William Halcom

1927 - 2013

William A. "Bill" Halcom, 85

William A. "Bill" Halcom, 85, a former Jonesboro resident, died Monday, February 11, 2013. Bill had currently lived in Wentzville, MO. He was born April 2, 1927 in Lawrence County, Lesterville community to the late Earl and Sylvia Halcom.

Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years, Erlene Manning Halcom, 2 children, Rhonda (Kevin) Dickherber of Wentzville, MO; Clint (Maria) Halcom of Jonesboro. 4 grandchildren, David Halcom, Steven and Jordan Dickherber, Marissa (Logan) Brown; two step-grandchildren and five step great grandchildren. He is also survived by Kathy Barnett and Lisa Watkins who were like children to him.

Bill enlisted in World War II, where he served in the US Army, 6th Infantry Tank Destroyer Division in the Forgotten Theater, China, Burma and India.

He was a machinist at General Motors in Pontiac, MI and Crane Company in Jonesboro, AR. He also worked for Jonesboro Acoustical Tile and retired from ASU in 1986. But his life work was with Jonesboro Scout Troop 1 (sponsored by the police department) where he was the Scout Master. His scouts meant the world to him and he acted as a father and role model. He believed in them and helped guide them with kindness, wisdom and knowledge. During his tenure, six of the Troop 1 scouts achieved the rank of Eagle. One of the happiest moments of his life came thirty years later when all of his scouts held a reunion for the man who made such an impact on their lives-Bill Halcom.

Bill found strength in his personal relationship with his Lord, Jesus Christ, to bear and withstand the trials and tribulations of his life without complaint through his final moments. He was "tough as a boot"and fought and withstood countless illnesses in the past years of his life.

Bill never had an enemy; all wished him well because he wished the same for everyone else. He found the best in every man, woman, and child and worked to help them realize their full potential. Bill was a man of service, constantly drawn to putting others before himself. A more selfess, loving and wise man cannot be found.

Services will be Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 1:00 pm at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Nevin Gnagey officiating. Burial will follow at Nettleton Cemetery with Emerson Funeral Home in charge.

Pallbearers will be former Troop 1 Scouts; Greg Cole, Rick Mellow, Mark Miller, Kevin Miller, Willie Correa, Billy Snider, Shannon Hilliard and Tim Richards. All former Troop 1 scouts will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.

Visitation will be Friday, February 15, 2013 at Emerson Memorial Chapel from 6-8 pm.

Donations can be made to The Kidney Foundation:10803 Olive Blvd Ste 200,

St. Louis, MO. 63141

1818 N. Taylor St. Ste 186, Little Rock, AR. 72207 or to

The NEA Humane Society, 6011 E. Highland Dr. Jonesboro, AR

www.emersonfuneralhome.com