Cobb Funeral Home

10/08/2025

Janie Ellis McCutcheon, 77, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away Sunday, October 5, 2025, at the Flo and Phil Hospice House in Jonesboro.

Janie was born to June and J. C. Ellis, Jr, in Blytheville. Janie was raised in Barfield where, along with her siblings, enjoyed riding horses and go-karts, and the many adventures of country life. Janie was a proud member and graduate of the Blytheville High School Class of 1966. She attended Mississippi State College for Women and graduated from Draughon’s Business College in Memphis, Tennessee. Janie was an accomplished businesswoman. She retired from the Tom Barrow Company and during her retirement helped manage the family farm business. Her life was defined by grace, resilience, and strength. To know her was to know kindness. Janie’s warm smile and generous spirit were sources of love and light to her family and friends.

Janie was preceded in death by her parents, June and J.C. Ellis Jr.; brothers, Gary Ellis and Jim Ellis, both of Blytheville; and her beloved dog, Shelby.

She is survived by her daughters, Martha Warren and her husband Chris of Jonesboro and Michelle McCutcheon of Memphis, Tennessee; grandchildren, Noah, Madison, and Grace of Jonesboro; sister, Cathy Ellis Lee and her husband Mike of Bella Vista; and her bonus sisters, Debbie Ellis and Juanita Ellis, both of Blytheville.

A celebration of life will be Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Prayer Garden at First Christian Church with Rev. Holly Jo Engle officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. Following the services, the family will receive visitors at a reception in the Yarbro home of Mrs. Gary Ellis, 2589 East State Highway 150, Blytheville, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to the Blytheville Prayer Garden c/o First Christian Church, PO Box 251, Blytheville, AR 72316. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

10/07/2025

Franklin Helms, Sr., 64, of Blytheville passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family October 4, 2025 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

Born in Blytheville, he was a truck driver, farmer and a retired airplane mechanic from Aviation Repair Technologies. Mr. Helms was a member of Clear Lake Baptist Church. He loved spending his free time fishing, hunting and enjoying the company of his dog, Boo-Boo. His most treasured time was spent with his son, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Reba Faye and Garfield Helms, Jr.; sisters, Lisa Renee Helms, Teresa Cannon and Kimberlee Stevens; nephew, Gregory Steven Rush, Jr. ; niece Teena Cannon; and brother- in-law Charles Crowe.

Franklin is survived by his fiancée, Caroldine McKillips of the home; one son Franklin Helms, Jr., and his wife Serena; stepchildren: Michael Cade, Kristian Johnson; sisters, Bobbie Jacoby and her husband David of Hardy, Arkansas and Angelia Crowe of Blytheville; and many nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at Dogwood Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Wednesday morning 9:30 a.m. -10:30 a.m. at Cobb Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed to the family on our website, www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

09/26/2025

Thomas V. Jackson, 82, of Blytheville passed away September 25, 2025 at St. Bernards Hospital in Jonesboro.

He was born to Robert U. Jackson and Bertha Byrd Jackson in the Number 8 Community and served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era.

Thomas was a longtime farmer and enjoyed seeing the fruits of his labor. He also enjoyed the outdoors with an occasional fishing trip. He was very devoted to his family and was always willing to help anyone, friends or family, especially the elderly. He was also a franchisee for Jackson Cookie Company, selling and distributing cookies in Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri. Mr. Jackson was a member of Gosnell Baptist Church.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Anna Northcutt and Leanette Logan; and his brother, Robert Jackson.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 56 years, Joyce Williamson Jackson; daughter, Christie Patterson and her husband, Tim of Blytheville; son, Jeremy Jackson of Jonesboro; and sister-in-law, Shirley Jackson of O’Fallon, Missouri.

Funeral services will be Monday, September 29, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Eddie Clemons and Rev. Steven Blaney officiating. Burial will follow at Dogwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday from 1:00 p.m. until service time at Cobb Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Mended Paws Sanctuary, 137 Randall Road, Blytheville, Arkansas 72315. Condolences may be expressed at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

09/17/2025

Kenny Randle Tart, 72, of Blytheville, Arkansas passed away peacefully at his home in Gosnell, Arkansas on September 17, 2025.

Kenny was born to Otis and Emma Louise Tart in Blytheville, Arkansas. Kenny was known for being a loving Father and PawPaw. He took pride in spoiling his grandchildren at every opportunity. Kenny was sweet when he wanted to be, but he could also be stubborn when he wanted to be. His favorite thing to do was aggravate, irritate, and pester. Kenny loved giving the people close to him nicknames. Some of the nicknames were sweet, such as “Baby”, “Doll Face”, or “Laiky-Butt”. Others, however, got the not-so-sweet side of Kenny; “Ootser-Tootser” was one of his favorites and his own creation. Kenny was a former member of Cole Ridge Baptist Church. He enjoyed watching sports, especially if it was Razorback Softball. He also enjoyed fishing, cruising, and of course, online shopping. In his younger days, he enjoyed go-kart racing with his son, Josh. Kenny worked hard his whole life, mainly as a mechanic for Fulks Auto Sales. He took pride in fixing what he could, and if he couldn’t fix it, he just replaced it. Kenny was full of life and never met a stranger. He was loved by all who knew him, and he will be missed tremendously.

In addition to his parents, Kenny was preceded in death by his sisters, Barbara Baker, Norma Connell, Doris Hardesty and Jo Nolan; and his brother, Billy Tart.

Kenny is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Kay Bivens Tart; his children, Heather Jennings and her husband Kenneth of Decatur, Alabama, Julie Crosskno and her husband Chris of Blytheville, Stacey Hines and Chad Owens of Gosnell, and Josh Tart and Dakota Jordan of Jonesboro; grandchildren, Johnna James, Shelby Crosskno, Reagan Wright, Logan James, Quinn Crosskno, Lauren Hines, Olivia Tart, Laiklynn Owens, Jett Tart, and Parker Tart; and great-grandchildren, Briggs Roden, Grant Wright, and Wells Roden; brother, Richard Tart and his wife, Alice of Dyersburg, Tennessee; and sister, Mary Moody of Missouri.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 19, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at Cobb Funeral Home.

09/17/2025

Wanda Louise Penney, 84, of Blytheville passed away on Monday, September 15, 2025 at St. Bernards Hospital.

Wanda, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, was born in Piggott, Arkansas to Richard and Hattie Mae Rickman Smart. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she was a devoted member of Fairview Baptist Church. For many years, she worked at First Baptist Church Daycare, where she was known for showering all the children with love, with a special place in her heart for the babies. She enjoyed bumping into former daycare families while running errands around town. Above all, Wanda cherished her family and created lasting memories, especially during her beloved lunch dates with her granddaughter.

In addition to her parents, Wanda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Chester Eugene Penney; two brothers, Charles Donald Smart and Terry Smart; and two sisters, Mildred Smart and Wilma Dean Smart.

She is survived by her two sons, Barry Penney and his wife Tammy of Blytheville, and Scotty Penney of Blytheville; brothers, R.L. Smart of Piggott and Rex Smart and his wife Brenda, also of Piggott; her sister, Sue McCullogh of Piggott; grandchildren, Jonathan Penney and his wife, Miranda, Rebecca McKinney and her husband Steve, and Kaitlyn Penney and her husband Steven Arroyo; and her great-grandchildren Blaiklynn Penney, Ella McKinney, Autumn McKinney, Kimberly McKinney, Malachi Arroyo and Colter Arroyo.

Funeral services will be Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Cobb Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Larry Haynes officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time at Cobb Funeral Home. Graveside services will be at 1:30 p.m. at Harveys Chapel Cemetery, 2050 Gr 424 Rd, Marmaduke, AR 72443.

09/12/2025

Gary Don Stephens, 80, of Blytheville, passed away on September 10, 2025 at St. Bernards Medical Center.

Gary was born to Clifford and Mary Elizabeth Stephens in Dewitt, Arkansas. After serving in the National Guard, he earned a degree in Agronomy from the University of Arkansas. Upon completion of his degree, he started a career in agricultural sales and management. His professional journey included roles at Helena Chemical, Southern Farmers Association, and Capehart Seed. Gary started working for Nucor Yamato Steel in 1988 and retired after 22 years of service. In his retirement, he pursued his love of working with his hands, creating wooden play structures and yard toys for his beloved grandchildren. He also loved reading, especially Westerns, traveling and watching college football.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Clifford Everett; his sister Linda Kay Fuches and her husband, Carl; and nephew, Greg Stephens.

Gary is survived by his children, Stacy (Trent) Parten of Sienna, Texas; Stefanie (Brian) Brewer of Nolensville, Tennessee; and Matthew (Kymberly) Stephens of Fayetteville, Arkansas; his longtime companion, Brenda White of Blytheville, Arkansas; grandchildren, Logan and Madelyn Parten of Sienna, Texas; Monroe Brewer of Nolensville, Tennessee; Andrew, Jack, and Mya Stephens of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Dillon Williams of Gosnell, Arkansas; Heather (Drew) Pritchard of Steele, Missouri; Jonathan Williams of Blytheville, Arkansas; Hayden Highfield of Fayetteville, Arkansas; and Caitlyn Williams of Fayetteville, Arkansas; his great-grandchildren, Hadley and Madison Pritchard of Steele, Missouri; his sister, Mary Sue (Jack) Brashear of Alexander, Arkansas; his former wife, Jeanne Stephens of Jonesboro, Arkansas; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be Monday, September 15, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at Crocketts Bluff Cemetery 2761 AR-153, Crocketts Bluff, AR 72038, with Joe Johnson officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, September 14, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Cobb Funeral Home Chapel in Blytheville, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made in Gary’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or St. Bernards Foundation. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

09/09/2025

Rudolph “Rudy” Louie Zangerl, Jr. 93, of Blytheville, passed away Friday, September 5, 2025 at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro.

Rudy was born in Little Rock, Arkansas to Rudolph Louie Zangerl, Sr. and Ollie Mae Gunn Zangerl. He graduated from Mabelvale High School and later attended the University of Arkansas, where he earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Industrial Management. He was in the Army Corps of Engineers where he worked on various projects around the state including surveying for the construction of the Table Rock Dam. He worked for Timex Corporation in Little Rock, Hytrol Conveyors and Colson in Jonesboro as an industrial engineer. Later, he moved to Blytheville where he worked for Nucor Yamato Steel for 24 years before retiring at the age of 82. Rudy was of the Methodist faith, and was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, where he was a board member, served as Treasurer, and sang in the choir. He enjoyed woodworking, metal detecting, bird watching, and hunting & fishing in his younger years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Carol Ann Thompson Surratt; sisters, Maxine Ann Bell, Norma Jean Watson Vann; and nephew Mark Bell.

Rudy leaves behind his children, Leslie Carol Lott and her husband Solan of Jonesboro, Arkansas; Rudolph Louie Zangerl, III of Blytheville; grandson Austin Lott of Nashville, Tennessee; and nieces, Janet Black and her husband, Perry, and Joyce Jones and her husband, Randy.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 11, 2025 in Cobb Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Dogwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from 1:30 p.m. until service time at Cobb Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

09/02/2025

Bobbie Jean Hall Baker, 95, of Blytheville, passed away on August 27, 2025, at the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Born in Blytheville to Clarence and Lorene Webster, Bobbie lived a full and vibrant life. She was united in marriage to Jim Hall of Blytheville, Arkansas, and later married James Baker of Dexter, Missouri. Bobbie loved gardening, playing dominoes, and, above all, dancing. She was a proud member of the American Legion. Alongside her first husband, Jim, she embarked on many road trips, where she was affectionately known as ‘Tag Along.’ Her love of books filled a personal library that could rival a public collection, and her artwork continues to be admired and cherished by everyone who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her son, Wayne, as well as her siblings, Billy and Calvin.

Bobbie is survived by her two sons, Jim and Robert; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Judy and Jerry.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Cobb Funeral Home with Pastor Terry Watson officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time at Cobb Funeral Home Chapel. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

08/27/2025

Inez Conley, 93, of Hornersville, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at Gosnell Health and Rehab.

Born to Floyd and Dee Henson in Armorel, Arkansas, Inez was a member of the Rives Sewing Club and served as a poll worker for the Rives elections. She loved to travel and cherished time spent with her family, especially her grandson and great-grandson. For many years, she was a dedicated farm partner to her husband and son, also working in the fields during planting and harvesting seasons.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew and sister, Gail Wilson.

