Wayne Bear

E. Wayne Bear, age 85, of Arkadelphia, passed from this life on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at his home.  He was born January 5, 1940, in Gurdon, the son of the late Dempsey and Estelle Forthman Bear.

Wayne worked at National Rejectors in Hot Springs, Reynolds Metals Company at Gum Springs and Troutdale Oregon as a welder until his retirement.  

He enjoyed helping friends and family with projects, welding, woodworking and building gooseneck trailers.  Wayne loved hunting and fishing with his family and friends, collecting John Deere tractors and memorabilia.  He loved camping and traveling with his wife and grandsons.  Wayne was very active in the Bismarck school community in the 1970’s and 80’s by coaching Pee Wee football for many years, serving on the school board and an avid supporter and president of the Booster Club.

Wayne never met a stranger and could be counted on to make people laugh when he talked about his hunting and fishing adventures with family and friends.  He loved family gatherings and Razorback watch parties.  Wayne was a loving husband, Dad, Paw Paw and Great-Paw Paw.

Survivors are his wife of sixty-four years, Libby Bear of Arkadelphia, two sons, Alan Bear (Phyllis) of Lonsdale and Steve Bear of Arkadelphia, one daughter, Rhonda Wright (David) of Arkadelphia, two brothers, Bobby Bear (Judy) of Union Point, GA and Roy Bear of Ukraine, two sisters, Joyce Parrish of Pearcy and Beverly Sanders of Bryant, two grandsons, Tyler Wright of North Little Rock and Dustin Wright (Courtney) of Arkadelphia, and one great-granddaughter, Lainey Wright, and many special nieces, nephews, friends and Chloe.

Funeral services were held Monday, August 11, 2025, at Welch Funeral Home. Interment was in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to CARTI, P.O. Box 55011, Little Rock, AR 72215 or Arkansas Children’s Hospital, 1 Children’s Way, Little Rock, AR 72202.

Pallbearers were Randy Bear, Dustin Wright, Tyler Wright, Milton Franklin, Ricky Francis, Keith Gattis, Stanley Davis and Chris Sanders.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the Baptist Health Hospice Program.  And a special thank you to Wayne’s compassionate care team, Marilyn, Christina and Brandy.

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