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Gerald Vandiver

Gerald Vandiver, 66, of Hensley, Arkansas, went to be with our Lord on Friday, June 12, 2026. He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on October 3, 1959, to James and Bonnie Vandiver. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, as well as two brothers, William Peeks and Preston Vandiver, and one nephew, Jason Vandiver.

He is survived by his sisters, Juanita (Glenn) Bearden, Wilma (Tim) Ricketts, Faye (Mark) Lybarget, and Gayle Riba; and his nieces, Kimberly Bearden (child Xander), Stacy Asbury, and Jessica Roberson (son Alex); and his nephew, Garry Brewer Jr. (children Aricha and Harley).

Gerald spent his time enjoying fill-in puzzles, word searches, and jigsaw puzzles. He also enjoyed playing solitaire, where he acquired many new friends and associates, and attended church services weekly.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, with the time and location to be determined and announced by the family.

 

Martha Anne Chronister

Martha Anne Chronister, age 85, of Benton, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026.

Born August 5, 1940, in Warren, Arkansas, Martha lived a life centered around her family, her home, and the simple joys that brought her happiness.

As a student at Warren High School, Martha was a majorette and played the coronet in the school band. She was known for twirling flaming batons, something that took both talent and courage and made her stand out even then.

Martha took great pride in her home and yard. She loved gardening and could often be found outside pulling weeds, tending flowers, and making sure everything looked just right. Neighbors knew her well and often joked that they could recognize her from a distance by the way she worked in her flower beds. She enjoyed creating a beautiful place for her family and took pride in keeping her home welcoming and well cared for. Martha also had a special love for the family pets she cared for through the years. She treasured their companionship and treated each one as a beloved member of the family.

Anyone who knew Martha knew she never met a stranger. She loved to talk and could turn a quick trip to Kroger into an afternoon of visiting with people she knew—or people she had just met. She had a gift for making others feel comfortable and valued.

Martha was also incredibly talented. She was a skilled seamstress who made clothing for her children when they were young and was known for her wonderful cooking, especially her meatloaf, which became a family favorite. She also enjoyed building custom fishing rods, carefully crafting each one with patience and attention to detail.

More than anything, Martha loved her family. She is survived by her son, Joseph “Joey” Chronister and wife Kay; her daughter, Gena Davis and husband Tommy; grandchildren Haley Chronister, Turner Davis, Hunter Chronister, Julia Davis, and Emily Davis; and great-grandchildren Sailor Mae Chronister and Aiden James.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Harold Gene Chronister; her granddaughter, Heather Chronister; and her parents, Joseph Robert “Joe Bob” Turner and Dora Etta (Polk) Turner.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 19, 2026, from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. at Smith Family Funeral Home in Benton.

Martha will be remembered for her strong work ethic, her love of family, her beautiful yard, and her ability to strike up a conversation with just about anyone. The memories she created and the love she shared will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

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John Sanders McIntosh

John Sanders McIntosh, 58, of Benton, AR passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones on June 13th, 2026 to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born September 21st, 1967, in Little Rock, Arkansas, he was the son of Sandra Branton and the late John McIntosh.

John was a 1986 graduate of Bryant High School. He continued his education to graduate with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from UAMS in 1994 and for over 30 years served his community with care and dedication as a pharmacist, with the last 24 of those years at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. John was an exceptional man with a remarkably kind soul and a deeply charitable heart. He lived his life with a gentle strength, guided by his faith and fierce love for Jesus Christ.

Anyone who knew John can attest to his love of God, good food (especially BBQ) fast cars, fun concerts, traveling, and lord, that man loved a good coupon! John and Brandi shared so many beautiful memories and love over their 24 yr marriage. John cherished his entire family and loved his daughter, Kara Lynn, with all his heart. John will be forever missed, remembered, and cherished for his love and laughter, along with his legacy of kindness and faith.

John is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, EC and Martha Shelby, and paternal grandparents, Milton and Clevie Branton.

John is survived by his wife Brandi McIntosh of Benton, AR; daughter Kara (Sawyer) Burgener of Benton, AR ; parents Sandra and Herman Branton of North Little Rock, AR; in-laws Gary and Judy Reid of Hot Springs, AR; brother-in-law, Mike (Brenda) Pickett of Hot Springs, AR; and best friend David (Melissa) McQueen of Lakeland, FL.

John is also survived and loved by a host of extended family and friends, and we can’t forget his cherished pets: Shiloh, Honey, and Stella.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at Roller Alcoa Funeral Home on Thursday June 18, 2026 from 5:00-8:00pm. This will be a time for all who loved John to gather to share stories and honor his life. Light refreshments will be provided.

Honorary pallbearers are Brad Swanson, Colby Maness, David McQueen, Gary Reid, Herman Branton, Mike Pickett, and Sawyer Burgener. A special thank you goes out to the Arkansas Hospice Team for their love and caring support, specially Paula Williams. Flowers, memorials, or cards may be sent to Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home or to the family home in Benton, AR.

 

Judge Gary Richard Shelton, JD

Judge Gary Richard Shelton, JD of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026, peaceful in his home, at the age of 78. Born on June 17, 1947, in Batesville, Arkansas, he was the son of Glenn Ray Shelton and Polly Pankey Shelton. He grew up in Batesville, Arkansas, and graduated from high school in 1965.

A distinguished jurist, Judge Shelton earned his bachelor’s degree from Arkansas College (now Lyon College) in 1970 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 1974. He was a proud member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He began his legal career as a law clerk to a presiding justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court in Little Rock and passed the bar in 1974. He went on to serve with honor and distinction on the bench. He was a Justice/Administrative Law Judge for the Arkansas Workers’ Compensation (1975-1995). He was appointed as an Administrative Law Judge for the Social Security Administration’s Office of Hearings and Appeals in Arkansas (1995). He retired in 2015. Known for his integrity, fairness, and deep commitment to justice, he dedicated his professional life to upholding the rule of law and serving the people of Arkansas.

Outside the courtroom, he enjoyed duck hunting, dove hunting, and deer hunting. He had a great love for fishing for crappie and trout. He was an avid Razorback fan.

He married Angie Jones on January 19, 1980, and this year they celebrated their 46th anniversary. He and his wife, Angie, enjoyed owning Thoroughbred racehorses and traveling to watch them run. They also enjoyed spending time at their tree farm in the mountains of Izard County.

He is survived by his wife, Angie Jones Shelton; his brother, Dr. Bill Shelton and wife Becky of Batesville, Arkansas; sister-in-law Charlotte McKiever; sister-in-law Sissy Jones; brother-in-law Cris Jones and wife Eleanor; sister-in-law Nancy Jones; and a host of nieces and nephews; and his fur babies, the Dude and Jill. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life will be announce at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, Ducks Unlimited, and Out of the Woods Animal Rescue of Little Rock.

Judge Shelton’s legacy of service, fairness, and leadership will continue to inspire future generations of legal professionals and all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the Arkansas community.

The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice and BrightStar Care for their wonderful services and support over the past few months.

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