Obituaries from Saline County Arkansas November 9th

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Andrew (Drew) David Bunten

Andrew (Drew) David Bunten, born December 11, 1954, in St. Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2026, surrounded by family after a long battle with Glioblastoma.

A resident of Saline County, Drew believed every person has a God-given talent, and his was working with children and serving others. In a local article, he shared, “Working with children came easy for me and children responded to me well. All I ever wanted to be was a teacher and find a better way to teach.”

Drew earned his Bachelor of Science degree in special education from the University of Central Arkansas and began his teaching career in the Pulaski County Special School District. After struggling to find good childcare for his two children, Drew opened The Learning Center (TLC) in 1984. TLC grew from one location to five centers across Saline County. Known to children and families as “Mr. Drew,” he touched thousands of young lives through his teaching and childcare work, creating cherished memories along the way.

Drew loved being active, whether running many miles each day, snow skiing, or hiking in the mountains. He coached his three children in baseball and basketball and started the soccer program that became the Bryant Soccer Club. He went on to coach the Bryant High School team, where both of his daughters played. His familiar words, “Don’t say you can’t,” captured the encouragement he offered along the way.

Drew also loved building furniture in his shop, fishing, snorkeling, cooking, and traveling.  He was always on the move, yet he approached life with a calm that those who knew him will remember.

Drew lived his faith by loving others well. From his teenage years onward, he put the needs of others before his own, offering his time, compassion, and practical help wherever he saw a need. Whether caring for children with special needs, supporting his family, or serving people too often overlooked, he treated each person with dignity and kindness. His family continues to hear stories of lives he touched, discovering that his generosity reached far beyond what they ever knew.

“Look, See, Do”—or “Looksidoo,” as he called it—was one of Drew’s nuggets of wisdom, and he lived by it. He saw people’s worth and responded with what he could offer: a meal, a warm blanket, wisdom, or a hug. To many, his love and compassion made him a second father. No matter the size of the need, Mr. Drew’s response was, “No problem. I’ll take care of it.”

He is survived by his wife, Leigh Angela Bunten; his children, Jas Keel (Stephanie), Laura Jackson (Farris), and Sarah Burres; and his grandchildren, Gabe Jackson, Madi Jackson, Katie Beth Jackson, Lynnleigh Jackson, Oliver Burres, and Sebastian Burres. He is also survived by his siblings, Bill Bunten (Naomi), Steve Bunten (Anita), Terri Guthrie (Jim), Helen Bunten, and Matt Bunten.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin Bunten and Elizabeth “Betty” Bunten, and his siblings, Dan Bunten and Eddie Bunten.

A celebration of Drew’s life will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at New Life Church Saline County, located at 4200 Highway 5 in Bryant, Arkansas. Visitation will be held before the service at 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Arkansas That God Sees and NLC Saline Missions Fund in honor of Drew’s lifelong commitment to serving others.

 

Robert Coleman Berry

Robert Coleman Berry, 86, of Alexander, Arkansas, passed away on November 5, 2026. He was born on April 16, 1940, in Bauxite, Arkansas, to the late Raymond and Dora (Bierman) Berry.

Robert was a man of strong faith, hardworking hands, and an adventurous spirit. He loved the Lord and was a founding member of Agape Country Church. His faith was an important part of his life, and he believed in serving others and making a difference wherever he could.

A gifted craftsman, Robert owned and operated Berry Cabinets, where he earned a reputation as one of the finest cabinet finishers in three states. His exceptional workmanship could be found in homes, businesses, libraries, schools, colleges, and churches throughout the region. Robert took great pride in his work, and his talent and attention to detail left a lasting mark on countless buildings and the people who enjoyed them.

Robert’s dedication to others extended well beyond his business. He was actively involved in his community, serving as a firefighter with the Lake Norrell Fire Department and as a member of the Salem Water Board Committee. Whether lending a helping hand, volunteering his time, or putting his skills to good use, Robert believed in being there when someone needed him.

To say Robert enjoyed the outdoors would be an understatement. He loved hunting, fishing, digging for arrowheads, exploring caves, kayaking, and working in his garden. But Robert wasn’t one to settle for an ordinary adventure. He enjoyed traveling, ran marathons, and even went bungee jumping! He had a remarkable zest for life, a fearless spirit, and a willingness to try just about anything. Robert believed life was meant to be lived, and he certainly made the most of his 86 years. He collected adventures, made memories, and had plenty of stories to tell along the way.

