- Date Of Death: July 2, 2015
- State: Arkansas
Herbert Kenneth Bodell January 28, 1925 – July 2, 2015
Herbert Kenneth Bodell, 90, of Heber Springs, was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 2, following a brief battle with cancer. A believer in Christ, beloved father, grandfather, uncle and friend, Herbert will be missed by many and remembered for his love of dancing, his famous fish fries and his servant’s heart. Until cancer became a part of his story this past spring, Herbert defied his age and personified aging well – dancing 3 to 4 nights a week.
An avid outdoorsman, Herbert grew up duck hunting, deer hunting and fishing and continued participating in these activities well into his 80s. After retiring as a residential painting contractor, Herbert could also be found in the kitchen baking cookies, smoking a brisket on his patio or helping a friend with a home repair.
He was born to Bernard K. and Lillie M. Bodell, on January 28, 1925, in Weiner, AR.
On July 5, 1947 Herbert married Betty Jo Rorex also of Weiner and moved to Jonesboro, AR. Herbert served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Blue during the Korean War.
The work ethic for which he was known started at an early age. Following the death of his father at age 7 during The Depression, much of his childhood was spent working on farms near Weiner. He worked at Frolic Footwear for 14 years before starting a painting business in 1974. He was a longtime member of Strawfloor Baptist Church in Jonesboro.
In 1991, he retired and moved to Heber Springs. Herbert was preceded in death by his wife Betty of 56 years in 2003, his oldest son Bernard Kim who passed away in 2004, and his sister Estelle Barnes of Maryland.
He is survived by his son Scott, his wife Sylvia, and his two grandsons, Cameron and Carter, all of Dallas; his daughter-in-law Tricia Bodell of Virginia; and 10 nieces and nephews. Herbert is also survived by his best friend, dance partner, and second love of his life Lois Adcock of Heber Springs, and her extended family.
