Diamond State Cremation and Mortuary Service

06/10/2026

William Donald Burdine, age 82, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026, in Mountain Home, Arkansas.

William, known as Don to friends and family, was born February 4, 1944, in Knoxville, Arkansas, to Lonnie and Novene (Weber) Burdine. As a young boy, Don moved with his parents and two older brothers to California, growing up in Lompoc. At the age of 19, Don enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served in the Army Security Agency in Okinawa, Japan. After his Honorable Discharge, Don returned to the U.S. to work in Dothan, Alabama, before heading back to Lompoc where he met his future bride, Carol Ann Chrones, in 1968.

Don married Carol in November 1969. In 1972, they moved with Carol’s two sons and daughter to Dothan, Alabama, to work in construction. They had one son together in Dothan before moving to pursue new work opportunities in Cocoa, Florida, and welcomed the birth of their second son. Don began working as a pressman for Gannett News in Rockledge, Florida. In June 1983, his career with Gannett led Don, Carol, and their three youngest children to Olympia, Washington.

Don and Carol enjoyed many years together in Washington State, raising their children and actively serving in local Church of Christ congregations wherever they lived. In 2004, Don and Carol moved to Cherokee, Texas, to serve as house parents for the Cherokee Home for Children. In 2012, they continued in service as Camp Caretakers at the Copper Basin Bible Camp in Prescott, Arizona. In 2015, Don and Carol retired and returned to Washington State. A final move took them to Mountain Home, Arkansas, to be closer to their daughter while Carol was undergoing cancer treatment.

Don enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping and horseback riding. He cherished a fishing trip with his daughter, Stina, on the White River a few years ago. He often spoke of his desire to fish in the ponds outside his home at Sycamore Springs Senior Living or take a long river fishing trip down the Buffalo River. He cherished his family and longed to reunite with Carol, the love of his life.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his two older brothers, Doyle and Howard; his wife, Carol, and stepson, Charles Paul Rigo, III. Don is survived by his stepchildren, Chris (Donna) Rigo and Stina (Doug) Klassen; his two sons, Lonnie (Lyn) Burdine and Thomas (Erin) Burdine; 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Don will be laid to rest next to Carol, his wife of 53 years, at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery located at 5201 S. Southwood Rd. in Springfield, Missouri on Monday, June 15, at 10:00 a.m.

Arrangements are under the care of Diamond State Cremation located in Lead Hill, Arkansas. Condolences may be left at www.DiamondStateCremation.com

06/03/2026

Anthony Lee Houk Gardner, 30, of Lead Hill, Arkansas, passed away on May 25, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. Anthony was born on November 9, 1995, in Yuba City, California, to his loving mother, Elizabeth Gardner.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his sisters, Nikki Gardner and Nina Lowe; and his stepfather, William Holt.

Anthony is survived by his devoted wife, Britt-Ashley Gardner; his beloved daughters, Rylan and Jocelyn; his mother, Elizabeth Gardner; his sister, Dawn Houk; his in-laws, Brenda and Robert Armstrong; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and extended family members who loved him dearly.

Anthony had a deep love for the outdoors and found joy in fishing, camping, sitting around a fire, and spending long evenings traveling dirt roads beneath the stars. He was passionate about motorcycles and was always ready for an adventure. Anyone who knew Anthony knew of his love for knee boarding and the excitement he brought to every gathering. A natural jokester and the life of the party, Anthony had a unique way of making people laugh while sharing the wisdom of an old soul. He cherished time spent with family, especially around the dinner table, creating memories that will be treasured forever. Most of all, Anthony was a devoted husband and father. His greatest joy in life was his family. He adored his wife, his daughters, his mother, and the many friends and loved ones who were blessed to know him.

Even in death, Anthony continued helping others. As an organ donor, he gave the gift of life to four individuals. Through his extraordinary generosity and heart of gold, his legacy lives on in those he saved, providing hope and a future for families who will forever be grateful for his selfless gift.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Methodist Church in Diamond City, Arkansas, with Steve Cook officiating.

Arrangements are under the care of Diamond State Cremation of Lead Hill, Arkansas. Condolences may be shared at www.diamondstatecremation.com.

Though his time with us was far too short, Anthony's laughter, kindness, love, and unwavering devotion to his family will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

05/29/2026

Kelley Jay West, 88, of Diamond City, Arkansas passed away on May 24, 2026, at Hospice of the Hills in Harrison, Arkansas. He was born on March 15, 1938, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the son of Ralph and Myrtle (Eastmond) West.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Having called Diamond City home for more than 26 years, he built a life centered around family, hard work, and the things he loved most. Kelly dedicated his career to building missiles for the U.S. government, taking pride in his worked and contributing his skills to an important field of service. Outside of work, he had a passion for hot rods and enjoyed spending time working on them, always appreciating the craftsmanship and thrill they brought. Kelly also loved riding his Harley and embraced the freedom of the open road. He shared 27 years of marriage with his devoted wife, creating a life filled with memories, love, and companionship.

