Barbara McElhannon

Barbara Lee McElhannon, age 93, of Arkadelphia, passed from this life on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at her home.  She was born May 30, 1931, in Los Angeles, CA, the daughter of the late John Shelby and Cornelia Huisman Hobbs.  

Barbara graduated from Freemont High School in Los Angeles, CA.  She worked for Gilfillan Brothers in Los Angeles, designing and producing the first ground control approach radar landing gear.  These pre-produced GCA’s were instrumental in the success of the Berlin Aircraft, landing planes at a rate of one per minute.

Barbara was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Arkadelphia where she was a member of the choir.  She was past president of the women’s Library Association, Clark County Library, the Colerean Club and the Philharmonic Club.  Barbara enjoyed cooking, music, reading, sewing and taking care of abandoned animals.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Richard Townsend McElhannon, one brother, Jack Hobbs (Frances) and one sister, Wanda Remillard (Tom).

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Janice McElhannon of Arkadelphia, one son, Jack McElhannon (Rebecca) of Carmel, IN, two grandchildren, Allison Gaines (Ryan) of Ennis, TX and Sean McElhannon of Carmel, IN, two great-grandchildren, Payson and Parker of Ennis, TX.

Services will be planned at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Humane Society of Clark County, P.O. Box 435, Arkadelphia, AR 71923 or First Presbyterian Church  (Women’s Circle) Arkadelphia, AR.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia.  Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.