Obituaries

Charles Wayne French

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, Thayer 10

Charles Wayne French, 77, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, passed away January 11, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones in the comfort of his own home. He was born July 2, 1948, to Noel and Rose Edna Clarke French in Saddle, Arkansas.

Charles married the love of his life, Jewell Faye Wright, on August 30, 1969. They were married for 41 years before she passed away on January 7, 2011. Two children were born from this union.

Charles was a devoted man of faith whose life reflected his deep trust in God and his commitment to serving others. He lived with humility, kindness, and quiet strength, always placing the needs of others before his own. His faith guided the way he lived, worked, and loved, and it was evident in the compassion he showed to everyone he met.

A lifelong lover of farming, Charles found joy and purpose in working the land. He valued hard work, stewardship, and patience – lessons rooted in both his faith and respect for agriculture. For approximately 34 years, he shared these values as an agriculture/science teacher, where he touched countless lives. Charles was a lifelong supporter and advisor of FFA, instilling in students a love of agriculture, leadership, and community service. He proudly guided numerous FFA chapters, encouraging young people to pursue their dreams and embrace the values of hard work, integrity, and teamwork. Many of his students credit him for inspiring their careers and love of farming. He was also the Fire Chief of the Saddle Volunteer Fire Department for many years. After retirement, he worked at Spring Leaf Ranch, doing what he loved – working outdoors.

In his free time Charles enjoyed woodworking, a craft that mirrored his character – steady, thoughtful, and intentional. He took pride in creating things by hand and often gave his work away, finding fulfillment not in recognition, but in giving.

Above all, Charles will be remembered as a faithful servant of God, a selfless helping to others, a dedicated teacher, and a hardworking farmer. He was a member of Mammoth Spring Church of Christ.

He is survived by his two children, Donna French and Evan (Dianna) French of Mammoth Spring; siblings, Nola (Leon) Christenberry of Jonesboro, James (Nancy) French of Evening Shade, and Lowell (Susan) French of Paragould; grandchildren, Cody (Sarah) Brindley, Hannah (Keegan) Harper, Abigail (Cody) Green, Makayla French, and Brittany French; great-grandchildren, Ross Green, Remington Green, Aria Green, Preston Brindley, and Nora Harper; and his very special friend, Judy Holmes.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Jewell French; granddaughter, Melissa French; and his parents, Edna and Noel French.

He will be missed by a host of other relatives and friends.

Memorials can be made to

Children’s Home Inc.

5515 Walcott Road, Paragould, AR 72450

Saddle Cemetery

5203 Frenchtown Rd, Mammoth Spring, AR 72554.

Officiating will be Bro. Barry O’Dell. Pallbearers will be Steve Simers, Derek Hufstedler, Reggie Richardson, Robert Cox, and Monty Ragsdale.

Visitation will be on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri, at 1:00 p.m. until the Funeral at 2:00 p.m.

Burial will be Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Saddle Cemetery of Saddle, Arkansas. For GPS use: 131 Saddle Mill Lane, Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, 72554

Arrangements under the care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri

Paul Montgomery

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Paul Medford Montgomery passed away peacefully into the arms of his Savior on January 10, 2026, at 87 years old. He was born October 22, 1938, to parents Claude and Vida Montgomery at their family farmhouse in West Plains, Missouri, where he grew up with siblings Betty, Clifford, David, and Patty.

He met and then married his late wife, Anita, at Victoria Mission Church on October 24, 1959, and they had 40 beautiful years of marriage together. Following in the legacy of his father, Paul was called to ministry and became an ordained pastor and evangelist under the Church of God and Assemblies of God denominations. He and Anita traveled together, singing and preaching at revivals across the country, and pastored local churches in Kentucky, Arizona, and Missouri. With their two children, Paula and Shaun, they had a gospel group called the Singing Montgomerys who ministered at churches and revivals.

When he retired from full-time ministry, Paul opened Cactus Boot Repair, having trained at the West Plains shoe factory in his earlier years. He specialized in leatherwork, including boots, saddles, and purses. While in Tucson, Arizona, he even made a pair of knee-high boots that were worn in The Gambler: The Adventure Continues (starring Kenny Rogers), which was filmed in Old Tucson.

