Obituaries

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Julie Ann Kennett on April 28, 2025, at the age of 72 in Bella Vista, Arkansas, from cancer. She was born on December 30, 1952, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas to Cecil and Lola Bell Walker.

Robert Dale (Bob) Packham declared on a Monday that he was dying, and on that next Sunday morning, November 24, 2024, he did. His wife Linda was with him, and had been at his side throughout that last night, seeing to his care. His illness had progressed rapidly which saved him from lingering discomfort, but left his family and friends stunned. He was 81.

Danny Webb Chapman, 67, of Eureka Springs passed away March 30, 2025 at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville. He was born May 4, 1957 in Forrest City to Wilburn and Shirley (Logan) Chapman.

Jimmy Keith Girkin was born on June 27, 1936, in Melbourne, Arkansas, to Festus Pierce Girkin and Clara Smith Girkin. A man of deep kindness, unwavering dedication, and a quick wit, Jim passed away peacefully at his home in Holiday Island at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of service, generosity, and love.

What events in a man’s life determine his value to society? At an early age Lewis E. Epley Jr. accompanied his father, Lewis E. Epley Sr. to his work at the Northwest Arkansas Times newspaper plant where Lewis Sr. worked as a Linotype operator. His dad modeled a strong work ethic for his sons, especially Lewis Jr. Lewis Sr. met Evelyn Wood in Greenwood, Ark. where she taught school. They married and in the course of events, Lewis Jr. was born in Ft. Smith. The family moved to Springdale in 1937, and Lewis Jr. attended all 12 grades in the Springdale public schools.

Terry Lee Wilson, 68, of Eureka Springs, Arkansas passed away the morning of March 11th, 2025. Terry was born on March 13th,1956 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, son of Luther B. “Boogan” and Pauline Wilson.

Darrell Hoover of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, was born in Eureka Springs on July 17, 1950, to Henry and Ethel (Clark) Hoover. Darrell passed away January 25, 2025, in Eureka Springs at the age of 74.