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Classmates Obituaries - Letter A

These obituaries correspond with the yearbooks that are listed on this website. Whenever possible, the source of the obituary will be shown as well as the date.

Abbott, Annette Rutledge - Annette Abbott, 83, of Hot Springs passed away Sunday January 27, 2013. She was born November 10, 1929, to the late Flora Burch Rutledge and C.A. Rutledge in Hot Springs.
Mrs. Abbott attended World Wide Christian Outreach and was formerly with Dierks Forrest. She was predeceased by her husband, Johnnie R. Abbott; two brothers, Chesley Rutledge and Harvey Leon Rutledge and one daughter-in-law, Barbara Abbott.
 Survivors include one son, Bob Abbott; seven step-grandchildren, Kathy House, Katrina Hale, Michael Deitz, Kimberly Easley, Kristina Grubb, Matthew Easley and Karrie Easley; sixteen step-great-grandchildren and one step-great-great grandchild.
Visitation will be 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday at Hot Springs Funeral Home.
Services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Hot Springs Funeral Home with Pastor Garland Edwards and Reverend Steve Willis officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.    [from Hot Springs Funeral Home online obituary]    [Class of 1947]

Adams, Patty Maner - Patty Maner Adams, 74, of Hot Springs passed away Sunday, July 24, 2011. She was born May 11, 1937, to the late Nellie Rogers Maner and Carl Jackson Maner in Hot Springs.
Mrs. Adams was a member of Central Baptist Church and a member of Daughters of American Revolution.
Survivors include her husband, Jerry Adams of Hot Springs; two sons, Mike (Sharon) Bridges of Granbury, Texas and Wayne (Melissa) Bridges of Cabot, Arkansas; two brothers, Bob Maner of Hot Springs and Martin Maner of Little Rock; three grandchildren, Cori Bridges, Michael Bridges and Shelby Bridges.
Honorary pallbearers are Todd Sanders, Ted Sanders, Michael Bridges, Mike Bridges, Wayne Bridges, Tony Adams, Kenny Hood, and the Staff of 2nd Floor East at St. Joseph’s Mercy Health Center.
Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday at Central Baptist Church with Dr. William Harris officiating. Private burial will be at a later date. [from Hot Springs Funeral Home online obituary] [Class of 1956]

Adkins, Brown - Brown Adkins, Jr., 80, of Hot Springs passed away Thursday, August 25, 2011. He was born July 14, 1931, to the late Juanita Brannan Adkins and Ancil Brown Adkins Sr. in Hot Springs.
Mr. Adkins was of the Methodist faith, a United States Marine, a member of the Elks Lodge #380 and Past Exalted Ruler, he worked for General Motors in Jones Mill where he was known at “Big Orange," Borden Company, Sun Rexal Drug, former owner of Public Drug Store and a Red Coat at Oaklawn Park. He was predeceased by his parents and the Mother of his children, Marie Adkins.
Survivors include his wife, Nancy Crawford Adkins of Hot Springs; his son, Brown (Barbara) Adkins of Richardson, Texas; daughters, Angela Marie Adkins of Dallas, Texas, Mary (Wendell) Adkins Dryden of Arlington, Texas, and Vicki Crawford (daughter of Nancy Crawford) of Hot Springs; brother, Laurence (Joan) Adkins of Hot Springs; sisters, Nita Clare (Curtis) Ridgway, Magnolia (Dan) Hamby and Lena (Leon) Roberts all of Hot Springs; grandchildren, Brown Adkins IV and Dallas Lee Dryden; many nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be his nephews. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. George Ryan, Judge David Switzer, James Madison White and Virginia Clinton Kelley Birthday Club.
Visitation will be 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday at Hot Springs Funeral Home. Services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday at Hot Springs Funeral Home with Reverend David B. Wilson officiating. Burial will follow at Crestview Memorial Park. Military Honors will be by VFW Post #2278 and Honors by Hot Springs Elks Lodge #380. [from Hot Springs Funeral Hoe online obituary]  [Class of 1950]

