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Danny Wayne Turner
Danny Wayne Turner, born August 16, 1958, in Batesville, Arkansas, went home to be with the Lord on August 13, 2026.
Dan was a man of deep faith who gave all the glory to God. He was grateful for God’s presence in his life, for His mercy, and for answering his prayers as he faced many challenges throughout his life, especially during the last few years as he battled serious health challenges.
Dan lived each day with purpose and gratitude. He was the definition of tough—tough as nails, determined, and never one to back down from a challenge. He always found a way to get things done. He could be a real hard-ass when he needed to be, but underneath that toughness was a man with a huge heart who loved his family deeply. He also loved the guys he worked with and formed friendships that lasted throughout his life.
Dan was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Alta Lee Cooper Turner; his father, Jess Ray Turner; his wife, Lana Turner; his sister, Brenda Witham; and his brothers-in-law, Gary Southerland and Mel Wiedeman.
Dan’s legacy will live on through his son, Aaron Turner and his wife Amanda; daughter, Erica Taylor; sisters, Mary Wiedeman and Juanita Southerland; brothers, Don Turner (Shelia), Dennis Turner (Janet), and Dale Turner; and his cherished grandchildren, Avery Jones, Madi Grace Turner, Presley Capshaw, Palmer Capshaw, and Paitynn Capshaw. He also leaves behind his beloved great-grandchildren, Remi Kate and River, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other family members whom he loved dearly and thought the world of.
A Love for the Outdoors
Dan absolutely loved being outdoors. Hunting deer and turkey wasn’t simply something he enjoyed—it was his true passion. Some of his most treasured memories were made in the woods with his son, brothers, family, and friends.
Hunting and camping at the “bus” with his family brought him an incredible amount of happiness over the years. He looked forward to the weekends when he could meet his brothers at the bus, sit around, tell stories, hunt, and simply enjoy being together.
Dan and his son shared a special bond as hunting buddies. Those days in the woods, the stories, the laughs, and the memories they made together will be cherished forever. For Dan, hunting was never just about the hunt. It was about the people he loved and the memories made along the way.
A Life of Hard Work
Dan began his professional career as a plumber, where he made many friends along the way. He worked alongside his brother Dale for years and eventually became a heavy equipment operator while still plumbing. Before long, he realized he enjoyed being on a piece of equipment much more than being down in the ditches.
That realization led Dan into the excavating business, which ultimately became his true calling. Throughout his career, he made lifelong friends and earned the respect of the people he worked alongside.
The last few years of Dan’s working life were spent with Barker Excavating, and that chapter of his career became one of the greatest blessings of his life. Roger and Jason took care of Dan during some of the most vulnerable and difficult times of his life. Their friendship, kindness, and willingness to be there for him when he needed it most meant more than words can express. The family will always be grateful for the way they cared for Dan.
Family Was Everything
Dan was one of seven siblings, and family meant everything to him.
He thought the world of his mother and looked up to her tremendously. She taught him the value of hard work, perseverance, and never giving up. She showed him what it meant to be strong, and those lessons stayed with him throughout his entire life.
Dan loved going to see his sisters because he knew, without a doubt, he was going to eat well. His sisters helped care for him from an early age and were, in many ways, like having a second mother. That bond remained special throughout his life.
His brothers made sure he was tough enough to make it through life, and later, those brothers became some of his closest hunting buddies. Many of Dan’s happiest and most cherished memories came from hunting with his brothers. He couldn’t wait for the weekends to arrive so he could meet them at the bus and spend time doing what he loved most—with the people he loved most.
Dan leaves behind a lifetime of memories, stories, laughter, hard work, and love. His tough exterior, stubborn determination, quick wit, strong faith, and enormous heart will never be forgotten.
Visitation and Celebration of Life
Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Ashby’s Funeral Home in Benton, Arkansas, with a celebration of Dan’s life beginning at 11:00 a.m.
The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to everyone who has been a part of Dan’s life—through friendship, love, support, or care.
The family would especially like to thank Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute and everyone at UAMS who provided Dan with such compassionate and exceptional care.
Dan will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him. While our hearts are broken by his passing, we find peace in knowing that he is no longer suffering. He fought hard, he never gave up, and he has now received the ultimate healing.
He is home, healed, and rejoicing in the arms of Jesus for all of eternity.
And for those of us who were lucky enough to call him Dad, Papaw, brother, uncle, friend, or hunting buddy—we will carry his memory with us until we see him again.
Velia Pichel Caplinger
Velia Pichel Caplinger, 85, of Benton, AR, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
Velia was born on April 28, 1941, in Gary, IN, to Adolfo and Peregrina Pichel, both Spanish immigrants. She grew up the youngest of 3, the Pichel girls. Deeply rooted in her Spanish heritage, Vel grew up bilingual and spent much of her formative years learning customs from the Spanish population in her community. She was fiercely proud of her Spanish heritage.
She graduated from Calumet High School, where she met her forever love, “Eddie,” on the first day of 10th grade in Ms. Elsie Waldron’s Homeroom.
She went on to obtain her Diploma in Registered Nursing, and in 1975, after moving with her family to Arkansas, she began working for Pulaski County Special School District as a School Nurse. It was there that she found her niche. She was not just a school nurse, she was everyone’s nurse.
Above all Vel was a devoted wife, loving mother, mimi and great grandmother. She was simply the Best!
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Elisa Pichel Vonderhaar.
