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Randall Fleming Chastain
Randall Fleming Chastain, 92, of Benton, Arkansas passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026. Born on September 7, 1933 in Benton, Arkansas, he was a loving father to Randall “Randy” Chastain, Joan Chastain, and Leah Osbahr. Randall attended Bryant High School before being drafted into the United States Army, where he served as a sergeant while he was stationed in Germany.
Randall spent almost 50 years as a general contractor, owning and running successful home improvement and remodeling businesses with his wife, Mary Scott Chastain, including Chastain’s Kitchen and Bath and Randall Chastain Construction in Benton. He was beloved for his biting sense of humor and ability to make everyone feel comfortable whenever they were with him. He was known for having the perfect comedic timing, using phrases like “Well, for every knife, there’s a fork,” and other lines that aren’t appropriate for this obituary.
Before his wife Mary’s passing, Randall spent many years traveling, laughing, raising children, and experiencing all the highs and lows of life with her. He spoke regularly about how much he loved and appreciated his time with her for the rest of his days.
He would sometimes say that at the end of the day, material things don’t
matter and that “all we have left are our memories” as a way to encourage the people in his life to get out and live a life worth living.
Randall is also survived by his daughter-in-law Georgia Chastain and son-in- law Dennis Osbahr; his sisters Sue Hobson and Oretha Cochran; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, long-time friends, extended family members, and last but not least, his dog Waffle.
Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:00 AM Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at Ashby Funeral Home with memorial services at 10:00 AM
Laura Helen (Yeske) Elmore
Laura Helen (Yeske) Elmore was the seventh child of Edward and Helen Yeske. She was born in Lunnford, Alberta, Canada on Saturday, September 21, 1940.
After a short battle with Alzheimer’s and congestive heart disease, Laura passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas on Friday, May 29, 2026, aged 85.
Those of her family that predecease her are her parents, mentioned above, her husband Donald Elmore, brothers Walter* (wife Joan*), Arthur* (wife Nancy*), Max*,Freddie* [deceased in youth], Adolf* (wife Cheryl, not deceased), and her granddaughter Jillian Elora Elmore.
Laura is survived by her brother Alfred (wife Dorothy), her sisters Frieda (husband Egil Frantzen), Elsie (husband Russell Mar deceased*), children David Elmore, Mark Elmore (wife Donna), Jason Elmore (wife Jaclyn), and Jennifer Hurd (husband Todd), granddaughter; Maegan Tilley (husband Andrew, and great-grandsons Levi, Connor, and Samuel); granddaughter Carlee Fox (husband Grant, and great-granddaughters Lily, and Violet); granddaughter Jules Elmore, and granddaughter Brittany Hurd (and great-grandson Dylan), all of central Arkansas, and dozens of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her grand and great-grandchildren were deeply loved and adored by her.
Canada being a part of the British Commonwealth was already at war in World War II in 1940. She was born four months after her father had been interned in the Kananaskis Interment Camp for German citizens in Canada. He did not see Laura until she was four years old when the war was nearly over and he was released.
Laura & Don met in Hawaii. Mom was on a vacation with her sister, Frieda, who worked for Air Canada, and my dad who was assigned to the naval base. They literally met in a pineapple field as two cars passed each other. The romantic details are another story for another time.
They were married in the now historic McDougall United Church of Canada in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on March 16, 1963.
Dad worked for Reynolds Metals for many years. One of the benefits he gained by working there were ten-week vacations every five years. These vacations afforded us the ability to travel the United States to see the sights and wonders; like Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, the Petrified Forest, the giant Sequoia trees, Yellowstone, the Rocky Mountains, and Banff and Kananaskis National Parks, and to visit my mom’s family and farm in Canada. The farm was a great experience for us Arkansas kids. Mom planned them all.
One would be remiss if it were not stated that she loved the outdoors, especially gardening her flowers and vegetables. Our family often traveled to the lake and around the country on vacation, camping in a pop-up camper. Because of our Scout training, each of us had our assignments in establishing the camp usually about ten minutes after arriving, often to the amazement of nearby campers.
Mom was an artist at heart and was quite good at drawing. She loved reading books, over 50 to 75 a year, many thousands over her time.
She served on the Women’s Committee of Boy Scout Troop 34, and as a Den Mother of Cub Scout Pack 33, a Girl Scout Troop Leader of Troop 160, a secretary, the Caldwell Elementary School PTA Secretary-Treasurer, an Extension Homemaker, a 4-H Leader, an Arkansas Master Gardener, an Arkansas Audubon Society Bird Friendly Gold Certified Yard, a Lifetime Member of Arkansas Native Plant Society, a cook, a housewife and homemaker, a lover of pets, a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother, a neighbor, a friend, and she is deeply loved by her family and friends.
She attended every football game, every Scouting event, every concert, every ceremony. She supported all our activities. She was a fierce defender of her children and husband whenever it was called for. Raised money as a band and football booster, helped throw fundraising events for air conditioners in our elementary school, worked on a myriad of our school projects, cut our hair, made us clothes, sat bedside and rubbed Vic’s VapoRub on our chests when we were sick, put Band-Aids on skinned knees, pinched pennies and clipped coupons, wrapped presents, wrote cards and letters, ever patient, keeper of the family records and finances, kept us fed, clean and clothed, very little got past her, and she was the disciplinarian.
She was retired from Tops Shoes after 20 years and Hurricane Creek Federal Credit Union after 10 years.
