David Bryant Hendon

David Bryant Hendon, 101, longtime resident of Osceola, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord October 23, 2009, after a brief illness.

Mr. Hendon was born July 13, 1908 in Philadelphia, MS to John Will Hendon and Sally Emily Tolbert Hendon. He was preceded in death by his wife, Geneva Woosby Allen in 1987, two children, baby girl Hendon in 1935 and David Jack Hendon in 1988 and one grandson, David Thomas Hendon in 1979. Mr. Hendon was the fourth born of seven siblings and is survived by one half brother, Boe Hendon, of Collinsville, MS. Other survivors include his son, Robert Allen Hendon (Willene) of Fort Collins, Colorado, two grandchildren by son Robert- Serena Lynn Hendon Gentry (Paul) and Keenan Newell Hendon (Darci) also of Colorado, his granddaughter Leisa LuAnn Hendon Williams (Dewayne) of Poteau, Oklahoma, daughter of Jack Hendon. Also remaining are three great grandchildren, Tyler Ray Williams, Chauncy Hendon, and Quincy Hendon, and not to forget the family of nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Mr. Bryant moved to Arkansas with his mother and siblings approximately in 1918. As a youngster he worked on various farms and as he grew older he worked in timber camps caring for the horses used in clearing timber. He went to Ball College (Vocational School for Auto Mechanics) subsequently securing jobs first at the Osceola Motor Company in 1929, moving to Wilson and worked at Wilson Motor Company from 1930-1933. He and Geneva Allen married in 1931 moving back to Osceola in 1933 where he again worked at the Osceola Motor Company. He went to work for Louis George Motor Company in 1947 until retirement. He and Geneva moved into his present home in 1938.

He became a Mason about 1947 when asked to join by coworkers at Louis George Motor Company. He worked his way through the Masonic Lodge and became Worshipful Master.

Mr. Hendon was a member of First United Methodist Church of Osceola for over 70 years, making the church a major part of his life, friendships, and activities.

The Senior Citizens Center, his home church, vegetable gardening and Senior Olympics were his interests in his later years. He loved his family, church, his community and gardening.