She is survived by her husband Ralph Edward “Ed” Caplinger; daughter Elisa Caplinger Mosley (Gary); son David Caplinger (Shannon); grandsons Nick Thompson (Leighsa), Chase Caplinger, Zachary Caplinger; and Great Grandson Kaige Thompson. Bonus Great Grandchildren Ethan and Lindsey Williams. Sister Carmen Fauner (Jim), Sister-in-law Donna Graves (Larry), and many extended family members, friends, coworkers, and students whose lives she touched.
Our Mimi not only lit up a room with her smile, she filled our hearts with joy and loved us beyond measure.
Visitation will be held from 5:00–7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, located at 322 N. Market St., Benton, Arkansas. A special Nurse Honor Guard Tribute will be held at 6:00 p.m.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Pinecrest Memorial Park, 7401 Hwy 5 N, Alexander, AR 72002.
We would like to thank Hospice Home Care for the wonderful way in which they cared for our Mimi and our entire family. Special thanks to Kristi Pelle and Margo Peach.
Thank you all for loving us!
Daniel “Danny” F. Nichols
Daniel “Danny” F. Nichols, 72, of East End, Arkansas, passed away August 15, 2026. He was born April 5, 1954, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Charles “Pete” Nichols and Eva (Dotson) Nichols.
Danny was a hardworking man who spent many years doing something he truly enjoyed—working as an automotive mechanic. He had a natural talent for working with his hands and could often be found under the hood of a car. He especially enjoyed building motors for antique cars and appreciated the time, patience, and skill it took to bring an old engine back to life. Danny also enjoyed building dirt track race cars with his son in the family shop and attending the races to see how their hard work payed off.
A private and quiet man by nature, Danny was happiest enjoying the simple things in life. He loved going to the family farm, where he enjoyed fishing with his son-in-law, James. At home, he could often be found watching Judge Judy, Bonanza, or Gunsmoke. He affectionately referred to his Westerns as his “Pow Pow” shows, a phrase that will surely bring a smile to those who knew him best.
Danny also had a very special place in his heart for his fur baby, Lilly. He adored her and was always happy to “babysit” her, enjoying the companionship and unconditional love that only a beloved pet can bring.
For 55 years, Danny shared his life with his wife, Sharon. Together, they built a life filled with years of memories, raised their family, and watched that family grow to include grandchildren. While Danny may not have been a man of many words, his presence was steady and familiar, and the little things that made him uniquely Danny will be deeply missed.
Danny was preceded in death by his father, Charles “Pete” Nichols; mother, Eva (Dotson) Nichols; and sisters, Ruby, Lillian, Betty, Carolyn, and Alice.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 55 years, Sharon (Ellis) Nichols; son, Daniel F. Nichols and wife Leigh; daughter, Jennie Nichols Spangler and husband James; grandchildren, Hayli Nichols, Carter Nichols, and Morgan Spangler; great-grandchildren: Waylon, Haystin, and Hattli; brother, Charles David Nichols and wife Susie; sister, Shirley Warner; his beloved Lilly; and many extended family members and friends who loved Danny and will miss him always.
Danny will be remembered in so many familiar ways—in the sound of an old motor coming to life, a quiet afternoon spent fishing at the farm, a favorite Western playing on television, and a beloved dog curled up beside someone who adored her. His was a simple life, quietly lived, and the memories he leaves behind will remain with those who knew and loved him.
Delores Ann (Wilmoth) Vaughn
Delores Ann (Wilmoth) Vaughn, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on August 16, 2026, at the age of 76.
Delores was a Christian whose faith was reflected in the way she lived her life. She was, above all else, a caregiver. She had a heart for people and was always looking out for others, often putting their needs before her own. She gave of herself freely and loved deeply, leaving an imprint on the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Delores married her high school sweetheart, Michael Vaughn, and they shared 58 years of marriage together. She was a loving mother to her son, Steven Vaughn, daughter-in-law, Dawn, and grandson, Tucker Vaughn. Delores and Steven shared a very close bond, and their relationship was a special source of joy throughout her life. Her family was her greatest love, and she treasured the time they spent together.
Delores worked for Jacuzzi Bros. for 20 years and later for Leisure Arts for 5 years. Outside of work, she enjoyed crafting, visiting flea markets, reading, and caring for her plants and flowers. She found joy in simple things and had a way of making those around her feel cared for and loved.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dewell (Bood) and Betty Wilmoth; brothers, Larry Wilmoth and Kenneth Wilmoth; and sisters, Brenda Poston and Linda Hope.
Delores leaves behind her husband, Michael; son Steven and wife Dawn; grandson Tucker; siblings Barbara Johnson and husband Clotis (CJ), Tommy Wilmoth, and Danny Wilmoth and wife Debbie; and a host of nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Delores will be remembered for her kindness and selflessness. She spent her life caring for others and putting them first. She will be deeply missed and forever loved. Now she can rest in the arms of the Lord.
Services held at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, Thursday, August 20 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 PM, followed by Memorial service, officiated by Jonathan Storment and Clotus “CJ” Johnson, at 2:00 PM.
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Tommy Dean Strickland
Tommy Dean Strickland passed away on Monday, August 10, 2026, at his home in Benton, Arkansas.
He was humble, honest, and generous.
Tommy is survived by his wife of 40 years, Anita Notto Strickland; children: David, Madeline (Aaron), and Cassy; grandchildren: Aubree, Eli, Logan, Landon, Michael, Joseph, Nicholas, and Eleanor.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester Fay Strickland and Mary Bounds Strickland; sister, Margaret “Sissy” Tolber; and brother, Mike Strickland of Helena AR.
Visitation held from 5:00-7:00 PM on Thursday, August 20th, and funeral is Friday, August 21st, at 9:00 AM, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton AR. Burial with military honors will follow at Noon at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers please donate in his honor to the American Red Cross.
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