Kenneth Ray Maier Sr.

Kenneth Ray Maier Sr., age 85, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of faith, hard work, and deep love for family and friends.

A devoted member of First Baptist Church, Kenneth’s faith was the foundation of his life. He lived each day with quiet strength, humility, and a servant’s heart. His church family meant so much to him, and he found great joy in worship, fellowship, and serving others.

For 63 years, Kenneth dedicated himself to farming — a calling he embraced with pride and perseverance. He understood the value of early mornings, long days, and honest labor. The land was more than his livelihood; it was part of who he was. For the last 23 years of his farming career, he worked side by side with his son, Kenneth Ray Maier Jr., a partnership that meant more to him than words could express. Through every changing season, he demonstrated grit, determination, and gratitude for the life he loved.

He was a proud supporter and member of the FFA, always encouraging young people and believing in the importance of agriculture, leadership, and community. Kenneth was rarely seen without his beloved red truck. Whether he was headed to the fields, to First Baptist Church, or simply out to check on someone, that red truck was a familiar and comforting sight.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie Maier Sr. and Myrtle Mae Green Maier; brother, Johnnie Maier Jr.; and sister-in-law, Carolena Maier.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Carolyn Ann Maier; sons, Michael Sowell and wife Jessica of Benton and Kenneth Ray Maier Jr. and wife Amanda of Little Rock; daughter, Cindy Lawson of Roe; 13 grandchildren, Mallory Lawson Earvine (Dion), Stevan Sowell (Addie), Gavin Lawson, Madison Lawson, Garet Maier, Cameron Maier, Anna Kate Maier, Jacob Maier, Hunter Maier, Hunter Sowell, Selina Maier, Rachel Maier, Olivia Maier and Harlen Grady; and five great-grandchildren, Maylen Earvine, Emi Jane Sowell, John B. Sowell, Halo Lawson, and Adalynn Maier.

Visitation will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, at First Baptist Church with funeral services, officiated by Dr. Sam Roberts and Bro. Ty Huitt, following at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Lone Tree Cemetery by Turpin Funeral Home.

The family requests memorials be made to First Baptist Church, 2115 S. Prairie St., Stuttgart, Ark. 72160; or Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie, 921 E. Fourth St., Stuttgart, Ark. 72160. 

Kenneth’s life was a testament to commitment — to God, to family, to the land, and to his community. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.