Leland Earl Blackshare

Leland Earl Blackshare, 84 of Rector, Arkansas passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026. He resided his whole life in the very home in which he was born.

Leland graduated from Rector High School and then Arkansas State College with a degree in Education. He initially taught at Rector where he was also band director. He spent the majority of his career at Marmaduke High School as a Social Studies and History instructor. He dearly loved that school, its students, and working for Mr. McIntosh. "Mr. B" was creative with his teaching skills and made learning fun. He encouraged his students and lifted everyone around him.

Leland started playing the drums at age 12 and always admired his band director Roy Horne. Leland played the drums in college and proudly stated, "I was First Chair 3 out of my 4 years." He played in various groups and dance bands during and after college. He even had the privilege of meeting his idol Gene Krupa on a few occasions. Mr. Krupa was considered one of the world's best drummers. Leland's drum set is now displayed at the Rector museum.

Leland was known throughout NE Arkansas and SE Missouri as a very kind gentleman with a friendly smile and hello for everyone. If you were not already friends with him, you would be by the time either of you left. He always drove a car meticulously kept, just like himself.

As a member of the Rector Parks Commissions, he served many years and oversaw the maintenance and care of the Memorial Park. In addition to the grounds, he took great interest in the conservation of the beautiful trees. He had new trees planted on a regular basis to replace any which had been or would be lost over time. Rector will continue to enjoy for many years the benefits of his vision and hard work.

Leland was an eternal optimist and always looked for a silver lining in every cloud. He had a natural ability to lift the spirits of everyone around him. Leland was a special man and left a mark on this world. He loved Rector, its people and the entire community. Leland loved his family as well as his church family. His life was well lived! Leland stated "the Lord's been good to me."

Leland was born to the late Sam Blackshare and Thelma "Dobbs" Twitty in Rector. He is

survived by his siblings: Dr. Bryan and Nancy Blackshare of Rector, Jay Blackshare of Jonesboro, Tina and John Barry of Dallas and Ann and Lynn Carrozza of Albuquerque, New Mexico, his Aunt Austa Sue Kelley, cousins: Rosie Akers, Leigh Ann Gray and Carolyn (Sissy) Johnson, Michael Twitty, James Twitty, nephews, Trent Blackshare, Ben and Rachael Blackshare, Dr. Daniel and Sydney Blackshare, Kyle Carrozza and Sam and Hailie Barry, his nieces: Susan (Barry) Trull and Graham, Dr. Anna Blackshare Malone and Davis along with a host of other family and friends.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Rector. The service will begin at 1:00 with Mark Manchester and Jonathan Bevil leading the service. Interment will be at the Woodland Heights Cemetery.

The family would like to say an extra thank you for the special care and love that was shown

to Leland during his stay at the Rector Nursing Rehab.

You may sign the condolence book at www.irbyfuneralhome.com