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Billy Gene Coker
Billy Gene Coker, 89, of Perryville, passed away peacefully in his home on August 11, surrounded by the life and love he built over nearly nine decades.
Born in Conway, Billy was the son of Alvis Coker and Amy Gunter (née Heffington). He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bobby Coker, James Mahan, Larry Mahan, and Sandy Coker; and sisters, Alva Dean Coker, Carolyn Nagel, and Linda Coker.
Billy was the beloved partner of Debbie Tate for 36 years and a devoted father to Caryn Burge and her husband, Jason, and Danny Coker and his wife, Tonya. He was a proud grandfather to Sara Coker, Jenna Coker, Jayme Denker, and Kaila Collins, and a loving great-grandfather to Reed Collins.
Billy loved his family deeply and found joy in the simple things in life. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing, spending time with the people he loved, and, of course, tossing back a few “cold ones.”
Those who knew Billy will remember the life he lived, the stories he shared, and the love he had for his family. After 89 years, he leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will continue to be told, laughed about, and cherished by those who loved him most.
He will be deeply missed and forever loved.
Visitation will be 1:30 to 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 14 at Ashby Funeral Home with his Celebration of Life to begin at 2:00 p.m.
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Yvonne Lynn Martin-Caple
Yvonne Lynn Martin-Caple, 63, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away August 11, 2026. She was born February 16, 1963, in Charleston, South Carolina, to Emory L. Martin, Sr. and Hazel (Hobby) Martin.
Yvonne worked for many years in food service at the Arkansas Health Center. She was an incredible baker, and those who knew her best were fortunate enough to enjoy the sweet treats she made with her special ingredient, love. Her family especially looked forward to her Neiman Marcus brownies, fudge, dirt cake, and no-bake cookies. Whatever she made, it was always better because it came from Yvonne’s kitchen.
Anyone who stepped inside Yvonne’s home quickly discovered another thing she loved—angels. Her family often gave them to her as gifts, and over the years, she collected enough to have them displayed throughout her home. Each one was special, and together they became a beautiful reflection of something that brought her great joy.
Yvonne also had a love for flowers and plants and enjoyed spending time outdoors. She liked camping, although her version of camping was definitely more “glamping”—and air conditioning was not optional! She appreciated the beauty of the outdoors while still enjoying the comforts of home.
Above all, Yvonne treasured her family. Holidays, birthdays, and family gatherings were some of her favorite times because they meant being surrounded by the people she loved. She found happiness in the simple things—something sweet from the kitchen, beautiful flowers, time outside, and a house filled with family.
Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents, Emory L. Martin, Sr. and Hazel (Hobby) Martin; brother, Gary L. Martin; and two nephews.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband of 38 years, Dennis Caple; sons, Jeffery Caple and wife Rebekah, and Jody Caple; sisters, Debra Stephens and husband Kevin, and Teresa Witham and husband Lance; brothers, Emory L. Martin, Jr. and wife Diana, Richard Martin and wife Nicole, Michael Martin, Jason Martin and wife Naomi, and Timothy Martin and wife Missy; 28 nieces and nephews; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; and many cousins, extended family members, and friends who loved Yvonne and will miss her always.
Visitation will be held from 5:00–7:00 PM, Monday, August 17, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street in Benton, Arkansas.
Funeral service, officiated by Bro. Kirby Caple, will be held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, August 18, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Burial will follow at McPherson Cemetery in Sardis, with Roger Fagan, Josh Holmes, Blake Narramore, Lance Witham, Phillip Koch, and Charles Caple assisting as pallbearers.
Yvonne leaves behind more than the things she loved and the treats everyone looked forward to—she leaves behind a lifetime of memories made with the people who mattered most to her. Her family will remember her in every gathering, every blooming flower, every favorite dessert, and perhaps even every camping trip made just a little more comfortable with some good air conditioning.
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