Obituaries

Randy Foster, age 66, died on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at his home. He was born on Thursday, June 6, 1957, to Andrew Clifton and Velma Ree Foster in Fort Worth, Texas.

A man of many talents, Randy was known for his knowledge, precision, and methodical nature. He approached life with the patience of a hunter, embodying his confident spirit and love for the chase. Randy served proudly in the United States Air Force working as a Security Specialist, guarding many high security nuclear areas and equipment. He worked for the Road Department for 17 years before retiring to spend more time at home.

From a young age, Randy developed an appreciation for venison and the music of the 70’s, with “Stairway to Heaven” being a consistent favorite. He had a particular fondness for old Western movies. Dallas Cowboys was his favorite sports team, and in his downtime, he loved playing games of dominoes and spades.

Described as a perfectionist, Randy had hands skilled in creating and fixing. He enjoyed the art of gunsmithing, restoring old guns to their former glory. Additionally, he enjoyed playing golf, and was an excellent craftsman who had a knack for fixing anything he could get his hands on.

Randy’s love for the outdoors was unmistakable. Avidly hunting and spending long hours in his favorite deer stand was a cherished pastime. He found peace and tranquility at Lake Ouachita, a favorite vacation spot where he loved scuba diving with his beloved wife, Regina.

Known to his co-workers as “The Professor”, Randy earned this nickname due to his vast knowledge spanning across a multitude of subjects. He was always willing to share his wisdom, providing insightful lessons and answers. His accomplishments are numerous, including several stock car racing trophies and playing the guitar, entirely selftaught.

His legacy is one of passion and mentorship, as he spent countless hours teaching his nephew, Jim Smith, and others the fine art of hunting and the importance of quality craftsmanship. He cherished his childhood memories with his best friend, Gary Vaught, and later had the joy of introducing Gary to his wife. Randy’s life was enriched with stories and laughter, and he shared both generously.

A jack of all trades, Randy Foster’s greatest achievement was the love and respect he gained from all who had the privilege to know him. His profound wisdom and love for life will continue to inspire and guide us. He will be remembered for his resilience, and the countless lives he has touched.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Gaylon Lee; and one sister, Bonnie Lee.

Randy is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Regina Foster of Mena; one son, Tony Paul Foster of Hatfield; one brother and sisterin-law, Andy and Kelly Foster of Mena; one sister and brother-inlaw, Pam and David Miller of Mena; very good friends, Tim and Wendy Davis of Lowell, Arkansas, Christy and Brian Barton of Fayetteville, and Larry and Catherine Miller of Mena; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Richard C. Olmstead

Mr. Richard C. Olmstead, age 81, passed from this life on Saturday, September 9, 2023, in Mena, Arkansas. He entered this life September 13, 1941, in Hampton, Iowa.

Richard was a telemetry operator by profession, working for the United States Air Force and working to protect his country by tracking military satellites and missiles. Mr. Olmstead took an interest in trains and sailing. He was also a member of the Eastern Star Lodge #22 and a member of the Masonic Lodge in California and the Masonic Lodge in Ohio #711.

Mr. Olmstead was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James “Jim” Olmstead; and by his stepson, David Cooke. He is survived by his loving wife, Judith Olmstead; son, Ty Olmstead and wife Shawn; daughter, Dawn Ciferno and husband Tom; stepson, Robert Young; stepdaughters; Denise Lee, Diane

Townley; grandchildren, Reana Olmstead, Brielle Olmstead, Samantha Skidmore and husband Branson, Tommy Ciferno, Audrey Ciferno, Dom Ciferno, Lilliana Ciferno, Olivia Ciferno; step grandchildren, William Ritchie, Jaime Levine, David Cooke III, Zachary Cooke, Bryan Harris, Brooke Harris, Katie Young, Ryan Young; step great-grandchildren, David Ritchie, William Ritchie, Addison Levine, Mason Levine, Paisley Young, Journey Young; brother, Steve Olmstead; as well as by a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends too numerous to mention.

Cremation services for Mr. Olmstead are entrusted to Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. There will be a service announced at a later time.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Farm Bureau requested 4-H members volunteer their time on Monday evening to help serve Farm Bureau members throughout the duration of their annual Farm Bureau Banquet and lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Twenty-eight 4-H members served brisket and the fixin’ to upwards of 70 people. Members were able to give back to their community and fulfill the 4-H motto of ‘learning by doing.’

(Ariel Varner/Pulse)

Mena Elks Lodge No. 781 held its annual BBQ cook-off Saturday, Sept. 9. Local teams and teams from across the state participated. Meats judged were brisket, ribs and chicken. Jonesboro Elks took first place in brisket while a local team composed of Torren Turbyfill, Steve Simmons, John Titsworth and Christy Titsworth was named overall grand champion by placing third in brisket and first in ribs and chicken.

(Photo courtesy of Elks Lodge)