Michael LeWayne Glenn

1946 - 2025

Michael LeWayne Glenn: A Builder of Lives, Dreams, and Laughter, age 78, of Harrison, Arkansas passed away Tuesday, October 28.

The world lost a true original, a master storyteller, and a dedicated builder of community with the passing of Michael "Mike" LeWayne Glenn, who was born on December 2, 1946, in Huntsville, Ala., to Ovaline Glenn and J.R. Barclift. Mike was known for his friendly, easy-to-talk-to nature and his great sense of humor. He left behind a profound legacy of love, faith, and teaching that will be cherished by all who were lucky enough to know him.

Mike spent his early childhood on a farm near Huntsville before moving to St. Joe, in the fourth grade, a move that quickly connected him to the lifelong friends he'd cultivate over the next several decades. A proud graduate of St. Joe High School in 1966, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. During his time in Vietnam, he was in Saigon during the pivotal Tet Offensive before being transferred to a base on the Mekong River.

A week after her high school graduation in 1969, Mike married the love of his life, Vicki. Their 56-year marriage began with a year in Virginia before the couple returned to Arkansas. They both earned degrees from Arkansas State University-Beebe and the University of Central Arkansas, laying the groundwork for a life dedicated to education.

Mike became the beloved and highly-regarded shop teacher after beginning his teaching career at Luxora High School in Arkansas, and then moving to Omaha High School in 1975. Known for his safety-driven and supportive teaching, he influenced decades of students, many of whom became lifelong friends. His shop program was second to none, with students showcasing their incredible craftsmanship-from roll-top desks to china cabinets-in the Harrison Mall and even the State Capitol Rotunda in Little Rock. Mike didn't just teach shop; he instilled life skills and a strong work ethic that his students utilized long after graduation, building a legacy of achievement and lasting relationships.

After retiring, Mike and Vicki embraced adventure, successfully visiting all 50 states and Canada, along with countless National Parks. An avid hunter, he took memorable trips to Colorado and spent countless hours in the fields and farms of friends and his own land. He never stopped building-constructing his own house, a cabin, countless fences and pens, and he restored a '57 Chevrolet. Mike was a dedicated farmer, raising cattle at his farm where he and his family enjoyed the creek and shooting range.

More important than wood or metal, however, was the close-knit group of family and friends Mike had. Everyone who met him had heard one of his many memorable stories; he loved talking and never missed a chance to catch up with an old friend. He was immensely proud of his family, especially his grandchildren, building them treehouses and campfires and an enduring framework of love.

Mike's life was deeply rooted in his faith. He was baptized in a creek with snow on the ground, and he was a lifelong believer who led his family and others to the Lord through the unwavering example of his love and dedication to God. He and Vicki taught Sunday School classes together at Eagle Heights Baptist Church, where Mike also served as a deacon.

Mike's life was one of farms, fishing on the Buffalo River, and a love for the Lord and his Vicki.

Mike was preceded in death by his mother and father, niece Lynna Ben, and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Phyllis and Joe Peters.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Vicki Glenn; his daughter, Jennifer (Adam) Robison; his grandchildren, Hannah and Meagan Washburn, Luke Baker, and Trip Adams; his sister, Vicki (Benny) Willis; his brother, Dennis (Chantel) Glenn; his brother, Larry (Claudia) Glenn and nephews Joe Glenn and Thomas (Jessica) and Martin Glenn; his brother, James (Janice) Barclift; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Vini (Ronnie) Hodge; his nephew, Brad (Tara) Hodge and their children Jackson and Will; and his niece, Miranda Massengale and her children Jasper Massengale, Averie Abe and Bari Abe.

The great builder is now home, having had a life of love, faith, and unforgettable memories.

The visitation will be from 9-10 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, at Crossroads Community Church with the funeral service immediately following at 10 a.m. Pastor Johnny Walters and Johnny Arnold 10will officiate. Burial will follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery under the direction of Coffman Funeral Home of Harrison.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Hospice of the Hills in Harrison, Arkansas, or The Salvation Army.

Pallbearers are Luke Baker, Trip Adams, John Hodges, Zed Davenport, Russell Mahler, and Brad Hodge. Honorary pallbearers are Joe Blair and Larry Glenn.

On-line condolences can be left at www.coffmanfh.com.