Kelly is preceded in death by his parents and son. He is survived by his wife, Laureda, his three sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Also, he leaves behind many others.

He will be remembered for his love of family, his hobbies, and the lasting impact he had on those who knew him.

Arrangements are under the care of Diamond State Cremation located in Lead Hill, Arkansas. Condolences may be left at

Diamond State Cremation & Mortuary Service is a family owned and operated full-service funeral home committed to providing personal service that is compassionate, dignified, and affordable. The loss of a loved one is a difficult circumstance to experience, and we want to provide comforting assistanc...

05/29/2026

Brenda Carol Burns, 63, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, passed away at Hospice of the Ozarks, in Mountain Home on May 9, 2026. She was born on September 25, 1962, in Wyatt, Missouri, the daughter of Opal Lowery and Wilburn Smith.

Brenda enjoyed music, spending time with her family and her canine companion Maggie Mae. Other interests that Brenda liked were cooking, thrift store shopping and collecting antiques.

She is proceeded in death by her parents Opal Lowery Smith and Wilburn Smith of Greenville, Mississippi, a sister Tammy Smith of Albany, Louisiana, another sister Opal Greenlee of Gainesville, Florida, and a brother Wilburn Smith Jr. of Albany, Louisiana.

Brenda is survived by her two children Karla Smith of Omaha, Arkansas, and Kory Brinker-Smith of Mountain Home, Arkansas. Also, Brenda leaves behind two brothers, Curtis Greenlee and James Smith of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and a sister Mylinda (Kenneth) Jefferson of Flippin, Arkansas. In addition, Brenda has grandchildren that will miss her loving spirit, Brantley, Hazel, Kaylee, Raylee, Kamden, Brody and Karter.

Her heart and the love for her family will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life service is planned for September 26, 2026. The place and time are to be determined.

Arrangements are under the care of Diamond State Cremation located in Lead Hill, Arkansas.

05/19/2026

Robert Franklin Welch (Bob-The Jam Man)

Robert entered this life November 1, 1929, in Ninnekah, Oklahoma, departed for heaven on May 15, 2026, from Mountain Home, Arkansas. He was born to Claude Welch and Dace Schoolfield Welch.

In 1941, the family moved to Sacramento, California. Bob graduated from Grant High School with honors in 1947 from the ROTC program. For a short time, he worked for the railroad as a fireman until 1950 when he joined the USAF. His rotations took him to Korea, Vietnam, Libya, Iceland and many states before leaving for retirement in Mississippi.

Wanting to stay busy he began his second career of 17 years with Southwestern Bell Telephone. There he received several monetary awards for improvement recommendations. He served as a volunteer for Grant Parish Sheriff Es**rt department riding his Gold Wing bike. He had a love for motor vehicles, especially his black and white T-Bird.

In time, he developed a hobby of making jam and sharing his favorite strawberry-banana jam with friends and strangers. Thus, he became known as “The Jam Man”. He kept a record of first names and places they lived. If they returned his empty jars, he made a
note next to their name. Obviously, those from other states or countries could not return empty jars. Throughout the years he gave thousands of jars away.

He served as President of Dry Prong, Grant Parish water Board for several terms. Bob married Lucy Seastrunk Fields Welch and began a new hobby of completing honey do lists but his best decision in life was a profession of faith in Jesus Christ on March
22, 2024.

Proceeded in death was his parents Claude Welch, Dace Welch, wife Bobbie Chilcoat Welch, son Wayne, daughter Debra Futrell, brothers Claude Jr. Welch, Walter Welch, grandson Timothy Tong.

Survivors include his wife Lucy Welch of Mountain Home, Arkansas, daughter Nancy Paige, Louisiana, Melinda Tong (Ike) Arkansas, son Glenn Fields (Jeanne) Arkansas, sister-in-law Janet Welch, Arkansas, daughter-in-law Tammy Welch, Louisiana, , brother Don Welch, California, grandchildren Josh Lincecum, Louisiana, Jessica Cadis, Texas, Lance Harris, Texas, Blake Futrell, Louisiana, Benjamin Tong (Corry), Alaska, Jonathan Fields, Arkansas, Shannon Moeser (Josh) Alaska, special cousin, Alicia Henry, Oklahoma . Also, he leaves great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He will be interned at the Freeman Cemetery, in Alleene, Arkansas, with military honors later.

Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, 520 W. Daughtery St. Ashdown Ar., 71822 or Hospice House of the Ozarks, 774 Long Street, Mountain Home, Ar. 72653.

