Obituaries

Commander Robert Lee Lancaster

Commander

(Ret.) Robert Lee Lancaster of Mena, age 73, passed from this life on May 23, 2023, in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Bob was born on May 19, 1950, to James Lee and Leslie Genevieve Davis Lancaster in Denver, CO. The Lancasters moved to Yocana in 1958. Bob attended Cherry Hill Elementary School and graduated from Mena High School in 1968. He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, William Sidney and Georgia Cates Lancaster and Leslie Lee and Genevieve Jonte Davis; his sister, Ann Lancaster Lee, and his in-laws, Awbrey and Ruth Wimberly.

Bob went to college at the University of Oklahoma on a Naval R.O.T.C. scholarship. He was commissioned as a Supply Officer and served his country in various locations, including Midway Island. His last duty station was on Mare Island, Vallejo, CA. He remained in the Naval Reserves until his retirement. He graduated from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, CA, and received an M.B.A. in Taxation and a J.D. degree. He went on to work for Bank of America as a contract negotiator. He later became a partner at Auctionarms.com.

Bob was very patriotic and loved his country very much. When someone thanked him for his service, he said, “It was an honor and a privilege.” Bob was the recipient of the Navy Achievement Medal. After retiring in Mena in 2012, he continued to serve his country by acting as Commander of the Frank Fried Post #18 of the American Legion. He was active in the Honor Guard and was also on the team who placed flags at local businesses for national holidays. He was a driver of the V.A. van, taking veterans to the V.A. hospital in Little Rock for medical appointments for several years. Our world has lost a wonderful man.

Bob was raised in the Episcopal Church, and later attended First United Methodist and Mountain View Methodist Church in Mena.

He was a member of the Dallas Masonic Lodge #128 in Mena and recently served as Worshipful Master.

Bob loved God, Country, and the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He learned to scuba dive while stationed on Midway Island and enjoyed diving for lobster while living there. He loved people and never knew a stranger. He was always there to help a person in need.

He is survived by his loving wife, Susan Wimberly Lancaster, with whom he traveled this life for 51 years. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Sharon Barnes of Mound City, KS, Sabra Whisenhunt (Darrell) of Mena, and Betty (Doug) Roberts of Mena; brother-in-law, Charles Lee of Dallas, TX. Also, he is survived by his nephews, Scott Wheeler (Kathy) of Maumelle, Arkansas, Paul Barnes of Joplin, MO, and Kevin Barnes (Tonya) of Yates Center, KS; nieces, Shannon Oglesby of Hot Springs, AR, Jacqueline Lee of Dallas, TX, and Genevieve Eckstein of Dallas, TX.

Funeral services are under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home in Mena and will be held at the First Christian Church in Mena on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Pastors Brian Richardson and Rob Williams will be officiating. Interment will take place at the National Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Pallbearers are Scott Wheeler, Paul Barnes, Daniel Wheeler, Jackson Wheeler, Darrell Whisenhunt, and Doug Roberts.

Online obituary and guest book available at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Betty Joan Moore

Betty Joan Moore, born on October 1, 1937, in Shelbyville, Tennessee, passed away on May 22, 2023, at the age of 85. A thoughtful, compassionate, and supportive woman, Betty dedicated her life to caring for others as a home health aide and certified nurses aid for decades. She was a reliable and dependable person who always put the needs of her family and friends first.

Betty resided in Mena, Arkansas, and previously lived in Augusta, Arkansas. Her hobbies included fishing, puzzles, and word searches, which she enjoyed in her spare time. Betty’s love for her family was unmatched as well as her love for her cat, Barney, and dog, Sputnik. She was very fond of Dr. Pepper and was rarely seen without one. What mattered most to Betty was her family and the people she cared for during her career in the medical field.

She is preceded in death by Howard “Shorty” Moore; her parents, Johnnie and Mystrey McCabe; two brothers, Alvis Fowler, and Jimmy Fowler; and great granddaughter, Mystrey James.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Ronda Moore of Mena; two sons and daughter in law, Danny Moore of Mena, Randy and Lisa Moore of Norman; and Carla Moore of Mena; one brother, Jerry McCabe of Augusta; six grandchildren; five great grandchildren; her aunt, Verna Henderson of Russellville; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation for Betty Moore will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas. A graveside service will take place on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 2:00 pm at the Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena, Arkansas. Arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh. com