Obituaries news

David Paul Edwards, 74, of Fort Smith passed away Saturday, July 23, 2016, in a local hospital. He was born Oct. 3, 1941, in Hot Springs to Paul and Bertha (Ayers) Edwards. David proudly served his country and was a Vietnam Army veteran. Following his time in the service, he went to work for Southwestern Bell/AT&T. He was a dedicated employee and retired after 30 years. He attended Christ the King Catholic Church and was devoted to his faith. David was known to his grandchildren as Papa and

Betty Lou Shelton, 75, of Magazine was born Oct. 22, 1940, in Booneville to Thomas and Anna Mae (Shepard) Harper. She passed away July 26, 2016, at home in Magazine. Betty was a retired factory worker and former cook at the Bearcat restaurant. She was a member of Starting Point Ministry in Magazine. Betty loved collecting hummingbirds and spending time with her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents before mentioned; her husband, Melvin Shelton Jr.; and one son, Ronnie Shel

Roberta Anne (Blair) Bates went home to be with her savior Tuesday, July 26, 2016. She has joined her mother, Helen Blair; her father, Clifton Blair; and her brother, George Randall Blair. She was a native of Southern California, where she met her husband, Eugene (Gene) Bates in the seventh grade. They were married on July 24, 1960. Together, they had three wonderful children, Tyrun Eugene Bates of Morrow, Doty Denise Bates Allen of Fort Smith and Heather Ruth Bates Young of Kankakee, Ill. Rober