Estes Stanley, age 81 passed away Friday morning, March 25. The son of the late William Stanley and the late Melinda Maple Stanley, Estes was a one of eight children born to this family. Growing up Estes helped on the family farm and learned a skill that would sustain him for the rest of his life. After leaving home he worked for a time at Wagner Electric Co. in Brinkley building small engines before returning to farming. In 1968 Estes was married to Ruthel Shirley, who preceded him in death in 2001. A country boy at heart, he enjoyed fishing and hunting deer, rabbit and squirrels. He would listen to Paul Harvey every morning on his way to work and found pleasure in watching westerns on TV.

Family who mourn Estes passing are his sons; Charles Stanley and wife Terra of Des Arc, and Jimmy Howerton of Centerville, LA; Daughters, Linda Holland and husband Jimmy of Des AR and Louise Wyatt of Cabot; Sisters, Frances Williams, Dolly Diddle and Vinnie Lise; 12 grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son, Pete Howerton, brothers, William and Johnny Stanley, and sisters, Dorothy and Elizabeth.

Visitation will be 9-10 Monday, March 28 at Garth Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside services will follow at 11am at Walter's Chapel Cemetery north of Hazen.