Obituary: Wyatt Joseph Elrod of Benton, Arkansas, 2008-2026

In Loving Memory of
Wyatt Joseph Elrod
Benton, Arkansas • 2008-2026

“…Praise him with the strings and pipe…Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” Psalm 150:4-6

Wyatt Joseph Elrod, age 17 of Benton, AR went to play his clarinet at the feet of Jesus on January 24, 2026. Wyatt was born on September 8, 2008, in Little Rock to Daniel and Amanda Elrod and was an amazing big brother to Wesley Elrod (9).

Wyatt’s time with us was heartbreakingly short, and we cling to the knowledge that he is with Jesus and that we will get to see him again one day. Wyatt was cherished by so many friends and family, and he always had a smile and a hug for anyone that needed it. He was a Junior at Benton High School, and was an active member of the Holland Chapel Baptist Church Youth Group. He excelled at playing the clarinet and was a member of the Benton High School band.

Wyatt was the consummate outdoorsman. He loved to hunt, fish, mountain bike and find new places to explore. When his family took a trip to Yellowstone, he mapped out each day and marveled at everything they saw. He loved going to the lake with his friends and family and swimming in the pool with his brother Wesley.

Wyatt was disciplined and very hardworking, but also didn’t take himself too seriously. He loved to make us all laugh, especially in the funny videos he would often make. He was clever, joyful and happy to share his humor with us all. He was the most wonderful combination of thoughtful, curious, grateful, intelligent and loving that any family could ever hope for and we will miss him forever.

He was preceded in death by his Great Grandparents: Joe Perry and Christine Elrod, Ned and June Touchstone, as well as his grandmother, Tonya Butner. Wyatt is survived by his Grandparents: Donald and Janet Elrod, and David and Charmain Touchstone. He is also survived by his many Aunts, Uncles, and First Cousins (not including his many Great Aunts/Uncles and additional cousins): Molly and Chad Hansen (Mia), Melanie Holliday, Sarah and Shaun Marmolejo (Hannah and Analiese), Olivia and Jared Maness (Reed, Duke and Garrett), Jared Touchstone (Atlas, Vara and Clara), Cory and Heather Thomas (Madi and Rosie), Taylor Thomas, Dylan Touchstone, Wallace Touchstone, Arabella Touchstone.

Visitation will be on Friday, January 30th from 5:00-7:00pm at Holland Chapel Baptist Church in Benton. Funeral services will be at Holland Chapel Baptist Church on Saturday, January 31st at 11:00am.

Pall Bearers will be Gavin Eastham, Alec Wooten, Weston Davis, Andrew Vondran, Duke Maness, Garrett Maness, Reed Maness, Analiese Marmolejo, Atlas Touchstone, Vara Touchstone, Will Duncan, Walt Duncan, Rowdy McAdoo, Mia Hansen, Anna McAdoo, and Caroline Irmen

Memorials may be made to Play it again Arkansas, an organization that helps all students interested in music education have access to Instruments.

Checks can be made to:

Play it Again Arkansas

4 Capitol Mall

Little Rock, AR 72201

Digital donations to:

https://pantherbandboosters. boosterhub.com/store/3369

(The boosters will mail a check to Play it Again Arkansas.)

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