Rufus Stidman Jr.

JONESBORO - Rufus Stidman Jr., 92, of Jonesboro departed this life Friday, Oct. 14, 2022, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House. He was born Jan. 27, 1930, in Monette to the late Rufus Sr. and Mary Vannie Miller Stidman.

He was a graduate of Stanford High School in Greene County. After high school, he joined the United States Navy and served from 1949-53 during the Korean War. After his military service, he worked for the Atomic Energy Commission in the Marshall Islands testing the hydrogen bomb.

Before retiring, he worked for over 25 years as an insurance adjuster. He was a Christian and a proud member of the Valley View Church of Christ. He spent a lot of time with his friends and family, and especially enjoyed fishing, playing cards and watching the Cardinals play baseball.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Gloria Jean Futrell Stidman; sisters, Sammie Jo Johnson, BettyJean Barmer and Martha Jane Tyner; and brothers, Murray Stidman, Dale Stidman and Preston Stidman.

He is survived by his sons, Brent Stidman (Patty) and Jeff Stidman (Terry), both of Jonesboro; eight grandchildren, Jared Stidman, Jonathan Stidman, Jason Stidman, Hannah Curtis (Kenny), Sarah Freer (Wade), Adam Stidman (Grace), Lance Waters and Nathan Waters (Ash); and six great-grandchildren.

Visitation and funeral services were Monday at Emerson Memorial Chapel with David Gibson and Spencer Furby officiating. Burial was in Jonesboro Memorial Park.

Memorials can be made to Valley View Church of Christ, 4500 Southwest Drive, Jonesboro 72404; Truth for Today World Mission School, 2209 Benton Ave., Searcy 72143; or a charity of your choice.

Online registry: www. emersonfuneralhome.com