Richard Arvel Matheny, 88, of Paragould, died Monday, April 30, 2012, at Heritage Gardens Nursing Home in Senath, Missouri.

Born January 25, 1924, in Rector, he was a retired farmer. He had also worked at Children’s Homes at Morrilton and Paragould, at Crowley’s Ridge College, Crowley’s Ridge Academy and after retirement, did carpentry work. Mr. Matheny was a member of Center Hill Church of Christ.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Geneva (Hancock) Matheny; his parents, George and Burley (Estes) Matheny; one brother, Everette “Rip” Matheny and one son-in-law, Donnie Cox.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Sandy and Tony Hardin and Glenda and Larry Betts, all of Paragould, and one daughter, Peggy Fitzgerrel of Little Rock; one sister, Dorothy Whitworth of Baytown, Texas; and two brothers, James Matheny of Paragould, and Wayne Matheny of Ravenden.

He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Richie, Jackson, Darrea, Amanda, Jesse, Jennifer and Heather; the father of Darrea, Amanda and Jesse, Darrell Ford; great grandchildren, Olivia, Brian, Phoebe, Brittney, Geneva, Alex, Amber, Stephanie, and Tristan; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be Thursday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m., Friday, May 4th, at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with Michael Cox and Randy Matheny officiating. Burial will follow in Purcell Cemetery.

Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com