Adkins, Laurence Brannan - Laurence Brannan Adkins, 79, of Hot Springs, passed away Saturday, October 25, 2014. Laurence was born January 10, 1935, and was a lifelong resident of Hot Springs, as well as a life member of First United Methodist Church. He was the youngest son born to the late Brown and Juanita Adkins, the owners and operators of the Public Drug Store on Park Avenue for sixty years. Laurence and his siblings enjoyed growing up in the Park Avenue Historic District and have all lived in Hot Springs the majority of their lives.
Laurence graduated in 1953 from Hot Springs High School. He attended Henderson State University and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He served two years in the United States Army. He worked with his father at the Public Drug Store until his father’s death in 1977. He later became a Deputy Assessor with the late John Robbins, and was elected County Assessor in 1988. He held this office until the end of his term in 1999. Afterwards, he wished to continue his public service, and was elected Justice of the Peace for District 1 in Garland County, serving ten years. Laurence was extremely proud to serve the people of Garland County. After retirement from “county business,” he became a Red Coat for Oaklawn Racetrack. He dearly loved being with the public and was affectionately known as “Mr. Oaklawn” to the many folks he met from all over Arkansas and neighboring states.
Laurence was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Brown Adkins Jr., and his brother-in-law Curtis Larry Ridgway. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Joan Hill Adkins, two daughters, Lauren Adkins and D’Layne Adkins (Steve) Radke, and granddaughter Eleanor Radke all of Washington, D.C. Survivors also include two sisters, Nita Clare Ridgway and Magnolia (Dan) Hamby, four nieces; Maggie Hamby and Nita Kay Ridgway Mitchell of Hot Springs, and Angela Adkins and Mary (Wendell) Dryden of Texas. He is also survived by five nephews; Daniel Banks Hamby III, Scott (Andrea) Hamby, Stephen Ridgway, Curtis (Sharon) Ridgway III, all of Hot Springs, and Brown (Barbara) Adkins III of Richardson, Texas. Extended family members include Stacy, Brad, Allison, and John Hudgens and Shannon, Bill, Alec and Adrian Ahlbrandt.
Laurence will be remembered by family and friends as a true southern gentleman, for his love of life, his warm and friendly ways, and his larger than life personality. He was an avid bridge player, enjoyed playing cards with his siblings, and also looked forward to his Tuesday Bridge Group. Laurence had a passion for sports and enjoyed supporting the Arkansas Razorbacks, Dallas Cowboys, and St. Louis Cardinals. He also volunteered tirelessly for the Democratic Party of Arkansas.
Pallbearers are his nephews: Daniel Banks Hamby III, Scott Edward Hamby, Curtis Lawrence Ridgway III, Stephen Adkins Ridgway, and Ancil Brown Adkins III.
Honorary Pallbearers are Daniel Banks Hamby II, Stanley Dodd, Bill Creason, Kenneth Johnson, Mike Callahan, Buddy Brooks, Bruce Garnett, Lou Siegel, and the Redcoats of Oaklawn.
Gratitude is extended to Laurence’s physicians and caregivers; Dr Patrick Dolan, Dr. John Featherston, Dr. Robert Kleinhenz and Dr. Marty Koehn. A special thanks for the loving care shown to Laurence, during his extended illness, by the staff of The Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Arkansas Hospice, and to the Stephens Ministry and Intercessory Prayer Team of FUMC. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 28, 2014, at Gross Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 29th, in the Sanctuary of First United Methodist Church. A family burial will follow at Crestview Cemetery. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1100 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901.    [from Gross Funeral Home online obituary]    [Class of 1953]

Alexander, Ruth Standiford Keller - Blacksburg, Virginia — Ruth Standiford Keller Alexander passed away on January 25 in Blacksburg, Virginia. She was born August 11, 1917, in Hot Springs to Irvin S. Keller and Winifred Warren Keller.
She was a descendant on her maternal side of John C. Hale and Sarah Gardener Hale, who founded the first bath house, the Hale, and the first Baptist Church. On her paternal side, she was a descendant of Dr. James McDonald Keller and Sally Phillips Keller. Dr. Keller was the uncle of Helen Keller.
Ruth retired from 1st Federal Savings after 30 years. While employed there, she attended Garland County Community College and Little Rock University and earned a standard diploma.
She was preceded in death by her husband Houston (Baldy) Alexander and her brother, Warren M. Keller. She is survived by her son, Hugh and grandchildren, Michael and Kate.  [from Sentinel-Record obituary]  [Class of 1935]

