Vernus Franklin Despain

Mr. Vernus Franklin Despain, 75, of Lake City, Ark., died Monday, June 27, 2011, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, Ark. Born Jan. 30, 1936, in Trumann, Ark., he was the son of the late Charles and Mary Lairson Despain and had been a longtime area resident. Mr. Despain was a member and a deacon of the Bethabara Baptist Church in Lake City and was a brick mason. He enjoyed western movies and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Mrs. Dorothy Copeland Despain of the home; a son, Chris Lane Despain and wife April Lynn of Lake City; two daughters Redena Turner and husband Gene and Milissia Knight and husband Leonard, all of Lake City; a brother, Richard Despain and wife Shelby Jean of Lake City; a sister, Gladys Marie Murphy of Lake City; eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a host of other family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers, Althony, Cletus, Eugene, Lawrence and James Despain.

The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, at the Bethabara Baptist Church in Lake City with Pastor Larry Owens and Deacon Darin Owens officiating. Burial will follow in the Macey Cemetery with Faith Funeral Service of Manila, Ark., in charge of arrangements.

The family will receive visitors Tuesday, June 28, from 6-8 p.m. at the church.

Pallbearers will be Gene Turner, Charles Terrell, Leonard Knight, Heath Fields, David Short and Brendan Despain. Honorary pallbearers will be grandchildren and great-grandchildren.