of Yellville, AR

September 9, 1930 - October 27, 2025

Richard ''Dick'' O Neill DuPuis, 95, who had been residing in Yellville Arkansas, passed away at home on October 27th, 2025.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm CST, on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 5497 AR-178, Flippin, AR 72634. For those who are unable to attend, livestreaming is available, please see below for information. Dick was born on September 9, 1930, Gueydan, Louisiana to Joseph Gaston O'Neill Jr., and Anita Marie Du Puis, the first of four children. Dick grew up with his three sisters in Gueydan and graduated from high school there. He was a member of The Future Farmers of America and was Drum Major for his High School Marching band. Growing up Dick learned to sew fine quality garments for his family and friends, having an artistic eye and the skills to create. This would prove to be a lifelong passion.

Dick served in the US Navy as a medical technical aboard a hospital ship during the Korean war and later at Pearl Harbor Hawaii, finishing out his time in the Navy. He was honorably discharged and went on to develop his career in the fashion industry. Dick made his living working in the Fashion Industry in the Los Angeles area. He worked for reputable fashion houses and designed for television shows. One of his designs was chosen for Jackie Kennedy in a competition. He found himself at fashion shows in Paris, London, and Japan. He went on to have his own Label, specializing in wedding gowns and other high-quality garments.

Dick married Joanne Heald in 1955. They had 5 children. Joanne died young from complications resulting from an automobile accident. Dick raised his family in Pasadena California, adopted daughter Mandy & fostered two other children. He enjoyed cooking gourmet meals, entertaining, gardening, making ceramics, pottery, unique jewelry and other art which shared with many through the years.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Anita, his wife Joanne, his sisters Sugar and Teta, his daughters Daneen and Mandy. Dick is survived by sons, Rick, Neal, and Brock (Wendy) and daughter Jodi (Jeff) 16 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and several step grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He enjoyed interacting with them all as time allowed. Dick would mark special occasions like weddings and births with a special quilt for the occasion. He enjoyed his nieces and nephews' company and kept current with them through the years. Dick was known as the "Dr. Doolittle of Pasadena" before moving to Arkansas to be near family. He rescued and tended to the health and wellbeing of many different kinds of small animals and birds. A favorite was a baby squirrel with a broken back. Dick named her Alice. After little back braces, hand feeding etc., Alice recuperated and lived 15 more years. She was dressed by Dick in fancy little outfits made just for her and accompanied Dick to visit and cheer up folks in Nursing Homes.

Dick studied the bible with Jehovah's Witnesses, dedicated his life to serving Jehovah and was baptized April 15th, 2017. Dick was comforted, found encouragement, hope and tools for endurance in God's future promises of no more death and no more pain. He was a member of the Flippin congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses and regularly attended meetings in person, over the phone or on zoom with varying circumstances. We anticipate welcoming him back to the paradise here on earth, promised in Revelation 21:4. Streaming will be on Zoom for those unable to attend in person: Meeting ID: 6512359472 Password: 412022 More on Dick's life and career can be found in the book "Devotional Embers" by Colene Smyer Hank. Also, articles on Dicks Quilting Career can be found at: https://aquilterslife.com/episodes/dick-du-puis/

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Burns Funeral Home
725 North Panther Ave.
Yellville, AR  72687
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com