Paul was an army veteran and, in his later years, served in the West Plains Honor Guard.

In June 2000, he married his wife, Thelma, adding adult children and grandchildren to his family. Together, Paul and Thelma enjoyed traveling to Branson and running their business, Montgomery DJ Services, providing music for local weddings, parties, and Elvis impersonator shows. They had over 25 sweet years of adventures and travels together.

Paul never met a stranger and loved talking to people. His phone was always ringing with friends and customers alike, and he’d answer, “Yello!” If he wasn’t fixing boots at his in-home shop or serving at church, he was probably having a sundae at Dairy Queen.

He attended Victoria Mission Church, where he was the associate pastor and played drums for worship (always wearing a western shirt and cowboy boots, of course!). In all, Paul served over 56 years in ministry. He loved the Lord with all his heart and served Him his whole life.

He is survived by his wife (Thelma Willard Montgomery), his children (Paula Tellefsen and Shaun Montgomery), his brother (David Montgomery), his grandchildren (Shea French and Paul Tellefsen), his extended Willard family (son Eugene Willard and grandchildren Blake Willard, Kyle Willard, and Timber Adams), and many beloved great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 10:00am, Monday, January 12, 2026, at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in West Plains, Missouri.

Visitation will be 6-7pm, Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the funeral home.

Burial will be at Elk Creek Cemetery, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.

Cathy Gene Prince

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Cathy Gene Prince, 74, of West Plains, Missouri, passed away on January 5, 2026, in Springfield, Missouri. She was born on March 1, 1951, in Caraway, Arkansas, to William Huckabee and Louise (Busby) Huckabee.

Cathy married the love of her life, James “Jimmy” Udale Prince, in St. Charles, Illinois, in November 1966. Together, they shared 37 happy years of marriage. From their union, they had eight children: Tony, James, Jeff, Wendy, Mike, Joey, William, and Patrick.

Cathy enjoyed spending time in her garden, painting, playing bingo, birdwatching, traveling, taking trips to the casino, and, most of all, being with her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend to many. She devoted her life to being a homemaker and was truly the heart of her family always present, always helping, and always loving.

Cathy is survived by her children and their spouses: Tony and Carol Prince of Springfield, Missouri; James and Victoria Prince of Thayer, Missouri; Jeff and Rachel Prince of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Wendy and James Loyd of Thayer, Missouri; Michael and Jessica Prince of Thayer, Missouri; Joey Prince and his fiancée, Penny Bagley, of West Plains, Missouri; William Prince of West Plains, Missouri; and Patrick Prince and wife Anna Hussong of Marion, Indiana. She is also survived by her grandchildren Tegan, Ashley, Rebecca, Sabrina, Nicholas, Donnie, Zackery, Haleigh, Dylan, Brandon, Montana, Anne, and Riley; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Additionally, she is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Eddie Ogle of Victoria, Texas and brother Steve Cook of Illinois.

Cathy was preceded in death by her husband, James “Jimmy” Prince; her parents, William and Louise Huckabee; her brothers, Ronnie Huckabee, Donnie Huckabee, and Lonnie Huckabee; her granddaughter, Krystal Ragan; and several other beloved family members.

Officiating will be Jeff Prince. Pallbearers will be James Prince, Patrick Prince, Zackery Ragan, Donnie Ragan, Nicholas Prince, and Brandon Prince.

Visitation will be on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 1:00p.m., at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel, Thayer, Missouri, until time of the Funeral Service at 2:00p.m. Burial will be at the Pleasant Hill/Arytown Cemetery located in Couch, Missouri.

Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri.

