fittingly, Craig was born on the same…

Clarence Tanner (“C.T.”) Doan III closed his beautiful eyes on this side of heaven on July 12, 2025, at the age of 85 years old. He then opened his eyes and cast them upon Jesus. C.T. was born March 17, 1940, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, to Clarence Tanner (“Sonny”) Doan and Clara Katherine (Ring) Doan. He was the oldest sibling to three younger brothers: Hatley David Doan, Connie Rice (“C.R.”) Doan and Leonard Doan. C.T. married his sweet wife, Cona Jean Doan, on October 7, 1967, which was also her birthday. C.T. is preceded in death by his wife, Cona Jean Doan; his parents, C.T. (“Sonny”) and Katherine Doan; his brother, David Doan and his aunt, Janette Bush who he adoringly called “Sis”. He is also preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Hatley and Clara Ring, and paternal grandparents, C.T. Doan (I) and Carmen Rafferty. C.T. is survived by his children, Melody Doan-Luttrell of Pocahontas and Shawn (Stacey) Doan also of Pocahontas; brothers, C.R. (Sue) Doan of Atlanta, Georgia, and Leonard (Virginia) Doan of Walnut Ridge. He is also survived by his grandchildren Payton and Gracie Doan. His love for his grandchildren was immeasurable. Payton and Gracie were the loves of his life. C.T. was a teacher, along with his brother, David Doan, for 30 years at Pocahontas Public Schools. Students of many generations knew him as Mr. C. Doan and his brother as Mr. D. Doan. He loved to bestow his expanse knowledge of many different things, not just of history, to his students. He shared life lessons and encouraged me to seek out all the good things possible in life. He attempted to leave lasting impressions of respect, honesty, hard work, and integrity. As a young man, C.T. enlisted in the National Guard and served for four years. Later in life, he became a reserve deputy sheriff for the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and served his community in this capacity for several years. C.T. was of the Baptist faith. He was a staunch believer in the blessings received from God and in God’s forgiveness. Yet, he also knew this life was full of hurdles and many times heartache. He faced these times with unwavering faith, strength, and courage that was unmatched. These attributes were shown, especially to his wife and children, many times in life; he served as their foundation and rock that saw them through many of life’s undesirable moments. He always knew just what to say to make any situation better or at least bearable. As one person stated, “The world sure lost a great one but Heaven gained one of the best.” His legacy will continue to shine through his family and he will be missed more than words can convey. Yet, we know that he is now rejoicing in Heaven and it is not goodbyeit is only “until we get there”. The family would like to give special acknowledgment to the following: Dr. Seb Spades and his staff, Dr. Billy Spades and his staff, Dr. Drew Dawson and his staff, the staff of Rock Steady Boxing in Jonesboro and Randolph County Nursing Home- especially the 400 hall staff who went above and beyond day to day to not only provide care for dad but grew to love him along his journey. Also, a special thank you to the private caregivers who cared for Dad and also grew to love him as well. Visitation will be held Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the McNabb Funeral Home Chapel. The funeral service will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the McNabb Funeral Home Chapel with the burial to follow in the Sharum Cemetery. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Payton Doan, Dr. Drew Dawson, Dwight Ellis, D.G. Rorey, James Sanders, and Gary Tribble. Honorary pallbearers are Connie Doan, Leonard Doan, Dr. Billy Spades, Dr. Seb Spades, Keith Britton, and Chris Tillman.

Theresa Pascal Fender, age 60, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Arkansas, after a courageous 3.5-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Theresa was born on March 14, 1965, in Pocahontas, Arkansas, to Raymond and Mary Henning Baltz. She spent all of her pre-college years at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, where she was actively involved in school, church, and athletics. She was a decorated track and basketball athlete and graduated from high school in 1983. She later attended the University of Arkansas, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fashion Merchandising, and was a proud member of the Sigma Nu Little Sisters. On May 14, 1988, she wed her high school sweetheart, David Fender, in Pocahontas. A bond marked by mutual respect, deep friendship, and the strength that comes from walking through life hand in hand. Theresa’s early career years were spent in retail management and pharmaceutical sales in Memphis and Atlanta. In 2005, she and David returned to Fayetteville, where they became entrepreneurs in the retail and real estate development space. Theresa was the heart of her family a high-spirited beauty and the CEO of the home. With grace and devotion, she dedicated herself to raising her daughters and nurturing a home where love and order flourished. She was a gifted Southern cook, cherished for her beloved cheese dip. Her happiest moments were by the water at sunset, playing with her grandchildren, and traveling to new places with her loved ones by her side. Her faith was a steady presence in her life, and she was a member of Central United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Mary Baltz; her brother, Bub Baltz; her father-in-law, David V. Fender; and her brother-in-law, Brian Fender. Theresa is survived by her beloved husband, David Fender, with whom she shared 46 years including 37 years of marriage; daughters, Hannah O’Donnell and her husband Tyler of Fayetteville, and Ashton Fender of New York City; grandchildren, Eli and Heidi O’Donnell; siblings, Becky Baltz, Melinda Davis, Marvin Baltz, Diana Gregory, and Amanda Wilson; and numerous nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service, followed by a Reception, will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, July 26th, at Stone Chapel, 2228 W. Bowen Blvd., Fayetteville, AR 72703. To leave a tribute, please visit www. bernafuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor are appreciated and may be directed to: The Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN - Pancreatic Cancer Research Dr. Mark Truty. Arrangements are under the care of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville.

Cletis Rosalan Rickey Neece, a beloved wife, mother, Memaw, and devoted church member, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the age of 91. She was born on July 31, 1933, in Delaplaine, Arkansas, to the late Harry and Hazel Martin Rickey. Cletis shared a remarkable 74 years of marriage with her devoted husband, Eldridge Neece of Pocahontas.

Avon Neal McCamey, 81, passed away Friday, July 4, 2025 at Walnut Ridge Nursing and Rehab Center. Avon was born on August 9, 1943, the son of the late George A. McCamey and Etta Viola Shocklee McCamey in the Ingram community.