Cremation arrangements are under the care of Diamond State Cremation located in Lead Hill, Arkansas. Condolences may be made at www.DiamondStateCremation.com

05/14/2026

Matthew William Catron, 25, of Peel, Arkansas passed away tragically in a car accident on May 7, 2026, in Reeds Spring, Missouri. He was born in Waterloo, Iowa, on January 27, 2001, the son of Billy and Susan (Nibbelink) Catron.

Matthew was a fun-loving kid, he enjoyed hanging out with his friends and just kicking back. When he was younger, he really liked playing soccer and the outdoors. Matthew grew up in Peel, Arkansas and attended school at Lead Hill.

He is survived by his parents, Billy and Susan, and his sister Abigail Catron, adoptive and biological family.

At this time, there is no service planned.

Cremation arrangements are under the care of Diamond State Cremation located in Lead Hill, Arkansas. Condolences may be left at www.DiamondStateCremation.com

Our Son – Mathew William Catron
Five years of shifting shadows, of searching for a place,
Then hope and healing blossomed when we first held your face.
From a world of broken promises, you and Abby found the way,
To Susan and to Bill, where love embraced you every day.
“We are Mom and Dad,” we whispered, a vow to hold you fast,
To wrap you in a shelter that would outshine all the past.

Oh, Matthew William Catron, with a laughter bright and free,
You brought a radiant sunshine to our joyful family.
A soul of pure devotion, with dreams so big and bold,
A heart that loved the mountain life, more precious far than gold.
Upon our Arkansas homestead, where the woods are deep and green,
You were our happy, gentle boy, amidst the peaceful scene.

With pigs and goats and turkeys, and the cows upon the hill,
Your tender love for animals is a warmth that lingers still.
A family of ten together, you were a cherished part,
And every living creature felt the kindness of your heart.
Yet early burdens whispered, though we held your hand so tight,
And shadows from your childhood days would chase you through the night.

When eighteen years brought freedom, you fought a heavy storm,
And sought a way to quiet thoughts, to keep your spirit warm.
You walked a long and difficult road, a path you didn’t crave,
While we held tight to hope and prayer, so desperate to save.
We longed for your sweet turning back, to days of peace and grace,
Enfolded in the comfort of your family’s embrace.

A phone call on a Thursday, that fateful May the seventh day,
Broke our shattered hearts in two and took our breath away.
Our precious son was taken in an accident so severe,
But nothing dims the beautiful light of one we hold so dear.
You just turned twenty-five in January, your milestone year so bright,
We loved you unconditionally through every day and night.

No matter what the struggles were, you were our son, our pride,
And love remains unbroken now, across the Great Divide.
Your laughter softly echoes where the mountain forest thrives,
Forever loved, forever missed, by the ones who truly loved you.

Poem by: Billy Catron

05/14/2026

Stephen Lee Mollenkof, 74, of Big Flat, Arkansas, passed away at Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, Arkansas on May 9, 2026. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on August 17, 1951, the son of Leonard and Elaine (Hoyt) Mollenkof.

Stephen was a landscaper and gardener by trade. He took great pride in the work he accomplished. He was a generous kindhearted man who raised a garden donating food to the food bank and Senior Center for Meals on Wheels. When driving by the Senior Center in Big Flat you could see Stephen’s work of art outside, he maintained and preserved a beautiful flower box for the community to enjoy. Stephen was also an artist; he painted barn quilts and donated them to the Fox Library for varies benefits. He didn’t stop there, he would do other things for the community, like buying local eggs from the neighbors and donating them to the Dorcas Food Bank.

Stepehen is proceeded in death by his parents, Leonard and Elaine. He is survived by his two brothers, Mark Mollenkof of Chattanooga, Tennessee and Peter Mollenkof of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Also, he leaves behind a significant person that was involved in his life, Marcia Griffin, she was his friend, caretaker and companion. He didn’t just have Marcia in his life, he also had her family, Francis, Jia, Caleb, Adam, Joshusa and Bryson. Stephen developed some great friendships while living in Big Flat, he is leaving behind David Crawford, Kathi and Roger Shaller and many others.

Stephen will be missed dearly by everyone that knew and loved him.

There is no service planned at this time.

Cremation arrangements are under the care of Diamond State Cremation located in Lead Hill, Arkansas. Condolences may be made at

Diamond State Cremation & Mortuary Service is a family owned and operated full-service funeral home committed to providing personal service that is compassionate, dignified, and affordable. The loss of a loved one is a difficult circumstance to experience, and we want to provide comforting assistanc...

05/07/2026

Joyce Clersie Chapman, 85, of Summit, Arkansas passed away at her home on May 6th, 2026, peacefully surrounded by loved ones. She was born on October 12, 1940, in Monkey Run, Arkansas, the daughter of Henry Edward Carson and Sallie Mae (Davis) Carson.