Alice Lou Wright

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, Thayer, Uncategorized 1

Alice Lou Wright, 82, was born December 23, 1943, to Louie “Ben” Cantrell and Lola Bell Cantrell in Myrtle, Missouri. She departed this life at her home in Thayer, Missouri, on January 1, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She was united in marriage to her beloved husband of 61 years, Buddy Wright, on December 26, 1964, in Alton, Missouri, where they raised their four children together. Alice Lou is survived by three children: Donna Louise Henry and husband Joe, Tammy Lou Hufstedler and husband Derek , and John Wright and wife Jackie, all of Thayer, Missouri; seven grandchildren: Aaron Henry, Austin Henry and wife Tessa, Ayden Henry and wife Kendra, Ashlyn Lou Powell and husband Collin, Braden Hufstedler and wife Maddy, Jaycelyn Wright, and Zaiden Wright; three great-grandchildren: Alayah Lou Powell, Adlee Powell, and Torin Henry; her sister, Novella Cantrell of West Plains, Missouri; sisters-in-law, Becky Cantrell of Thayer, Missouri, and Carol Pulley of Lebanon, Tennessee; along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Lola Cantrell; her father- and mother-in-law, Clifton and Bertha Wright; her beloved son, Douglas Irvin Wright; her brothers, Herbert Cantrell, Herschel Cantrell, Bill Cantrell, and Harold Cantrell; and her sister, Betty Sue Girdley.

Alice Lou was a dedicated homemaker who enjoyed caring for her family and cooking meals for them. She truly cherished family get-togethers at the homes of loved ones, where she especially delighted in playing competitive card games. She had a deep love of music and was known for her playful, joking nature – always quick with a comment or expression that brought a smile to others. She was a loving wife, a devoted mother, and a cherished “Nana”. Above all, she was a Christian and a faithful member of the Lord’s Church.

Memorials can be made to the

Children’s Homes, Inc. – Children’s Homes of Paragould

5515 Walcott Road Paragould, AR 72450. Memorials & Honors.

or left at the funeral home.

Officiating will be Brother Arvil Hill and Brother Barry O’Dell; pallbearers will be Aaron Henry, Austin Henry, Ayden Henry, Braden Hufstedler, Zaiden Wright, and Collin Powell.

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 1:00p.m., till time of Funeral Service at 2:00p.m. at the Carter Funeral Chapel of Thayer, Missouri. Burial will be at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri after the Funeral Service.

Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri.

Wilma “June” Emery

Carter Funeral Home Obituaries, Thayer, Uncategorized 1

Wilma “June” Emery, 89, of Thayer, Missouri, passed away on January 1, 2026. She was born on June 5, 1936, in Thayer, Missouri.

June lived a full and meaningful life, and her greatest joy came from being a devoted mother and grandmother. She had a deep passion for gardening and took tremendous pride in keeping her yard beautiful for all to enjoy. Her Koi Pond was one of her favorite places, and she lovingly cared for her fish—some of which lived for more than 30 years. She also found delight in feeding and watching the birds that visited her home. Over the years, June shared her life with many pets she adored.

Above all, June loved her children and grandchildren fiercely. She made sure they always knew how important they were to her. Her warmth, strength, and love will continue to shine in the hearts of those she leaves behind. We will carry her light within us always.

June is survived by her son, Tracy Lowther (Shawnie); daughter-in-law, Jacalyn Lowther; grandchildren: Matthew Lowther (Suzie), Amy Lowther (Danny), Michael Lowther (Heather), Talon Lawrence (Jade), Melissa Burton (Eric), and Logan Lowther (Mary); great‑grandchildren: Hadley, Luke, Clay, Lily Ann, Cole, Truman, Lily Jo, Lydia, and Leah; and sister‑in‑law, Vickie Mefford.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Vada Mefford; her husband, Mike Emery; her sons, Clay Lowther and Michael Dean Lowther; and her brother, Dee Mefford.

Wilma will have a Graveside Funeral on Monday, January 5, 2026, Noon, at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri.

Erman Croney will officiate, and pallbearers will be Eric Burton, Danny Sanders, Matthew Lowther, Michael Lowther, Talon Lawrence & Logan Lowther.

Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri.

Wayne Allen Pounders

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Wayne Allen Pounders, 77, of Thayer, Missouri, passed away on December 26th, 2025, in his home. He was born on January 1st, 1948, in Lorain, Ohio, to Percy and Inez Pounders. Wayne married the love of his life, Mary Jane (Kirk) Pounders, in Florence, Alabama. They shared 42 years together with their children, Jodie Lee Pounders, Jeremy Wayne Pounders, Barbie (Pounders) Simmons, and Buffie Leigh (Pounders) Reynolds.

