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 helper 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
or
Saddle Cemetery
5203 Frenchtown Rd, Mammoth Spring, AR 72554.
Officiating will be Barry O’Dell. Pallbearers will be Steve Simers, Josh Alexander, Derek Hufstedler, Reggie Richardson, Robert Cox, and Monty Ragsdale, Jeremy Allen, and Jay Towell.
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
January 12, 2026 @ 3:28 pm
NOLA & FAMILY, YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
ROBERTA HUTCHISON & LINDA RING
January 12, 2026 @ 4:08 pm
Thoughts of sympathy to Wayne’s family and friends from the MSHS Class of 1966. He was a friend to us all and will be remembered always.
January 12, 2026 @ 7:19 pm
Charlie was our neighbor and good friend! He was the first one to welcome us to the neighborhood and told us all about the house that he grew up in Mike and I will miss you dearly. Our prayers go out to the family 🙏❤️
Love Mike and Joyce Doty
January 12, 2026 @ 7:22 pm
When we moved here Charlie was the first one to welcome us to the neighborhood!
He also told us all about the house that he grew up in, Charlie was a good friend who we will miss dearly. Our prayers are with the family ❤️🙏
January 12, 2026 @ 8:34 pm
Nola sympathy for you and your family in your loss.
January 12, 2026 @ 9:14 pm
Nola and Family:
We were very sorry to hear of the loss of Charles. He was an exceptional professional educator who positively impacted many students. He will be well remembered for his contributions to humanity. Thinking of you and the family at a most difficult time.
With Sympathy,
John and Cathy Hall
January 12, 2026 @ 9:30 pm
Donna, Evan, Nola, James, Lowell and families – may God comfort you in this time of sorrow and bring happy memories to lessen it.
January 12, 2026 @ 11:53 pm
Sending sincere condolences.
January 13, 2026 @ 5:35 am
Nola, our condolences on the loss of your brother. We remember him well.
Dick and Shirley Henley
January 13, 2026 @ 1:42 pm
Nola and family, please know you are in my prayers. I remember Wayne as a nice young man from our years at Mammoth Spring School. Much love and sympathy. I know how hard it is to lose a brother.
January 13, 2026 @ 8:15 pm
So sad to hear of his passing. He was an amazing teacher! Truly cared about his students.
January 13, 2026 @ 11:20 pm
My condolences to all the family and all. Had the good fortune to know him, even a little, but
January 14, 2026 @ 9:02 am
In our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time… May comfort and peace surround you all..
Met Mr. French a couple of times thru Judy…he was a delight…My hubby new him well and spoke highly of him always.. He will be missed by all that knew him…
January 14, 2026 @ 10:13 am
Oh my, the stories I could tell…..especially about riding the boys bus when we would go to Silver Dollar City🫣 Mr French helped raise me as a young teacher when I first started at Mammoth. Blessed beyond measure for those teachers and our continued friendship over the years. Wishing the family many blessed memories in the days ahead❤️
January 14, 2026 @ 1:15 pm
I’m so sorry to know this. I was in the first all girls agri class. Mr French was a very patient, kind and positive teacher. He will be missed by all who knew him.
January 15, 2026 @ 7:13 am
My condolences to his family. He will be missed by all who knew him 🙏🏻
January 16, 2026 @ 1:13 pm
So sorry to hear about Charles ( Mr. French’s) passing. He was one of my teachers in High School, and a very good person who would help you with anything that he could. My thoughts and prayers to all the family. God Bless!
January 17, 2026 @ 1:37 pm
I’m sorry to hear about Mr. French passing away!!! I loved him dearly!!!! He was the very best teacher!!! I’m praying his family!!!