She was only person I know who caught a crappie barehanded and one of last people I know who balancedher check book down to the penny. She loved Elvis Presley, John Denver and Josh Groban music. She loved strawberry milkshakes and Sonic’s Reese’s Blast every so often. Mom kept a clean house, a good yard, and a fruitful garden. She believed in God, worshipped and encouraged people to live a full faithful life in her own way.
Many thanks to the staff at Mt. Carmel Community at The Village and the caretakers of Elite Hospice for their tireless care of mom.
Laura Elmore’s memorial service will be held at the Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, AR 72015, on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 3:00 pm. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service, from 2:00-3:00 PM. No reception afterwards. Her nephew, Reverend Max Ates will be presiding. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
There will be a private graveside interment at Sharon Cemetery.
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Nelma Dean Porter
Nelma Dean Porter, a woman of deep faith, generosity, and devotion to her family, passed away on June 1, 2026. She was born to Bazzel Dean and Lorraine Slaughter on December 29, 1939, in Amity, Arkansas.
Nelma dedicated 30 years to AFCO Metals, where she earned numerous accolades and took great pride in her work. Her career brought her much fulfillment, and her dedication was evident throughout her years of service.
A faithful member of the Church of Christ, Nelma loved serving the Lord and her church family. She was known for her generous heart, always willing to help those she loved and anyone in need.
Nelma had a passion for decorating and a gift for finding beauty everywhere, whether at Goodwill or Ethan Allen. In fact, when rewarded for her outstanding work with trips or bonuses, she often chose furniture instead. Her home reflected her excellent taste and love for creating a welcoming space.
Alongside her husband of 54 years, James Elton Porter, affectionately known as “Porter,” Nelma found joy in life’s simple moments. They enjoyed playing Scrabble over meals, sitting together in lawn chairs in the garage watching the world go by, and sharing breakfast at Cracker Barrel. They attended the Bryant Cracker Barrel’s opening day and became familiar faces there for years afterward. They lovingly referred to the children in their lives as “little woods,” a nickname that remains a cherished family memory. To each other, they were simply “Bun” and “Bun-Bun.”
Nelma dearly loved her nephews and nieces: Chad Slaughter and wife Trena, Dean Slaughter, Carole (David) Boulden, and Mark (Theresa) Bear; as well as her sisters-in-law, Barbara Slaughter, Katie Keeton, and Nancy Freeman. She especially adored her great-nieces and great-nephews, whom she loved as her own grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Elton Porter; daughter, Deana Renee Porter; parents; brother, Roy Lee Slaughter; and sister, Evelyn Slaughter Sisk.
A visitation to honor Nelma’s life will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Smith Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at DeLamar Cemetery in Sparkman, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Corin Read Christian Camp, c/o Northside Church of Christ, 917 N. East Street, Benton, AR 72015.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to the caregivers and staff of Gentiva Hospice, Pleasant Hills Care Home, and The Lily House for the compassion, kindness, and exceptional care they provided to Nelma.
Nelma’s legacy is one of steadfast faith, devoted love, and generosity. She will be remembered for the kindness she shared, the family she cherished, and the example she set for all who knew her.
Barbara Ann Scott Kissee
Barbara Ann Scott, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026, after 84 full and wonderful years.
Born on May 12, 1942, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Barbara was the daughter of Joseph Adolph and Edith Mae Mains. Barbara grew up alongside her brother, Phillip Mains, who, along with their parents, predeceased her. She carried the values instilled in her by her parents throughout her life, spreading love and compassion wherever she went. Barbara was predeceased by her first husband, Paul Scott, with whom she shared many beautiful years and created a loving family. Her love for him and the life they built together remained in her heart throughout her days.
She was a loving and devoted wife to Archie Kissee, who survives her. Married later in life after both losing spouses, they built cherished memories. Barbara was a proud mother to her three sons: Paul, Derek, and Todd and her heart was filled with immense pride for her grandchildren: LaDonna, Maggie, Emily, Hannah, Katelyn, Noah and Jessica and her great-grandchildren, Tanner, Macy, and Allison. Her heart swelled with joy at the birth of her great-great-grandchild, Augustas. She was also very proud of her added family and loved seeing the young kids. Archie’s children: Kelley, Kristy and Kathy. Grandchildren: Thomas, Kristopher, Kandi, Charlie and Rafe. Great Grandchildren: Allen, Andrew, Kendall, Aiden, Autum and Harper.
In her early years, Barbara found joy and solace in the world of arts and crafts, a passion that remained with her throughout her life. Her creative spirit was evident in everything she touched, and she found great pleasure in sharing her artistic talents with others. Her home displayed her artistic talents and was filled with handcrafted treasures that told the story of her life and passions.
Barbara was a devoted member of the Indian Springs Baptist Church in Bryant, Arkansas, where she found a supporting community of faith. Her belief in the power of love and kindness was a guiding light for those who knew her, and her involvement in the church was a source of great joy and fulfillment.
In celebrating Barbara’s life, we remember a woman of love, creativity, and unwavering faith. Her legacy is one of resilience and a deep appreciation for the beauty in the world around her. Her spunky spirit and kind heart will be profoundly missed. She lived life well and she will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her, and her memory will be cherished for generations to come.
A service to honor Barbara’s life will be held at Indian Springs Baptist Church at 10 a.m., Friday, June 5th with visitation starting at 9 a.m. Friday June 5th, where her life will be celebrated by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Burial Service to follow at 12:00 at Pinecrest Cemetery in Alexander, AR. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Arkansas Children’s Hospital or Indian Springs Baptist Church Feed the Children Fund (youth).
https://support.archildrens.org/give/280202/#!/donation/checkout
https://app.aplos.com/aws/give/IndianSpringsBaptistChurch
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