John Umphers

John R. Umphers of Hot Springs died on October 29, 2010. He was born on September 23, 1930 to Frank and Martha Umphers at the Old Army and Navy Hospital. John was the first child to be born at the Army Navy Hospital. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Mr. Umphers was a former member of the IronWorkers Local #321 in Little Rock and helped organize the Iron Workers apprentice program serving as Chariman of the Board. Mr. Umphers just celebrated his 50th year as owner of Umphers Construction Company Incorporated. John was a member of Oaklawn Church of God and Hot Springs Country Club. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Martha Umphers, one grandson, John Paul Umphers and one sister, June Strickland. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sara Elizabeth Umphers, one son, John Randy Umphers, two daughters and sons-in-law, Judy and Trice Ellis III and Jane and Brian Keith Smith, all of Hot Springs, two granddaughters, Christy Ellis Tyler and husband, Matthew, and Shanna Umphers and her mother and our friend, Louann Lehman, five great grandchildren, Rebecca Tyler, Rachel Tyler, Jeremy Tyler, Jacob Tyler and John Cole Umphers. Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at Oaklawn Church of God with Pastors Steve Nelson, Doyle Whitesel and Roy Hill officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the church. Pallbearers will be Allan Stanley, Gary McNiel, James Chaney, Don Luckey, Mark Smith, Bill Withrow, Brian Shelor and Kevin Shelor. Honorary pallbearers are Maxwell J. Lyons, Ed Harvey, Ironworkers Local 321, United States Marine Corps Reserve Unit of Hot Springs, Becky Chote, George Vaught, Gerald Breckenridge, and Dick Mooney, Linda Bloomfield, all employees of Umphers Construction Company, Doctors Matthew Osborn, Jeffrey Bordelon, Daniel Rowe and Dr. and Mrs. Charles Larrison. Burial will be in Memorial Gardens Cemetery with military honors by the VFW Post #2278 Honor Guard. Memorials have been designated to Oaklawn Church of God, 2110 7th Street, Hot Springs, AR71913. Arrangements are by Hot Springs Funeral Home. Online condolences at www.hotspringsfh.com