Mr. Richard Jesse Lawrence

The world became a little less bright on Tuesday, February 8, 2026. Richard Jesse Lawrence, 95, of Mena, Arkansas, entered his eternal rest in his home, surrounded by his devoted family. He was a cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather whose infectious smile and unending humor brought joy to everyone around him, making every moment unforgettable.

Born on March 11, 1930, in Shady, Arkansas where he was raised by his parents Richard Edward Lawrence and Belle Ridge. He was their seventh of nine children and attended Shady School. All three of Jesse's brothers enlisted to serve our country, but when he tried to enlist, an accidental burn that left a significant scar on his left shoulder prevented him, so he stayed and helped any way he could at home.

Jesse married Farrah Ophelia Clark and gained two children, Judi Ann Clark and Donnie Lee Clark, together they had Richard Todd Lawrence. After moving around a couple times in the Mena and Old Dallas area, they finally settled in their forever home on family land he purchased from his father. Jesse poured himself into making it sustainable, planting fruit trees, tending a garden, hunting and fishing and upkeep to make it what it is today, a living legacy for future generations to enjoy making memories.

Jesse worked at the pole yard in Mena for many years before retired to become a road grader, where he found a new passion for preparing county roads for safe passage. He got a kick out of fixing holes "right the first time" that had been causing trouble for passersby. Upon retirement in 1998, he was able to do what he loved, anything outside, especially in the woods.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Farrah Ophelia Lawrence, in 2013 after 50+ years of marriage. Jesse was the last of his generation, preceded in death by his parents, four brothers; Ira Lawrence, Herbert Lawrence, Holder Lawrence and Grady Lawrence and his four sisters, Verna Smith, Mary Massey, Faye Brewer and Corie Roper, daughter-in-law Dara Lawrence and great-grandson Lawrence K.T. Brantley.

He is survived by: his three children; Judi Ann Birdwell, Donnie Lee Clark and Richard Todd Lawrence, eight grandchildren; Sonia Crae Woods, Sammy Lee Martin, Shane Alan Martin, Donnie Clark Jr, Alesha Dumas, Suzanne Hill, Corey Lawrence and Miranda Lawrence, nine great-grandchildren including; Harlie Rowton, Shelby Martin, Ashely Martin, Adrianna Martin, Krue Martin, and seven great-great-grandchildren including; Blakelie Rowton, Wylla Rowton and Luke Martin.

An avid outdoorsman, Jesse thoroughly enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping nuisance critters, exploring nature and finding unique natural items such as crystals, pine knots, interesting tree branches grown together, and wildflowers that he would get a start of and bring home to plant and enjoy for years.

As a self-taught carpenter, he would fill his downtime by tinkering around his home fixing or updating something, creating windmills out of scraps he had collected, making rocking chair sewing buddies, or whittling a spinning top, sling shot or what he called a "what not" out of wood, each having their own unique story he liked to tell about.

Jesse will always be remembered for his gentle spirit, his humor and steady support of love. We will always imagine hearing him say "Hootie-Hoo" just one more time. We could not have asked for a better role model and will miss him dearly every day.

Family and friends are invited to a "Celebration of Life" service at his graveside on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 2 pm at Shady Cemetery on Shady Lane, in Shady, Arkansas. We encourage you to bring your memories and stories of Jesse to share, as we navigate through this difficult time together. Jesse's dedication, resilience and unwavering love and support will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Elite Home Health and Elite Hospice provided loving support for both him and his family.