Jasper McKelroy

Jasper "Doyle" McKelroy was born May 12, 1941, at his family home on Three Sisters Springs Road, now known as Mtn. Pine Road. He passed away Saturday Oct. 17, 2026.

He was a graduate of Mountain Pine class of 1959, and attended Henderson State University while working at Bradley's General Store. On Feb. 10, 1961, he married his high school sweetheart, Juanita Bair. Leaving Bradley's Store he went to work at Dierks Lumber Mill then on to Norris Vending before settling with Malvern Cable/Reynolds Metals and retiring in 2006.

He was a member of the United Steel Workers of America, a lifetime honorary member of the White Tale Hunting Club. He was past President of the H.S. Saddle Club and South-Central Horse Association. Pulling all-over South-Central Arkansas Horse shows every Saturday night. He was usually the lead truck and trailer with the Stillwell's. The Tillery's, the Mixon's, Penny and Curtis, just to name a few following along behind us to the horse show. What a time we had. He loved riding in the horse shows. Doyle enjoyed his retirement, mowing his yard, deer hunting, coaching little league baseball at Jessieville Boys and Girls club. He was known as grandpa Doyle and Uncle Doyle to many.

He never missed a chance to watch Sara or Kyle playing in any sport. Didn't matter when or where, he was there.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Preston "Peck" and Willie McKelroy; daughter, Lisa Baker Bair; and great-grandson, Luke Bowden.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Juanita; daughter, Tanya Eckard (Darrell); grandchildren, Sara Bowden (James), Kyle Eckard (Shanna), Savannah Sweden, Kaitlyn Russell, Tia and Tamira Brown, and Ariel and A.J. Toombs; great-grandchildren; Willis Bowden, Airris, Zy 'lah, Zy'ana and Milliyoni McDaniel, Zara Carnes and Phoenix Thurman, King, Apollo, Justice, Naomi, Elijah and Jeremiah Toombs.

Along with several nieces and nephews and a host of wonderful friends.

Visitation will be held from 6–8 p.m. on Friday Oct. 23, 2026, at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be the following day at 10 a.m. on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026, with Brother Joe Thompson officiating.

Burial will take place at Scott Cemetery in Mountain Pine, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be, Mike Jester, Matt Walls, Kelly Morgan, Robert Covey, Tim Beck and Robert Parker.

Honorary pallbearers will be, Ronnie Sheffield, Jimmy and Pam Irons, Karen Covey and C.C, The White Tail Hunting Club, Linda Cotnam, Greg and Tammy Bates, Melissa and Jason Black as well as Sue Stillwell and family.

Online condolences athttp://www.caruth-hale.com.

Log in or create an account to continue reading.