Joyce loved family gatherings, quilting, cross stitching, crocheting, reading
and puzzles, gardening and tending to her flowers, feeding birds and spending time with
her cat. After marrying Wayne on May 30, 1969, she worked on a dairy farm while raising 4
daughters. She was a devout Christian and wonderful mother. She made sure her
children were provided for even when time was limited. Later in life, she moved to Summit, Arkansas and started working as a cook at the Senior Center. She excelled at her job and was promoted to head cook. Joyce then retired to spend more time with her grandchildren.

Joyce is proceeded in death by her father and mother, Henry Edward and Sallie
Mae Carson. Two brothers, Paul David and Tommy Carson, a sister Maxine Conner,
her husband H. Wayne Chapman, stepson Coy Chapman, and daughter Georgia Lee
Chapman.

She is survived by her sister Geneva Caststeel, four daughters Darla and Johnny Cheek, Lisa and Jeff Bennet, Sherry and Leon Beck and Pamela and Allen Nelson. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren, Ashley (Brandon) Schulz, Kaylee Cheek, Jonathon Cheek, Cody Rose, Alex Beck, Jacob Beck, Elijah Beck, Marley Berry, Makenzie Horton and Gabe Horton. Also, her great grandchildren, Josie Scholtz, Rayland Scholtz, Hunter Cheek, Brelee Cheek, Brayden Beck and Karlie Beck. In addition, Joyce leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Services are scheduled as follows: Visitation at Main Street Church of Christ on May 11,
2026, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. followed by a graveside service starting at 3 :00 p.m. at Nanny Cemetery in Yellville, Arkansas. Officiating the funeral will be Tad Ott.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Main Street Church of Christ in Yellville, Arkansas or the Marion County Nursing Home Auxiliary Thrift Store.

Arrangements are under the care of Diamond State Cremation located in Lead Hill, Arkansas.

05/01/2026

Troy Allen Woelbing, 60, of Yellville passed away on Wednesday, April 29th of 2026 at his home. Troy was born to Allen and Delcie (Rhoads) Woelbing on August 29th, 1965.
After moving to Wisconsin, the family settled in the Henderson and Bull Shoals, Arkansas area.

Troy wore many hats throughout the years. He loved classic cars, especially Cadillacs. He also loved working at the North Central Arkansas Speedway and was affectionately called 'Backstretch Troy' by his racetrack friends and family. If you ever encountered Troy, you would remember him for his height, his jokes, and his hair.

Troy was preceded in death by his maternal and fraternal grandparents, his parents, and his longtime partner, Tammie Tomlinson.
He is survived by his three children, Savanna Woelbing of Yellville, Troy Allen Woelbing II (Vivian) of Summit, and Sarrah (Jordan) Wright of Carlisle, his granddaughters, Emersen Woelbing and Wrenley Wright and Tammie's daughter, Amber Baudro. He is also survived by his sister, Donna (Dan) Schmidt of Flippin and Chuck (Joy) Woelbing of Harrison along with a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

Cremation is under the direction of Diamond Cremation in Lead Hill.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at Bank Ozk under Woelbing Family c/o Savanna Woelbing.
Condolences may be left at www.DiamondStateCremation.com

04/24/2026

Michael Clyde Watts, age 57, of St. Joe, Arkansas passed from this life on Saturday, April 11th, 2026, at his home in St. Joe, Arkansas. He was born in, Harrison Arkansas on September 18th, 1968, to Solomon Noah Watts and Georgia Elaine Arthur Watts Cranfill.

In Mike's early years he quickly took to his, self-appointed role as a protector. His sister, Linda Joe, was his first assumed responsibility. He watched over her like a parent. Even though still in school himself, he would “matter of fact-ly” set anyone straight he thought was mistreating her, even the teachers.

Mike enjoyed hobbies such as hunting, especially with Lady his Baby, and fishing for small mouth bass in the Arkansas waters.

Even still, there wasn't anything that could trump his undying loyalty to fulfill his presumed duty to serve any need whenever possible. His hobby, you could say, was learning and living via humility. Anyone within his scope, friend or foe in need, to them he owed his best. His pride would rest in his selfless service to not just his family, but his entire community. It is said that their logging crew would average 5 loads a day, two of them prepped each day before the sun arose by Mike alone.

He is preceded in death by his mother Elaine Arthur; two siblings, Vera Jo and Peter Brian Watts.

Survivors include his father, Solomon Watts; two sons Jorden and Cody Watts; two grandsons Isaiah and Garrett Watts; one sister Linda Joe Watts; and brothers Curtis Elliot and Ferrell Elliot; his friend Angie and many other family and friends who will mourn his passing.

Graveside services for Mike will be 3:00 PM Saturday April 25th, 2026 at Osborne Cemetery in St Joe, Arkansas with Bro. Walter Arthur officiating.