Beyond his devotion to family, Wayne loved to go fishing, arrowhead hunting, mowing his yard, drawing, and watching the Kansas City Chiefs with his loved ones. His faith was a guiding force in his life, and he was a devout Christian who loved his Lord and Savior.

Wayne proudly served as a United States Marine during the Vietnam War, and upon returning home, he was a manager for the Stateline Gas Station of Thayer, Mo, for 30 years.

His legacy continues through his four children: Jodie Pounders and wife Bonnie of West Plains, Mo, Jeremy Pounders and wife Susan of Thayer, Mo, Barbie Simmons and husband Chris of Thayer, Mo, and Buffie Reynolds and husband Ronnie of Koshkonong, Mo. Furthermore, Wayne is survived by his grandchildren, Tanner Simmons, Marylee Simmons, Spencer Spreutels, Kirk Reynolds, Capri Turner, Jeremy Turner, Adrianna Ortiz, Jessie Ortiz, Maddy Bowers, Kyle Bowers, Abby Huskey, Trenton Huskey, Katie Powell, Noah Powell, and many more grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Carolyn Nash of Hartselle, Alabama.

Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, Percy and Inez Pounders; his wife, Mary Jane Pounders; grandson Eli Pounders; and sister Teresa Michael.

Services are Private.

Arrangements under the care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri.

Dianne Sharp

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Dianne (Smith) Sharp, 70, of Thayer, Missouri, passed away on December 21, 2025, in Thayer, Missouri, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born March 30, 1955, in Thayer, Missouri, to Johnnie C. Smith and Marjorie Lee (Hefner) Smith. Dianne was united in marriage to Jerry V. Sharp on August 2, 2002, in Pocohontas, Arkansas.

Dianne enjoyed reading her favorite novels, spending time with her grandson Braden, and being out by the river. She loved with her whole heart everyone that she met, she was selfless and devoted to taking care of others.

Dianne is survived by her daughter Jessica Campbell, her grandson Braden Campbell, two sisters Peggy Earls and Katherine (Keith) Ollar, and brother-in-law Jake Hatfield. She is also survived by her nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends Patricia Light, Greg Williams, and Dorothy Deniger.

Dianne is proceeded in death by her parents Johnnie Smith and Marjorie (Hefner) Smith, husband Jerry Sharp, and sister Paula Hatfield.

A special thank you to Three Rivers Hospice, Dr. Scott Roush, and Megan Roberts. Donations may be sent to Three Rivers Hospice or left with the funeral home.

A Graveside Funeral will be on December 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri.

Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri

Johnny Wayne Richey

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Johnny Wayne Richey, 75, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, passed away on December 12, 2025, in his home surrounded by family. He was born on December 16, 1949, in Gladewater, Texas to John Walter Richey and Mozelle Love (Kirk) Richey. Johnny married Marcia Lambert 49 years ago in Enid, Oklahoma on October 2, 1976. During this wonderful union they had two children, Jeff Lambert and Alicia Burke.

Johnny was a dedicated and hardworking man who took great pride in providing for his family. A true jack of many trades, he spent many years working in the oil field before later driving a milk truck. Eventually, he settled into his profession in HVAC. Throughout his working life, he was known for his reliability, strong work ethic, and willingness to do whatever was needed to get the job done. Johnny’s life was marked by deep passion and quiet dedication. As a young man he found joy on the water with his family – skiing and boating. He also developed a love for bowling, a pastime he shared with his wife and friends that grew into a cherished family tradition.

Incredibly handy by nature, Johnny was always tinkering, fixing and learning new skills. He loved sharing his knowledge with those he loved. Johnny treasured moments spent taking his grandchildren on adventures. Though he was not always the center of attention, Johnny’s calm and steady presence brought warmth and laughter into every room. His quiet strength, generosity, and unwavering love for his family will be remembered and deeply missed by all who knew him.

Johnny is survived by his devoted wife, Marcia Richey, children Jeff Lambert and Alicia Burke and husband Hank, grandchildren Amber (Truitt) Pierce, and Amanda (Caleb) Miller, great granddaughters Presley Pierce and Leighton Miller, sister Julia Grigsby, nieces and nephews Kristina Hensley, Magen Mitchell, J.T. Grigsby, Kadyn Hilles and many other nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded by his parents, Walter and Mozelle Richey, sisters Brenda Richey and Beverly Dirden, brothers Jerry Richey and Bobby Richey.

