May 29, 2008

Cecil E. (Bud) Witchey, 79, was born May 24, 1928, in Gentry, Ark., to parents Glenn and Gladys Witchey. He passed away on May 19, 2008, at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield. On Aug. 5, 1950, he was united in marriage to Roma D. Huffman in Mtn. Home, Ark. He had lived in the Ava area most of his life. Bud was best known as a truck driver. He had helped many farmers haul their cattle to market. Since about 1945 he had spent long hours behind the wheel of a truck. He enjoyed spending time with his family especially taking them on some of his trips. He proudly served his country in the US Army during the Korean conflict earning three bronze service stars in 18 months. He was a good friend to all who knew him, and always willing to help any neighbor in need. Bud was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and three brothers, Earl, Robert "Bob", and Loren Gene Witchey. Bud is survived by his two sons, Lloyd Witchey and wife, Donna, and Vernon Witchey; and one daughter, Glenda; and grandson, Jonathan Witchey, all of Ava. He is also survived by three sisters, Betty Kinyon, of Ava, Arlyce Lankford, of Brookline, and Arlene Springs of Warsaw. He will also be missed by a host of other relatives and friends. A visitation was hosted in the Ava Family Funeral Home on Thursday, May 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services were conducted Friday May 23, at 10 am in the Ava Family Funeral Home with the Rev. Oren Alcorn officiating. Burial followed at the Whites Creek Cemetery with full military honors.