Phillips Funeral Home

10/30/2026

Finding the perfect song to honor dad may feel a little bit daunting. To give you a place to start as you choose the best music for his personalized final tribute, give these 12 musical selections a listen.

Are you looking for songs to honor your dad at his funeral service? Check out these 12 songs and see if one fits yours needs.

10/30/2026

Are you looking for an obituary and information on an upcoming service? Visit https://www.phillipsfuneral.org/obituaries for the latest service dates, times, and locations.

10/30/2026

Update on Kalyana
Kalyana met with the transplant doctors at UAMS. The doctors reviewed her angiogram and are ready to move forward with the kidney autotransplant. For the autotransplant, she needs 4 cm of renal vein. Unfortunately, she has less than 2 cm, so a graft of some type will have to be used. The doctor is not sure if he will use a synthetic vein, bovine pericardium, or harvest one of her leg veins. He will decide this during the procedure. Her left kidney has a 50% percent of living due to the vein damage from Nutcracker Syndrome. The transplant doctors are concerned about her low SMA angle, as well. They plan to try to increase this angle to help relieve the constant stomach issues. The transplant team scheduled a call next week to confirm the surgery date.
Please pray for Kalyana and pray for a successful surgery. We are staying positive and trusting in the Lord, but we know the road ahead is going to be difficult.
Thank you for all your prayers. They mean so much and know your concern is deeply appreciated.

10/29/2026

Galen Wayne Speaks, 87, passed away on October 28, 2026. He was born on July 13, 1939, in Lake City, Arkansas.

Wayne will be remembered as a man who found joy in simple and meaningful things. He loved being out in his shop, spending time messing around and working with his hands. He always enjoyed watching the Cardinals. Wayne liked being outside, especially when it came to fishing and working in his garden. He loved being on his tractor and working on it. Above all, he loved his grandkids, who were a treasured part of his life.

He is survived by his sons Johnny Speaks (Kathy), Travis Speaks, and Evann Speaks, and by his daughter, Candy Speaks. He is also survived by his sister, Della Fay Ginger; grandchildren Stephanie Collins, Lacey Speaks, Justin Speaks (Maddie), Hailey Ezell (Brayden), and Jason Speaks, as well as his great-grandchildren Jarred Collins, Zaxton Johns, Blakelee Reese, Scout Ezell, and Anthony Speaks. Their lives carry forward his memory, and he will be lovingly remembered by each of them.

Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Speaks; son, Jackie Speaks; parents, George and Wilma Speaks; brothers Doyle Speaks, Donald Stevens, and Red Stevens; and his granddaughter, Autumn Welch.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home with Kelly Rippy officiating. Burial will be at Pine Log Cemetery.

10/29/2026

Karen A. (Hess) Hyde passed away on October 28, 2026, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, at the age of 68. She was born on February 12, 1958, in St. Louis, Missouri.

Karen will be remembered as someone who truly loved life. She found joy in caring for those around her and was especially devoted to her family. That love was at the center of who she was, and nowhere was it felt more deeply than in the special bond she shared with her granddaughter. She also expressed her care and creativity through sewing and in making quilts, gifts of time and talent that reflected her warmth and thoughtfulness.

She leaves behind her husband, Jeff Hyde; her mother, Billie Standfield; her son, Christopher Willis; her brother, Michael White; her sisters, Robin Moyer and Janet Granger; and her grandchild, Noa Willis.

She was preceded in death by her father, Wilbur Hess, and by her daughter, Brandi Willis.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Pine Log Cemetery with Pastor Aaron Neugebauer.

Karen will be remembered with love for the life she embraced, the family she cherished, and the comfort and beauty she created with her hands and her heart.

10/28/2026

Tyler Brock Kenney, 38, of Paragould, AR, passed from this life October 24, 2026. He was welcomed into the world in Kirksville, MO, October 29, 1987, by his overjoyed parents, Annette and David Kenney.

Tyler was the apple of everyone's eye, as he was a rare boy in a family of girls, and he knew it. He was funny and clever at a young age, rambunctious, and adventurous. He was adored and known in his family as "Tyler Pie", and by his loving younger sister as "Toller." He graduated from Kirksville High School in 2006, and went on to study aviation before succeeding in a rewarding career with Carmedic, where he highly valued his relationships with colleagues. These close friends would go on to celebrate milestones with Tyler and his family, and he treasured them greatly.

He met Caitlin LaFarlette of Paragould in 2014, and they were married in 2019. With tremendous love and excitement, they welcomed their two daughters to the world, Eva in 2020 and Aubrey in 2023. To know Tyler was to understand that his deepest happiness and sense of pride came from his role as husband and father. Eva was a daddy's girl who had him wrapped around her finger. Aubrey was his partner in crime. Tyler was a patient and extremely dedicated father. While most of his time was focused on his family, Tyler enjoyed aviation, martial arts, video games, and had an enthusiasm for learning new things. He loved a great adventure and was extremely optimistic, no matter the situation. The loss of this wonderful son, brother, husband, friend, and father will impact his loved ones forever.

He is survived by his wife and daughters, his mother Annette Kenney and her partner David Giovannini, his sister Nicole Antoine and her husband Garrett, and his nieces, Amelia and Charlotte. He is also survived by his sister Jennifer Dunkin and her husband John; his nieces Alexandra and Corrie; aunt and uncle Lynn and Gale Stock of Kirksville, cousin Abigail Medenciy (maiden name Stock) and her husband Jason and their daughter Susanna, cousin Carrie Stock.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard and Jean Kenney of Kirksville, and Gerald and Jo Hodges of Kahoka, and by his father, David.