Officiating will be Erman Croney and pallbearers will be Truitt Pierce, Caleb Miller, J.T. Grigsby, Casey Hensley, Randy Fair and Tyler Mitchell.

A Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 1:00 p.m., till time of Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Chapel of Thayer, Missouri. Burial with Military Honors will be at the Arytown- Pleasant Hill Cemetery of Couch, Missouri after the Funeral Service.

Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., — Thayer, Missouri.

Carol Jean Statton

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Carol Jean Statton, 88, of Salem, Arkansas, passed away on December 12, 2025, in Salem, Arkansas. She was born on May 6, 1937, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, to Miles P. Stephens and Cleo L. Riggs. She married Irvin Joseph Statton Jr, and from this union they had two children, Ronnie Statton and Jeanene Winsett.

She is survived by her daughter, Jeanene Winsette and husband Gene, daughter in law Myrtle Statton, grandchildren Katie Carnott and husband Chris, Kenny Statton and wife Katarina, Michael Ward and wife Lindsay, and Rusty Winsett, great grandchildren Condry Carnott and wife Caitlin, Collyn Carnott, Anastasia Statton, Brennan Ward, Rhett Ward, and Ryne Winsett, great great grandson Cameron Carnott .

Carol is preceded by her husband, Irvin Joseph Statton Jr., son Ronnie Statton and grandson Kaiden Statton.

Memorials can be sent to

Why Give | American Heart Association

or mail it to

American Heart Association
or American Stroke Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at the Riverside Cemetery of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.

Arrangements under the care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri.

Norman Todd

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Norman D. Todd, 78, of Thayer, Missouri, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family. Born September 10, 1947, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, to Elmer and Fern (Allen) Todd, Norman grew up with strong values of faith, service, and love for community.

On December 20, 1968, Norman married the love of his life, Brenda Thomas, in Mammoth Spring. Together they built a life filled with laughter, devotion, and cherished memories, raising two daughters, Michelle Whiteside and Kameha Todd.

Norman proudly served his country as an Army veteran in Vietnam. When he returned home, he dedicated nearly four decades to serving the people of Thayer. Whether as a volunteer paramedic, fire chief, police officer, or leader of the auxiliary police department, Norman gave selflessly of his time and talents. Alongside Brenda, he helped bring the “Shop with a Cop” program to the community, ensuring local children felt cared for and supported. In later years, he worked with his brother Russell, humbly serving families as a grave digger for area funeral homes.

Beyond his service, Norman was a man of simple joys. He loved tinkering with old cars, riding side by side with Brenda, camping, fishing, and gathering with family. He had a special fondness for playing the domino game “Train,” often bringing smiles and friendly competition to the table. His faith was central to his life, and he was a faithful member of Welcome Hill Church of Christ in Mammoth Spring.

Norman leaves behind his beloved wife, Brenda; daughters Michelle (Jody) Whiteside and Kameha Todd; grandchildren Stephanie Todd, Charles West, Cole West, Athena Anderson, and Braelyn King; great-grandchildren Abel, Isaac, Norman, and Riley Robinson; siblings Russell Todd, Ronnie Todd, Carolyn Parker, Sue Forscheler, Brenda Mitchner, and Phyllis Todd; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Fern Todd, and his brother Junior Todd.

Norman’s life was a testament to service, love, and faith. He will be remembered not only for the many roles he filled, but for the kindness, humor, and devotion he shared with everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Erman Croney will officiate, and pallbearers will be Jody Whiteside, Paul Veatch, Derek Todd, Justin Forschler, Jeff Robinson, Bill Hobbs, Conner Bullard and Mike Standley. At the Chapel the “Ringing of the Bell” will be done for Fire Department Honors, followed by Masonic Honors. At the cemetery will be the Police Honor Guard, Military Army Honor Guard and American Legion Honors.

All memorials can be sent to the:

Shop With A Cop

102 Front St, Thayer, MO 65791

or left with the funeral home.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. until time of the Funeral at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri. Burial will be held the same day at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri.

Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri.