Westbrook Funeral Home

08/16/2025

Frederick Eugene Lisko (Freddie), 69, of Slovak, Arkansas passed away at his home Thursday, August 14, 2025. Freddie was born February 3, 1956 in Stuttgart, Arkansas to the late Steve and Clemie (Plafcan) Lisko.

Raised on the family farm in Slovak, Freddie attended Hazen High School, where he played for the 1973 Hornet State Runner-up football team. After graduation Freddie went on to play football at Arkansas State University where he was part of the undefeated, award winning 1975 team and became a team Captain for the ASU Indians in 1978. After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education he married Babs Baldwin in February 1979, and they had 4 children. They made their home in Slovak where Freddie was a passionate farmer for over 45 years.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara (Babs Baldwin) Lisko. Freddie is survived by their four children Jennifer Holzhauer (Blake) of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Katie Madden (Matt) of Dyersburg, Tennessee, Brian Lisko (Ellen) of Hazen, Arkansas, and Zach Lisko (Kristy) of Athens, Alabama. He is also survived by his 7 grandchildren, Landon, Emerson, Lucy, Avery, Molly, Amy Jo, and Connor; 3 step grandchildren, Clayton, Tyler, and Stella all of whom adored their Boppy. Freddie is also survived by 1 sister, 5 brothers, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

As a lifelong parishioner of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Slovak, Freddie served as a 4th Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the Hazen School Board starting in 1990 and served the community for close to 15 years. Freddie was an avid football fan, still supporting the Hornets and Red Wolves every chance he had. His grandchildren were one of his biggest joys. Freddie will be missed by so many, but Heaven gained a special angel.

Visitation will be held Sunday, August 17, 2025 beginning at 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Slovak. Rosary will immediately follow the visitation. Funeral Mass will be Monday, August 18, 2025 beginning at 10:00 AM at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church with burial to follow in the Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Cemetery.

The family request any memorials made in Freddie’s memory to be made to Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, Slovak, Arkansas or the Hazen Athletics Activity Fund; 305 N Hazen Ave, Hazen, AR 72064

08/09/2025

Our beautiful chapel, fully equipped to handle any needs and wants you may have for a service.

08/01/2025

David L. Patterson, age 68, of Hazen, Arkansas passed away January 27, 2025 after a long courageous battle with cancer. David was born on March 29, 1956 in Little Rock, Arkansas.

He selflessly served his country in the US Navy for 18 years. David then went on to work for the Lennox Corporation where he retired from after 20 plus years.

David enjoyed mowing his lawn, hunting and fishing, and he was always ready and willing to help anyone who needed it.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Patterson; his children, David L Patterson, Jr. of Virginia, Chris (Michelle) Drysdale of Delaware, Leslie (Joe) Jackson of Benton, Arkansas; two sisters, Sherry (Ervin) Riddle of Cabot, Arkansas, and JoAnn Albertson of Little Rock, Arkansas; Grandchildren, Haley Drysdale, Christopher Jackson, Mariah Jackson; and his fur baby Peanut.

David was preceded in death by his sisters, Donna Karmer and Kathy Percivalle; and his brother Bobby Cole, Jr.

A memorial service for David will be Saturday, August 2, 2025 beginning at 11:00AM at the Westbrook Funeral Home Chapel in Hazen. Interment with military honors will follow in the Biscoe Cemetery.

07/25/2025

Lindon Burnell Minton (Hoss) passed away peacefully on July 23, 2025 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with illness. Burnell was born on July 3, 1947 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Roy Eli and Betty Nell Minton, both of Hazen, Arkansas.

Burnell was preceded in death by both parents; his sister, Mirleen; his first wife, Landa Minton; and his nephew Wade Knox. He is survived by his loving wife of 13 years Mary Minton, of Cabot, Arkansas; children, Eric Minton, Alan Minton (Cortney), and daughter Monica Winter; Sisters, Karen Knox of Lonoke, Monica Lisko ( Jimmy), Carolyn VanHouten of Hazen; and a nephew, whom he considered a son, Christian VanHouten and wife Stephanie of Hazen. He is also survived by three grandchildren; Kenzlee Minton, Hudson Minton, Raelyn Minton, Addalin Van Hook, and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Burnell was a beloved pillar of the community of Hazen, Arkansas. He was a Christian and a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Hazen. He spent his life as a third generation farmer working the land which he loved. In 1997 he and his family were named “Prairie Farm Family of the Year” also, “Water Conservation Farmer of the Year.” He also served on the Hazen School Board for many years as well as The White River Water Irrigation Project board.

Services to celebrate the life of Burnell will be Monday, July 28, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church in Hazen, Arkansas with a visitation beginning at 10:30 AM until 11:00 AM, followed by a memorial service beginning at 11:00 AM. A private interment will be in the Hazen cemetery in Hazen, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial can be made in Burnell’s name to Calvary Baptist Church in Hazen or Faith Baptist Church in Cabot.

07/17/2025

Shirley J. Eller, departed this life on July 15, 2025, in Beaumont, Texas, at the age of 86. Born on December 27, 1938, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Shirley lived a life rich in purpose and devotion. Raised in Hazen, AR by her loving grandparents Stephen and Lennie Thompson, and mother Helen Whitehead.

For an impressive twenty-one years, Shirley served as a liaison with Amoco Production, where her keen mind and commitment to her work made her a valued member of the team. Her dedication to her career was paralleled only by her love for her family and friends. She was a Master Gardener and loved all styles of dancing.

Shirley is survived by her loving daughter, Julie Weisse (Mike) of Winnie. She was a proud grandmother to Anthony Cortez (Houston), Stephen Lagrone (Sam), and Natalie Rose (Brandon). Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Emily Cortez, Anthony Cortez, Jr., Terry Lagrone, Morrigan Lagrone, Jacob West, Braylee Rose, and Andrew Lagrone, each of whom carry forward the warmth and spirit she imparted.

After living at home with her daughter, she now joins her parents, Herbert and Helen Whitehead, in eternal rest, leaving behind a family that holds dearly to the values she instilled in them.

A graveside service to celebrate Shirley's life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Hazen Cemetery in Hazen, Arkansas beginning at 11:00 AM. Shirley's presence will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her, and her memory shall forever remain a guiding light in their lives.

07/17/2025

Updated Obituary for Mr. David Murray

David Lawrence Murray, 81, passed away peacefully at his home in Hazen, Arkansas, on June 21,2025. He was born August 12,1943 in Joliet, Illinois to Raymond and Ruby (Hill) Murray, who both preceded him in death. David is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Lenora(Norem)Murray, two sisters: Barbara(Richard) Conklen of Delmar, Iowa and Pamela Murray of Downers Grove, Illinois, two children: Deanna (Steven) Elmendorf of Moore, Oklahoma and Larry (Cassandra)Murray of Catonsville, Maryland and five beloved grandchildren: Christopher Elmendorf, Kimberly (Alex) Delaney, Colin Murray, Lindsay Murray and Declan Murray.

David graduated from Joliet Township High School and has a B.S.in Industrial Arts from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. His career path showed he had a variety of talents. He was a decorated police officer, a deacon at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Joliet, and a member of the Joliet Ramblers motorcycle club. The family moved to Howe, Oklahoma where he was owner of Murray’s General Store and volunteered as Fire Chief , and Assistant Scoutmaster. Hazen, Arkansas has been home for the past 35 years, where he worked in retail food before becoming Regional Maintenance Supervisor for Kohl’s until his retirement.

An avid outdoorsman, Dave loved to fish .The Murrays also loved camping and were members of the Good Sam Mallards camping club, where Dave held a variety of offices and served as Park Hosts. But the monthly campouts and Good Sam Friendships and Rallies were the best times with warm friends. Dave had a green thumb, and a gorgeous garden for many years. He built his own garage and a lapidary shop for the hobby he enjoyed the most: rockhounding!

Dave enjoyed all kinds of rocks and minerals. As an officer of the Central Arkansas Gem, Mineral and Geology Society (CAGMAGS) for over 25 years, he was president 5 years, show chairman, auctioneer and MC at the club’s annual show every October. The Murrays traveled to many states with various clubs collecting minerals and fossils. His faceting skills and other lapidary skills turned plain old rocks into jewelry and museum quality display pieces. He enjoyed showing folks the excitement of opening a geode to discover the beauty inside. Although his health was failing, he still wanted friends to stop by to see his large collection of beautiful minerals in the home. David loved life, the outdoors and God’s beauty all around us. He will be sorely missed by many. The family would like to thank the members of the Springhill CCU team and especially the Baptist Hospice group with their kind care during his stay.

Services for David will be Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church in Ulm, Arkansas beginning with a visitation beginning at 2:00PM until 3:00PM, followed by a celebration of life service beginning at 3:00PM. The family would like to invite everyone to join them for a luncheon following the service in the Zion Lutheran Church fellowship building.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Zion Lutheran Church (Ulm,Arkansas) Memorial Fund or Baptist Health Hospice in honor of David. Arrangements are entrusted with Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen, Arkansas.

07/14/2025

Wanda Sue Tiner, of Stuttgart, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 13, 2025; she was born in Hazen, Arkansas on January 23, 1947 to the late William Bud Edge and Francis Ward Edge. She was a member of Harmony Baptist Church for many years.

Wanda was preceded in death by both of her parents; her husband, Glen Tiner; her sister, Tammy Edge; and her grandson, Andrew Bowen.

She is survived by her son, Ray Tiner of Ulm; her daughter, Tonya Fletcher of Stuttgart; her brother, Ricky Edge (Marilyn) of Hazen; granddaughter, Christina Clayton of New Mexico; Great-grandson, Kyler Clayton of New Mexico; and niece, Taneesa Richardson of Florida; and special friend, Johnny Warnock of Stuttgart; and many other family member and special friends.

Services for Wanda will be Wednesday, July 16, 2025 with a visitation beginning at 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM and funeral service following beginning at 11:00AM at the Westbrook Funeral Home Chapel in Hazen, Arkansas. Services will be officiated by Bro. Scott Griffie and Bro. David Inzer. Interment will be in the Hazen Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted with Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen, Arkansas.

07/14/2025

Betty Dianne Parker Buffalo, 75, passed away peacefully at home on July 11, 2025. Born November 22, 1949, Dianne was a graduate of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, with a bachelor's degree, and later earned a master's degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

She spent her career in teaching, first at Hazen, then Lonoke, and finally in the Carlisle School District. Dianne was a pioneer in children's reading, educating thousands of youth in learning how to read and lauded across the state for her work in education. This work was rewarded in her final career stop at the Arkansas River Education Service Cooperative in Pine Bluff.

Dianne married the love of her life, Richard F. Buffalo, at the Hamilton United Methodist Church in November 1967 and made their life in Carlisle after completing college in Fayetteville.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Richard; her daughter Suzanne; her son Richard (Kelly); her daughter Alexandria (Amy); her beloved grandchildren Lauren (Mack), Lexi, Eric, Maive, Noah, William, Owen, and Ruby; one great-grandchild, Asher; her father, Robert N. Parker, Sr.; and Judy (Dennis); as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Elizabeth Buffalo Nelson; mother, Betty Lou Parker; and brother, Robert Newton Parker, Jr.

Services for Dianne will be Tuesday, July 15, 2025 with a visitiation beginning at 10:00AM until 11:00AM followed by funeral services beginning at 11:00AM at the Westbrook Funeral Home Chapel in Hazen. Interment will be in the Hebron Cemetery, North of Carlisle.

07/05/2025

Wayne Lloyd Snider, 83, of Hazen,Arkansas, peacefully took the Lord’s hand on July 2nd, 2025 as he walked through the pearly gates into Heaven’s jubilee. Wayne was born April 8, 1942, to the late Lloyd and Alta Snider. He was the second born of their 5 children.
Wayne accepted the Lord in his late thirties and not long after that he surrendered to preach. He spent many years spreading God’s word, His fire for the Lord led him to witness to anyone who would listen and sometimes even to some who didn’t want to listen. Wayne just wanted everyone to accept the Lord as their Savior so they could spend eternity with him in that big mansion in the sky, as he often called it. Many souls, even the ones who didn’t want to listen but did, are forever grateful for Bro. Wayne’s witness and dedication.
Wayne married his beautiful bride, Dora Snider, July 22, 1967; not only was she his love, but his comfort, support, and best friend. When she passed away in 2014, he lost a piece of his heart; he has now been reunited with her and his heart is once again whole.
Wayne is the father of Jerry Snider and Brenda Snider, who already miss him dearly. His love for his children was never shaken or wavered no matter of any wrong turn taken. He was stern but also tender and loving when we stumbled. (Dad- we love you and thank you for loving us unconditionally.)
Before becoming a preacher, Wayne drove a diesel delivery truck for Prairie Farmers Association (Hazen). He then spent many years as a full time pastor at Morris Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and later at Hickory Plains Missionary Baptist Church. His last employment was at Lennox Industries (Stuttgart) from which he retired.
Wayne is survived by his son, Jerry (Becky) Snider; Daughter, Brenda Snider; Grandsons, Jeremy and Cody Snider; Sister, Marie (Gary) McGaughey; Brother, Danny Snider and many nieces and nephews
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd E. Snider and Alta M. Snider; Wife, Dora Dean Snider; Brother, Troy Snider and Sister, Linda Sue Weaver.
Funeral services for Wayne will be Monday, July 7, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church in Hazen, beginning with a visitation at 1:00PM until 2:00PM, a funeral service will follow beginning at 2:00PM. Interment will be in the Carlisle Cemetery in Carlisle , Arkansas
Wayne touched many lives while here on this earth and was loved by many. I know without a doubt he had the same love for you. It only seems fitting to end this in his words: “See ya”….

07/04/2025

Wishing everyone a happy and safe Independence Day! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

06/26/2025

Hazel Eloise Swilley, 88 of Hazen, went home to be with the Lord on June 24, 2025. She had her immediate family by her side. She was born October 24, 1936 in Carlisle, Arkansas to Ingram and Eloise Snider Smith. Hazel attended school in Carlisle and after graduation went to Henderson State Teachers College where she obtained a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Education. She married B.W. Swilley on August 22,1959. They had two children; Bryanie W. Jr. and Douglas Maston.
Hazel was a member of GFWC, the Elsie McCain Club and a member of Calvary Baptist Church for 25 years where she served in the youth ministry preparing weekly meals and was on the hospitality team. Hazel was also a school teacher and enjoyed her students. Hazel enjoyed gardening, working crossword and jigsaw puzzles, fishing, and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She was often found watching sports of just about any kind and keeping up with current events.
Hazel is survived by her husband B.W. Swilley, her two sons: Bryanie Swilley and wife Beverly of Franklin, TN, Doug Swilley and wife Angie of Wylie, TX. Three grandchildren: Brooke, Cole and Clay Swilley; and her sister Jane Head of Keller, TX; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Elton and Maston Smith, her sister Callie V Baker, Ruth Woods, Christine Weems, granddaughter Bailey Swilley, nephew Billy Baker, great nieces Patti Carroll and Renee Mott.
Services for Hazel will be Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church in Hazen, Arkansas, with a visitation beginning at 1:00 PM; followed by a funeral service beginning at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow the funeral service in the Hazen Cemetery.

06/23/2025

David Lawrence Murray, 81, passed away peacefully at his home in Hazen, Arkansas, on June 21,2025. He was born August 12,1943 in Joliet, Illinois to Raymond and Ruby (Hill) Murray, who both preceded him in death. David is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Lenora(Norem)Murray, two sisters: Barbara(Richard) Conklen of Delmar, Iowa and Pamela Murray of Downers Grove, Illinois, two children: Deanna (Steven) Elmendorf of Moore, Oklahoma and Larry (Cassandra)Murray of Catonsville, Maryland and five beloved grandchildren: Christopher Elmendorf, Kimberly (Alex) Delaney, Colin Murray, Lindsay Murray and Declan Murray.

David graduated from Joliet Township High School and has a B.S.in Industrial Arts from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. His career path showed he had a variety of talents. He was a decorated police officer, a deacon at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Joliet, and a member of the Joliet Ramblers motorcycle club. The family moved to Howe, Oklahoma where he was owner of Murray’s General Store and volunteered as Fire Chief , and Assistant Scoutmaster. Hazen, Arkansas has been home for the past 35 years, where he worked in retail food before becoming Regional Maintenance Supervisor for Kohl’s until his retirement.

An avid outdoorsman, Dave loved to fish .The Murrays also loved camping and were members of the Good Sam Mallards camping club, where Dave held a variety of offices and served as Park Hosts. But the monthly campouts and Good Sam Friendships and Rallies were the best times with warm friends. Dave had a green thumb, and a gorgeous garden for many years. He built his own garage and a lapidary shop for the hobby he enjoyed the most: rockhounding!

Dave enjoyed all kinds of rocks and minerals. As an officer of the Central Arkansas Gem, Mineral and Geology Society (CAGMAGS) for over 25 years, he was president 5 years, show chairman, auctioneer and MC at the club’s annual show every October. The Murrays traveled to many states with various clubs collecting minerals and fossils. His faceting skills and other lapidary skills turned plain old rocks into jewelry and museum quality display pieces. He enjoyed showing folks the excitement of opening a geode to discover the beauty inside. Although his health was failing, he still wanted friends to stop by to see his large collection of beautiful minerals in the home. David loved life, the outdoors and God’s beauty all around us. He will be sorely missed by many. The family would like to thank the members of the Springhill CCU team and especially the Baptist Hospice group with their kind care during his stay.

Services for David will be Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church in Ulm, Arkansas beginning with a visitation beginning at 2:00PM until 3:00PM, followed by a celebration of life service beginning at 3:00PM. The family would like to invite everyone to join them for a luncheon following the service in the Zion Lutheran Church fellowship building.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Zion Lutheran Church (Ulm,Arkansas) Memorial Fund or Baptist Health Hospice in honor of David. Arrangements are entrusted with Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen, Arkansas.