Above all, Robert leaves behind a legacy of faith, hard work, service, and a life lived to the fullest. His skilled hands built beautiful things, his generous heart served his community, and his adventurous spirit reminded those around him that there is always something new to discover. Though he will be deeply missed, the memories he made and the lives he touched will continue to tell his story for generations to come.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Berry; his parents, Raymond and Dora Berry; his siblings, an infant brother, Raymond Berry, Dale Berry, Rick Berry, and Linda Johnson; his sons-in-law, Stephen Salazar and Dwayne Cook; and his first wife, Linda McCutcheson-Berry.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his children, Pamala Salazar, Dana Cook-Berry, Robert Berry, Jr. and wife Kay , Joshua Berry, Stephen “Scott” Wright, Rhonda Roe and husband Paul, and Victoria Breeding; grandchildren, Halana, Pascha, Jaron, Chris, Tim, Joey, Heather, Isaac, Jacob, Luke, Joe, River, Gabby, Lauren, Bryce, Ben, Craig, Nicole, and Ashliegh; great-grandchildren, Noah, Ethan, Dreamy, Aiden, Gracie, Heaven, Lanie, Lily, Wren, Christian, Braylon, Michael, Brady, Dawson, J.B., and Teagan; great-great-grandchildren, Cohen, Ella, Weston, Hudson, and Keagan; brother, Larry Berry and wife Pat; special caregiver, Michelle Lowery; and a host of family members and friends who loved Robert and will miss him dearly.

Services will be held at Smith-Benton Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Visitation will be held from 12:30-1:30 PM, followed by the funeral service, officiated by Pastor Jeff Efird, at 1:30 PM. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park.

Serving as pallbearers will be his grandsons, Jaron, Bryce, River, Craig, Tim, and Noah, along with friends Chris Easter and Ronnie Forsythe.

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Jodie Rauch Watts

Jodie Rauch Watts, 69, of Benton, AR was welcomed to her eternal home by her Lord and Savior on November 6, 2026. She was born August 23, 1957, in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Rev. Irene Chavers Rauch and Fred Rauch.

She is survived by her husband of almost 50 years, Thomas “Tommy” E. Watts, Jr.; her close cousins, Rev. Frank (Jeana) Manguno, Jr. of Plaquemine, La., Emily Passman of Jacksonville, AR, Lorielle (Casey) Gutting, Esq. of Jacksonville, AR, Kristie (Russ) Hulsey of Little Rock, AR, Kristal (Brent) Cook of Little Rock, AR, Naomi Naquin of Little Rock, AR, Darian Darden of Benton, AR, and Christopher Darden, formerly of Benton, AR, and several others; and her church family, including special friends Tammy Renfroe and her sons, Eric, Caleb and Chad Renfroe, Betty Rouse, and Mike Comeaux and Susie Lambert.

Originally from the New Orleans and Loranger areas of Louisiana, Watts grew up in the church supporting her mother with the ministry, where she filled many roles throughout the years, primarily as pianist, vocalist, and youth leader, and taking over as pastor of Calvary Tabernacle in Benton, AR after her mother’s passing. She also was a real estate broker at Serenity Real Estate in Benton, AR, and was a licensed real estate agent in both Arkansas and Texas.

Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside Celebration of Life Service to be held at (time and date to be announced) at Briar Patch Cemetery in Loranger, LA. Her close cousin, Rev. Frank Manguno, Jr. of Plaquemine, LA will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made directly to help offset unexpected funeral and memorial expenses by contacting Smith-Benton Funeral Home at 501-778-7100.

 

Bobby Lee Cassady

Bobby Lee Cassady, 75, was welcomed into heaven on November 6, 2026. He was born on May 28, 1951, in Malvern, Arkansas, to Robert Lee and Margaret Farley Cassady.

Bobby proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He carried a quiet pride in his military service, though he was never one to seek recognition for it. Following his time in the Air Force, Bobby went on to work as an Information Technician for the State of Arkansas.

Bobby enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He also had a creative side and found joy in writing poems and songs and playing his guitar. He had a special love for animals and, above all, cherished his family. His faith was also important to him, and he attended The Way International Fellowship whenever his health allowed.

One of the special chapters of Bobby’s later years was the time he shared with his sister, Joyce. After both had lost their spouses, they began living together, sharing a home for the last nine years. Neither may have expected just how well they would get along, but over time, they became a wonderful source of companionship, comfort, and support for one another.

Bobby was preceded in death by his wife, Danita; his parents, Robert Lee and Margaret Farley Cassady; his sister, Janet Kay Davis; and his brother-in-law, Edward “Eddie” Davis.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, David Lee Cassady, Robert Franklin Cassady, and his adopted daughter, Staci “Michelle” Payne; several grandchildren; his sister, Joyce Breitenberg; nephews, Travis Davis and Barry (Michelle) Smoke; nieces, Beverly (Perry) Robinson and Melanie (Michael) Harokopakis; and his beloved fur baby, Angie. He will also be dearly missed by other close family members and friends whose lives he touched.

Bobby will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, his creative spirit, and the love he held for his family. The memories he leaves behind will be treasured by those who knew and loved him.

At the family’s request, they will gather privately to honor Bobby’s life and remember the many memories they shared.

The family would also like to extend a special thank you to the doctors and staff at the VA Hospital for their exceptional care during Bobby’s illness. In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choosing. 

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