Allen, Clovis Bernard - Clovis Bernard "Bernie" Allen, 75, of Hot Springs died Monday, April 9, 2007.
He was a U. S. Army Korean War veteran, owner of Moses Melody Shops and a public accountant.  He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Clara Allen and his first wife, Barbara Allen.
Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Allen; two daughters, Charlotte A. Blaylock of Mabelvale and Michelle C. Crow of Sherwood; one son, Drew A. Allen of Bauxite; one stepson, Ben Cass of Dallas; one sister, Neda Yoder of Conway; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
The service will be 2 p.m. Thursday in St. Luke United Methodist Church, 6401 West 32nd St., Little Rock, with Pastor Ann Harrison officiating.
Burial will be in Forest Hills Memorial Gardens...
Memorials may be made to St. Luke United Methodist Church, 6401 West 32nd St., Little Rock, AR 72204... [Sentinel-Record; April 11, 2007] [Class of 1950]

Anderson, Margaret L. Cannon - Margaret L. Anderson, 73, of Bossier City, Louisiana, died Friday, December 2, 2005, in a Shreveport, Louisiana, hospital.
Born July 29, 1932, at Hot Springs to Bill and Lorene Cannon, she was a homemaker, honor graduate of Hot Springs High School Class of 1950 and member of First Baptist Church.  She was predeceased by her husband, James G. Anderson, Sr.; and one daughter, Cheryl G. Anderson Rosalee.
Survivors include one son, James Garland Anderson, Jr., of Ogden, Utah; one sister, Dorothy A. Harp of Norman; one brother and sister-in-law, Bill B. and Billie Cannon of Hot Springs; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two aunts, Vera Warren of Atoka, Oklahoma, and Alma Allen of Norman, Oklahoma; nieces; nephews; and cousins.
The service will be 2 p.m. today at Greenwood Cemetery, Hot Springs, with Dr. John McCallum officiating.  Arrangements are by Mortuary Services of Louisiana.  [Sentinel-Record, December 8, 2005] [Class of 1950]

Anthony, Katherine Jane Cooper - Katherine Jane Cooper Anthony was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, on December 19, 1934, and died in Mercy Hospital, Hot Springs, on May 6, 2013. Many Hot Springs residents may recall Kindercoop kindergarten, operated by Katherine's mother, Eugenia, at the Coopers' family home on Prospect Avenue.
Katherine Cooper was a member of the Hot Springs High School Class of 1952 and was active there in chorus and as a cheerleader. She graduated in 1956 from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, where she was a member of Tri Delta sorority. She continued her education at the University of Illinois, obtaining a M.Ed. Katherine returned to Hot Springs as director of physical education at Hot Springs High School. Later she taught at the University of Oklahoma, Norman, as an assistant professor of physical education.
Katherine married Jimmy N. Anthony in 1960 and moved to Bearden, Arkansas, where they raised their family. She was an active member of Bearden Methodist Church. She participated in many civic affairs of South Central Arkansas, most notably as a board member of Ouachita County Hospital and in the Bearden public school system. In 2005 Katherine helped to fund the development of a new Mercy child advocacy center in Hot Springs, which she named the Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center in honor of her mother and the Anthony family. She was also an enthusiastic supporter of the Garland County Historical Society.
She was predeceased by her parents, Eugenia Towell and Lewis D. Cooper Jr. of Hot Springs; her husband, James N. "Jimmy" Anthony of Bearden, Arkansas, and her two daughters, Virginia "Ginny" Seba (1968-2003) and Andrea K. Ledbetter (1963-2008) of Bearden. She is survived by three brothers: Hiram W. Cooper (Susan) and Thomas Cooper of Hot Springs and Lewis D. Cooper of Conway, Arkansas. Other survivors are grandchildren Brooklyn Ledbetter Tanner and Ian James Seba and a great-granddaughter, Andrea Belle Tanner.
The family wishes to thank the nurses and doctors of Mercy Hospital and the staff members and caregivers of West Shores senior living community. The family especially thanks Kathy Taylor, Dr. Gregory Whorton, and Katherine's many loyal and loving friends.
A graveside service is planned at Bethel Cemetery near the Hopeville community and Bearden, Arkansas at 2:30 P.M. on Wednesday, May 8, 2013. There will be no visitation, and in lieu of flowers, please make donations to Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center, 216 McAuley Court, Hot Springs, AR, 71913, or Garland County Historical Society, PO Box 20129, Hot Springs, AR, 71903. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce.    [from Benton Funeral Home online obituary]    [Class of 1952]

