John William Ewing

John William Ewing, 81, of Alma, Arkansas passed away on January 26, 2021 in his home, surrounded by his children. He was born February 10, 1939 in Bonnerdale, AR to the late Roy and Dora Ewing. He received his Bachelors in Education from Henderson State University, received his Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He married the love of his life, Carlene Johanna Schmoll, on February 17, 1973. They were married for 42 years, before she preceded him in death in 2015. They raised three children together and had six amazing grandchildren. He retired after 41 years of service in both the Alma and Charleston School Districts, as an elementary school principal. He dedicated his entire life to bettering the world through education. His love and passion to better the world through education was admired not only by friends and family, but also by all who had the privilege to know him. John was known for his kind and compassionate spirit. He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Van Buren. Funeral services will be Friday, January 29, with a rosary beginning at 1:30pm, and a mass at 2:00pm, held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Fort Smith, AR with interment in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Charleston, AR, under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home of Alma.
Preceded in death by his wife, Carlene Ewing of Alma; father and mother, Roy and Dora Ewing; one brother, Duane Ewing of Bonnerdale, AR. Survivors include his two daughters, Erica Walters and husband, Jason, of Mountainburg, AR, and Deidre Underhill and husband, Jason of Alma; one son, Barret Ewing and wife, Amanda of Alma; one brother, Gwen Ewing and wife, Betty of Charleston, AR; one sister-in-law, Janice Ewing of Bonnerdale, AR; six grandchildren, Rhett, Woodson, and Knox Underhill, Gabriel Walters, and John Welles and Lennie Ewing; and many loving nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made at https://www.newstartforfamilies.com/donate/.
The service will be live streamed at https://www.facebook.com/CTKCatholicParishFS/, and the service will be radio broadcasted to the parking lot of Christ the King.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times Record from Jan. 27 to Jan. 29, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for John Ewing

Sponsored by Ocker Funeral Home of Alma.

15 Entries

Janie Ford

January 21, 2025

One of the finest people God ever put in my life. He was my principal and friend.

Janie Ford

January 21, 2024

One of the finest people I have ever known! So thankful I got my first teaching job with him as my principal. Kind, thoughtful, knowledgeable, supportive, caring, fun, always positive, and ready to help. Will always hold him in high esteem.

Richard Schrieken

February 10, 2021

I was very saddened to here of john's passing. I send my condolences to all of the family and friends of John. I will always fondly remember how kind he was to us and how he went out my his way to make my summer visits to Bonnerdale, when I was a youngster, very special. I will never forget John going out of his way on many occasion to make a little kid so happy by taking me to the Mazarn to go swimming, and help me learn how to swim.

RIP, John.

John, thank you

Cindy Wofford

January 29, 2021

I was so fortunate to have worked with Mr. Ewing at AIS and worshiping with him, Carlene and their children at St. Michael’s Church in Van Buren. Mr. Ewing was such a amazing, kind gentleman. He was such a optimistic, joyful, thoughtful principal and friend. I worked with him at AIS from 1993 until he retired. Mr. Ewing loved our students and respected all the faculty. His door was always open and he was happy to visit whether it was school related or talking about family. Working with Mr. Ewing was such a privilege.
I am extending my sympathy, love, and hugs to Mr. Ewing’s children Erica, Deidre, Barrett, their spouses, his grandchildren, additional family and friends. Mr. and Mrs. Ewing made a difference in the lives of so many people in our communities.

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Janie Ford

January 28, 2021

I began my teaching career in Charleston. John was my principal and friend. He was a wonderful person to know and work for. He was one of the kindest and most understanding people I have ever known. All who knew him loved him. I am so thankful for his influence in my life.

Becky James

January 28, 2021

I had the privilege to know Mr. Ewing as my elementary principal and one of my best friend's (Erica) dad. He was always so soft-spoken and kind. He was loved by students as well as faculty. During college, I did my student teaching at the Intermediate School and later substituted there. Mr. Ewing was there which was comforting because I knew that I could go to him if needed and he would be willing to listen and give advice. He and Mrs. Ewing were very influential in so many student's lives and they will be remembered so very fondly. I feel so lucky to have known them. Comfort and prayers to Erica, Barret and Deidra and families.

Leslie Posey-Fleming

January 28, 2021

Mr. Ewing as we called him in elementary school, was a kind and compassionate principal. I have great respect for him and I know his family will miss him so very much. Prayers for comfort and peace for his loved ones.

Angela Raley

January 28, 2021

Erika, Deidra, and Barret, so sorry to hear of your fathers passing. Rest in the assurance that he is celebrating being with your lovely mother. Hold tight to each other in Christ’s love. He was a wonderful man and has beautiful children and grandchildren as his legacy. Love and blessings to your family.

Pat Whorton

January 27, 2021

What an honor it was to work side-by-side with Mr. Ewing for five wonderful years! He was truly an educator at heart!! He loved kids and always knew just the right words and tone to use to make a student feel better regardless the situation.
I once had a parent tell me “ there is God, and right under him is Mr. Ewing”!❤ You know, she was not wrong. He was a very kind, gentle man and loved to make the world a better place.
I cannot express my appreciation to him for teaching me the ropes of being an Administrator. He was one of the very best!
I was fortunate to work with both he and Mrs. Ewing at Alma. They were a beautiful couple who dedicated their lives to not only their children, but to the lives of hundreds of children at both Charleston and Alma.
My heart goes out to Barrett, Deidre and Erica and their families. Praying for your comfort! ❤

Sandra McClure

January 27, 2021

Mr Ewing was such a great person and educator. He was always so encouraging to me as an art educator in Alma. I was fortunate to teach with his wife Carlene for many years. My condolences and prayers go to the family.. Blessings and you should be very proud to have such a wonderful dad who was an outstanding educator.

Katrina Herriage

January 27, 2021

Mr Ewing or as I called him “Ericas dad” was always so nice. He always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He was so kind to everyone he met. I remember he would come to the Primary school to help Erica work on her classroom. Erica was blessed with two wonderful parents that have been taken way to early. Prayers for the family

Deronda Smith

January 27, 2021

Mr. Ewing was my principal at Alma Intermediate School from 1998 until his retirement. I loved that man from the first time I met him and knew that my time working under him would be a positive experience. He was always there with an open door to listen and give advice. He served the Alma community with a pure and simple, loving heart. I had my first child the first year that I was there and when getting my room ready in the following years, he would come to my room, get Bryan, and walk around with him so I could work (6 yrs later Bryan would be in Erica Ewing’s kindergarten class). They have blessed my family and I couldn’t be more grateful. I can just imagine his big smile while seeing God’s open arms there to welcome him home! He was just THE BEST!

Carl and Rosemary Underwood

January 27, 2021

Carl and I fondly remember John and Carlene in Charleston Schools. They leave a legacy of love for education that they instilled in their students. Their smiles said it all. Praying for the family.

Kathryn Kiene Brickey

January 27, 2021

My sympathies to the family .
Well loved in Charleston even after all these years of him and Carlene being in Alma

Darian Layes

January 27, 2021

John was a true friend to me for many years. I always smile when I think of taking to him about anything and getting him amused as he laughed with his whole being when he laughed.
All my prayers and hope for his children. I wish you peace and will keep you in my prayers.
I'll miss his presence in my life and I'll keep my memories.

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