The Carmedic Team, Blake Smith, Zain Sadi, Levi Riddle, Landon Pence, Ryan Lawson, Troy Western, Payden McCarty, Eric Barnes, Eli Newsom, Mike Bruetsch, Chris Earnhart, and Hayden Farley will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 1st, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home. The memorial service will follow at 4:00 p.m. with Bro. Derrick Followell officiating.

10/27/2026

Betty Jonell Jones, born February 2, 1942, passed away on October 26, 2026.

Betty will be remembered as a loving and devoted woman who cared deeply for her family and for others. She loved taking care of her family and went out of her way to help those around her. Time spent with family meant more to her than anything, and that love shaped the way she lived each day. She also loved animals and was known for taking in strays, reflecting the kindness and compassion that were such a natural part of her life.

Among the memories cherished by those who knew her is the determination and strength she shared with her sisters when they built an addition onto her house by themselves. That memory speaks to Betty’s hardworking spirit and the close family bonds that remained important throughout her life.

She is survived by her son, David Jones (Rachel); her daughter, Sheri Condray; her brother, Kenny Johnson (Phyllis); her grandchildren, Matthew Jones, Kristen Tuberville, and Nathan Jones; and her great-grandchildren, Keira Phillips, Will Tuberville, Heidi Jones, Jeremiah Jones, and Mila Knight. They, along with all who loved her, carry forward the memory of her care, her strength, and the warmth she brought to her family.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Jones; son, Jeffery Jones; parents, Oscar and Syble Johnson; sisters, Joy Wollett, Ella May, Greer, and Ruby Messer; brothers, Bobby Johnson and Burley Johnson; and her son-in-law, Tony Condray.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home with Kenny Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Zion cemetery.

Nathan Tuberville, Tim Johnson, Will Tuberville, Drinnon Vasquez will serve as pallbearers.

10/27/2026

Faye Askins Towell, 96 years of age, passed from this earth on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Born in Rector, Arkansas on July 13, 1930, to Benjamin Otis Askins and Gladys Mae Helms Askins, Faye was the fourth of nine children. She is survived by an adopted grandson, Joshua Owens (Le’Onita Charnae), great-grandchild Arie Rae Owens, sisters Frankie Jetton and Shyrl Bailey, as well as nieces and nephews and a host of friends who loved her dearly.

On August 20, 1946, Faye Askins wed Duane Towell. For many years, the couple owned and worked together at Towell’s Paragould Shoe Store. When Duane passed away in 2018, they had recently celebrated their 72nd anniversary. Their affection and commitment for each other served as the role model of a loving marriage to all who knew them.

In addition to Duane, Faye was preceded in death by their only daughter, Janice Ann Smith, Jan’s husband Ray and their grandson Shawn Allen Smith. Additional family members who preceded her include her sisters Geneva Edwards, Kathleen Griggry, Vira Mae Carver, Betty Breckenridge, Mary Smith, a brother, Charles Askins and Kathy Rowe, a special niece who provided attentive care for Faye.

Faye was known for her love of family, children and growing beautiful plants and flowers. Many decades of toddlers were introduced to Bible stories and the love of Jesus in her two-year old class at 7th & Mueller Church of Christ. After retiring from the shoe store, Faye influenced many children in the community by volunteering at Baldwin Elementary as an unpaid teacher’s aide in her daughter Jan’s kindergarten class.

Over the years, Faye generously shared cuttings from the lush plants in her beautiful yard. She simply said, “With God’s help I could grow pretty things.” She leaves a legacy of generosity, encouragement and faith in God to the many who knew her simply as “Mrs. Faye.”

Visitation will be at 7th and Mueller Church of Christ from 10:30-12:00 noon on Friday, October 30, immediately followed by a funeral service under the direction of Phillips Funeral Home with Josh Owens and Larry McFadden officiating. Burial will take place at Morrow Cemetery. Pallbearers include Caleb Eddleman, Aaron Meyer, Jake Eddleman, Kirby Graves, Rusty McMillan and Kyle Rowe. Andy Eddleman, Andy Landrum, David Summitt and David Pratt will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Children’s Homes, Inc. of Paragould or the April Nicole Foundation.

10/27/2026

Jimmy “Jim” Allen Butler, 62, of Paragould, passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at his residence. Jim was born May 9, 1964, in Paragould, to Johnny Elvis and Mildred Butler. The construction industry was a profitable career for Jim. He enjoyed building and it allowed him to use his creative and artistic talents. Building his own house was a labor of love. Beyond construction, Jim used his talents to paint and draw. Playing the guitar while singing his own lyrics brought him joy. Jim was always willing to help others and he was a very thoughtful person. He was well liked and deeply loved by his family.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his daughter, Chrystal Jordan of Kalamazoo, Michigan; siblings, Johnny R. Butler, Elissa Faulkner (Rick) all of Paragould, and Dena Marie Butler of St. Louis, Missouri; one grandson, Pierce; niece, Brittany Walker; nephew, Shawn Templeton; great-nephews, Austin Walker and Jace Walker; many cousins and extended family members.

A graveside service under the direction of Phillips Funeral Home will be Saturday, November 7, at 2:00 p.m. at Wood’s Chapel Cemetery with Diane Scarlet Thomas officiating.

Though the pencil rests, the beauty he created will sketch our memories forever.

10/27/2026

Today is Navy Day! With a history dating back to 1775 and including many illustrious historical figures, the Navy has a lot to be proud of. Do you know any sailors who are currently serving or served in the past? We'd love to join you in honoring their commitment and sacrifice.