Arman, Philip I. - Philip "Coach" Arman, 76, of Hot Springs, died May 21, 2014. He was born April 6, 1938, in Garland County to Roy and Geneva Arman. He attended Southern Arkansas University, enjoyed fishing, bowling and was always an excellent athlete. Phil retired after 30 years with National Park Community College. He was affectionately known as "Coach" to the many young people whose lives were touched by his teaching and coaching.
He is predeceased by his parents, wife, Barbara Montgomery Arman and son, Gregory K. Arman.
Loving survivors include his companion of 19 years, Helen Hindman, of Hot Springs; son, Steve Arman and his wife, Dalia, of San Antonio, Texas; brother, Keith Arman and his wife, Isabelle, of Hot Springs; brother, J. C. Arman, of Hot Springs; grandchildren, Amy Elizabeth Arman and Alexandria Evelyn Arman; three nieces, Sherri McDonough, Cynthia Sorensen and Deborah Lent.
Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with Pastor Teddy Frye officiating. Burial will be at Godwin Cemetery. A reception for family and friends will follow at New Salem United Methodist Church, 1798 Mountain Pine Rd, Hot Springs, Arkansas.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to his caregivers, George Marvel, Jennifer Shaffer and Annie Harrington.
Pallbearers are Velton Lacy, Weldon Phillips, Billy Burroughs, Tony Montgomery, Shannon Montgomery and Chuck Jordan.
Honorary pallbearers include the staff, students and alumni of National Park Community College and to his dear friends at Central Bowling Lanes.    [from Caruth-Hale Funeral Home online obituary]  [Class of 1956]

Athanas, Athas Demetrius "James", Jr. - A. J. Athanas Jr., devoted to country.
He had 35 combat missions in B-17s behind him, and ahead lay the glittering career that that the Air Force could offer to a multi-talented young man.
But Capt. Athas James Athanas Jr. had a problem and believed it would kill him.
"I think it just started with social drinking and gradually it just built up to more and more," said daughter Amanda Gail McMahon of Graham, Washington. "It wasn't interfering with his work, but it was interfering with his family life and he could see what was happening...what was going to happen. He believed he was going to die."
The crisis marked a turning point in his life. He turned away from addictive drink and to recovery and spiritual salvation.
He went on to devote his life to God and family - and to his country as a lieutenant colonel. He died Friday at age 60, after 19 years of sobriety with the help of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Athanas was born the son of a cafe operator outside of Hot Springs, Arkansas, horse race track. His unusual gifts - as evidenced by his self-taught piano playing, painting, landscaping, songwriting, and highly skilled woodcraft working - took him far beyond his humble beginnings.
During his 31-year military career he flew as bombadier in daring daylight raids over Germany in World War II with the 8th Army Air Force.
Driven by a spirit of volunteerism and a need for a sense of purpose, he remained in the service after the war and served at posts throughout the world, including Europe, the Philippines, Greeland, Thailand, Washington, D. C., and San Antonio.
He was a resident of Hot Springs at the time of his death.
He formerly was assistant chief of Control Division of the Air Force Command Headquarters Air Train-...
Relatives said he had a knack for organizing and, with his bright, cheerful personality, a gift for leadership. But he gave Christ credit, not himself, for his accomplishments and abilities.
"He thought there was no way he could have possibly acquired his abilities on his own," his daughter said.
He was a member of The 700 Club and Eisenhauer Road Baptist Church.
He received the Meritorious Service Medal and six air medals during World War II. Though virtually assured of his promotion to colonel, he chose to retire from the Air Force in 1973 to devote himself to his family.
Survivors, in addition to his daughter, include daughter Lynn Athanas of Fort Campbell, Kentucky; sisters Carolyn Bob Asberry of Dexter, Missouri, and Analee Vaught of Hot Springs, Arkansas; and a grandson.
Graveside services will be at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors. Oak Hills Mortuary is in charge.    [from the San Antonio Express-News May 1984]
Lt. Col. Athos James Athanas Jr., USAF, retired after 31 years of service to his country, and a resident of Hot Springs, Arkansas, formerly of San Antonio, Texas, entered into rest Friday, May 25, 1984, at a local hospital at the age of 60 years. Lt. Col. Athanas was a member of the Alcoholic Anonymous with 19 years of sobriety and a member of the 700 Club and Eisenhauer Road Baptist Church in San Antonio. His military career included tours of duty in Europe, the Philippines, Greenland, Thailand, and more recently at the Pentagon. While a major he acted as the assistance chief of the Central Division of the Air Force Command Headquarters Air Training Command where he conducted the Military Assistance Advisory Group Training Officer's Course for foreign officer personnel being trained for duties worldwide during the Vietnam Conflict. While a colonel he acted as a key representative of the Air Force Recruiting Service. His contribution was involved in designing All-Volunteer Programs for the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines at the Pentagon. He was a recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal and six Air Medals for 35 combat missions flown in Europe during World War II. He is survived by daughters Lynn Athanas of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Amanda Gail McMahon of Graham, Washington; sisters, Carolyn Bob Asberry of Dexter, Missouri, and Analee Vaught of Hot Springs, Arkansas; grandson, Winston Sherman McMahon of Graham, Washington; plus numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside services for Lt. Col. Athanas will be 11:30 a.m. May 30th at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Milton Duke officiating with interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors. Arrangements with Oak Hills.    [from the San Antonio Express-News May 1984]    [Sophomore in 1940]