Inez is survived by her children, Larry Conley and his wife Vickey of Hornersville, Missouri and Andrea Neil and her husband Jackson of Blytheville; sisters, Doris Rogers of Paragould and Reba York of Blytheville; grandson, Andrew Conley and his wife Allyson; great-grandson Drew Conley; and a special friend, Karen Priddy of Holland, Missouri.

Funeral services will be Friday, August 29, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Cobb Funeral Home with Dr. Eddie Clemons and Rev. John Henson officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time at Cobb Funeral Home Chapel. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

08/26/2025

Max Lewis Horner, age 91 of Bartlett, Tennessee, passed from this life Saturday, August 23, 2025.

Born in Manila, Arkansas, he was the son of the late Lloyd and Faye Green Toombs Horner, the oldest of four children. He grew up in Manila. Max served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Rockwall during the Korean conflict, enlisting at age 17 after the death of his father. Max was employed by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers for 36 years, retiring in 1992 as a construction superintendent. He loved sports – playing baseball and basketball in high school and baseball for the American Legions. It irritated him that he was required to show his birth certificate at an early age because of premature gray hair. He loved his church and was an active member of Bellevue Baptist Church for 30 years serving as an usher, door greeter and on the Lord’s Supper committee. He secured his pilot license at age 40 and participated in the Civil Air Patrol. Max will be remembered as a loving husband, father and friend.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Lowell Green Horner.

Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Louise Horner of the home; son, Mark Horner of Bartlett, Tennessee; brother, Howard Horner of Hot Springs, Arkansas; and sister, Karen Miller of Cabot, Arkansas.

Funeral services will be Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, Tennessee with Rev. Sam McElroy officiating. Burial will follow in Manila Cemetery in Manila, Arkansas. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until service time at Bellevue Baptist Church. The family request memorials be made in Max’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

08/21/2025

08/20/2025

Jeffrey Gene Law, 64, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025 at his home.

Jeff was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He was affectionately known as "Stick" and was a former Blytheville Chickasaw All-State Basketball standout. Most longtime Blytheville civilians and fans consider Stick to be one of the greatest players that the basketball program ever produced, and the best outside shooter to walk through the doors of Blytheville High School. He was twice named to the Arkansas All-State basketball team while leading the Chickasaws to back-to-back 4A State title appearances in 1978 and 1979. Law led the 1979 team to the 4A State title when 4A was the largest classification in Arkansas, where he was also chosen as MVP.

After graduation, Jeff attended Arkansas State University where he received a scholarship to play basketball. He later transferred to Emporia State in Kansas, where he continued to play basketball and finish his college education. He graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor’s Degree in physical education.

When Jeff returned to Blytheville, he served as an assistant coach at Blytheville High School during the 1990’s. He later went to work at Friedman Industry where he retired after 25 years. Jeff was an avid golfer. He was a devoted husband, father and loved being a Papaw to his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David Miller and Carol Wicker Harris; daughter, Whitney Rose Law; sister, Ena Riggs; and brother, Mark Wicker.

Jeff leaves behind his wife, Amy Jo Price Law of Blytheville; daughter, Jessica Law of Gosnell; step-daughters, LariBeth (David) Blakley of Hornbeak, Tennessee, Autumn (Mandy) Hedrick-Cox of Schertz, Texas, and Jade Montgomery of Jonesboro; grandchildren, Mckinlee and Jayden Wilson of Gosnell; Hayden, Briar, and Kash Blakley of Hornbeak, Tennessee; Dawson, Aspen and Oakley Hedrick-Cox of Schertz, Texas; and Kinlee Hedrick of Jonesboro; siblings, Rhonda Shields of Blytheville; Jodie Luttrull of Pocohontas; Shellie (David) Bradley of Steele, Missouri; David Miller Jr. of Rancho Cucamonga, California; Roger (Debbie) Miller of Memphis, Tennessee; and Tony Meatte of Indiana; aunt Elaine Dawson; uncles, Gerald Wicker and Byron Wicker; sister-in-law, Jodi Tillman and her husband, Greg, of Tumbling Shoals, Arkansas, and their children, Devin Tillman and Tanner Tillman.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 25, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with Rick Robbins and Trey Shearin officiating. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until service time at Cobb Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.