Nolen Edward Renfrow

Nolen Edward Renfrow, 83, of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 30, 2025. Born on December 25, 1942, to Nolen and Juanita (Eddy) Renfrow in Little Rock, Arkansas, he was the oldest of two sons.

Ed was raised in Charleston, Arkansas, where he played basketball and ran track in high school. During his senior year, he won the state championship in the high hurdles with the second-fastest time ever recorded in Arkansas by a high school athlete at that time. He went on to run track at the University of Arkansas. In 1964, he was named by Track and Field News as one of the top 10 collegiate high hurdlers in the United States. He later qualified for the NCAA National Championships, where he finished in seventh place.

Ed married Jane (Reagan) Renfrow on June 14, 1964. His first coaching job was at Woodland Junior High. He then coached at Neosho High School and, in 1971, at the age of 26, he was offered the University of Arkansas head men's track coaching position. He coached the men's team until 1977 and then became the first coach of the University of Arkansas women's track and field program.

Ed earned his bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees from the University of Arkansas. In 1981, he accepted a position as professor and cross-country coach at John Brown University. He retired from JBU in 2004 and was inducted into the Arkansas Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2005.

As accomplished as he was, Ed would want to be remembered first as a devoted husband and father who lived quietly and humbly as a follower of Christ. He treasured his years as a coach and professor and cared deeply for his students, many of whom he remained in contact with long after graduation. He was also always willing to lend a helping hand. A man of unwavering integrity, he was deeply involved in his church and community. As a church deacon, he faithfully served those entrusted to his care and served on numerous boards throughout his career, including the Arkansas Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance; Siloam Springs Parks and Recreation; the Manna Center; and Genesis House. At age 40, he earned his pilot's license, reflecting his lifelong love of learning and adventure. An avid lover of nature, he coordinated many hiking and camping trips and enjoyed traveling to numerous countries during summer breaks and throughout retirement.

Ed is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jane; daughters Mindy (Michael) and Lori (Stephen); grandchildren Jordan (Connor), Joshua (Katie), Olivia (Ben), and Ella; and great-grandchildren Alister and Nolan. He is also survived by his brother, Phillip (Nancy); two nephews and one niece; and three great-nephews and four great-nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nolen and Juanita Renfrow.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Covenant Church on Tuesday, January 6, at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor Nate O'Brien officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

In memory of Ed, please consider donating to your favorite charity.