Atherton, Jeannetta Mae Helms - Jeannetta Mae (Helms) Atherton, 81, known to her loved ones and friends as Jean and Aunt G, passed away November 22, 2009, shortly after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. She was a cherished sister, devoted wife, loving mother, supportive grandmother, and faithful friend. Although her battle was brief, she faced her illness with dignity and courage. She steadfastly believed Jesus would carry her softly and tenderly home where she would be reunited with her loved ones.
She was born May 1, 1928, in Hot Springs, AR, to Angeline Jeannette (West) and Robert Lee Helms. She was the fifth of eight children. She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband of 28 years, William Leslie Atherton, in 1978, her cherished son, Richard Victor Atherton, who passed away in 1986, and the following siblings: Robert David Helms, Leland Gray Helms, Anna Donia (Helms) Sorrells, Lieutenant Colonel Jack Elwin Helms, Mary Annette (Helms) Priest, and Master Sergeant Billy Eugene Helms.
She is survived by her sister Dorothy Marie (Helms) Cooper and spouse Steve E.B. Cooper of Anchorage, AK, and sister-in-law Norma Jean (Freeman) Helms of Hot Springs, AR. She is survived by her son, William Leslie Atherton, Jr., of Fairbanks, AK, son Robert Lee Atherton and spouse Julia (Bole) Atherton of Tulsa, OK, and children, Garrett Richard, Laura Catherine, and Leslie Anne Atherton, also her daughter Anita Jean (Atherton) Layton and spouse Stephen Douglas Layton of Bakersfield, CA and children Katherine Jean, Sarah Christine, Samuel Stephen, Alexandra Jane, Matthew William, and Emily Grace Layton, also her daughter Glenda Kaye (Atherton) Quinn and spouse Scott Curtis Quinn of Telico, TX, and children Tyler Robert, Clayton Scott, and Graham Curtis Quinn. She is survived by eighteen nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was baptized and married at Central Baptist Church, Hot Springs, AR. She graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1946 where she formed many life-long friendships. Jeannetta was a talented clarinet player and a majorette in the high school band and at the University of Arkansas.
In Hot Springs, she worked for Merrill Lynch and met her future husband, William Leslie (Les) Atherton, of Peoria, IL, who was a WWII veteran. Married on June 4, 1950, they moved to Seattle, WA, where their first son was born in 1952. They lived in Tulsa, OK, Encino, CA, and Santa Anna, CA, before returning to Tulsa in 1964 with their family of five children. Her husband worked for Boeing, McDonnell Douglas, and Rockwell International in the aerospace industry. As a homemaker she was very involved in her children’s many activities - a role she continued as a grandmother. Widowed at the age of forty-nine, Jeannetta diligently cared for her elderly mother for five years. She enjoyed owning a florist shop as well as her later work in the Development Office at the University of Tulsa. She retired at age sixty-two and spent much of her time travelling with family and friends. Her twelve grandchildren will miss their Mimi dearly and forever be influenced by her strength of character. She will be remembered as an intelligent and independent woman who was selflessly devoted to others and exemplified the best of the “Greatest Generation."
The family expresses great gratitude to the amazing nurses of St. John Hospice and the very caring aids at Interim Health Care. Memorial donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans, 918-834-4643.
Services will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. at the Memorial Park Chapel located at 51st and Memorial in Tulsa, OK. Following the services, family and friends are invited to a reception at the Memorial Park Family Center.    [from Stanleys Funeral Services online obituary]    [Class of 1946]