Joseph E. O’Bannon, Jr., 79, of Bella Vista, Arkansas died Saturday, October 31, 2009 at Mercy Medical Center in Rogers, Arkansas. He was born on February 6, 1930 in Las Cruces, New Mexico to Joseph Edwin O’Bannon, Sr. and Buelah Melinda Hahn O’Bannon. He served in the United States Air Force. He worked for Santa Fe Railroad for 41 years (from June 6, 1944 until August 15, 1958), beginning at the age of 14 as a Telegrapher and ended his career as Vice President of Treasury Department. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Bentonville, a lifetime member of Royal ARCH Masons, Eastern Star of Whitter, York Rite, Scottish Rite, Shriner, 32nd degree Mason, Bentonville Noon Lions, B.V. American Legion Post #341, Eastern Star Bentonville #295 & Lodge. He was involved in Walk to Emmaus and Diabetic Awareness.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 1st wife, Mary Pearl and one brother, Bob.
He is survived by his wife, Patty of Bella Vista, Arkansas; two sons, Michael O’Bannon and wife, Brenda of Bakersfield, California, Jim O’Bannon and wife, Mary Beth of Foot Hill Ranch, California; two daughters, Mary Arthen Donovan and husband Tim of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Lindy O’Bannon of Bakersfield, California; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Pat Dean and husband,Thurman, Gatesville, Texas and Judy Rodieck of California.
Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. with a Masonic Service at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at the Bella Vista Funeral Home Chapel, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Arkansas. Funeral Services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church, Bentonville, Arkansas. Burial will be in the Bella Vista Cemetery with Military Honors by the Bella Vista Honors Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Bentonville, Arkansas and the Emmaus Walk or Diabetic Awareness.
On-line condolence may be made at www.funeralmation.com
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