of Benton, AR

June 15, 1936 - February 10, 2026

John Allen Prince, 89, of Benton passed away on February 10, bringing to a close a long life devoted to work, country, faith, and family. John was born on June 15, 1936, in Little Rock to Melvin and Theresa Prince. He attended The Cathedral of Saint Andrew School and served as an altar boy at the cathedral. His high school years were spent at Catholic High School for Boys. During that time a serious accident forced John to convalesce at home, and one of his teachers, Rev. George Tribou (later principal of the school), encouraged John to use that time applying himself to his studies. As a result, John became an excellent student, and he was named editor of the school newspaper.

Upon graduation John enlisted in the Arkansas Air National Guard. He loved the military, and served in the Guard for twenty-two years, retiring at the rank of major. John worked for many years at Fagan Electric to support his wife, and eventually five children. He started in the sheet metal shop and worked his way up to vice president of the company. At that point John decided to open his own business. In the beginning his office was in the den of his home, and he was the sole employee. Over the next forty plus years, The John Prince Company grew into one of the most successful manufacturers' representative firms in the commercial and industrial heating and air conditioning industry.

John was a believer in hard work, but he also enjoyed leisure activities, such as relaxing at his place at Mountain Harbor, or cruising Lake Ouachita with family and friends on his party barge. John was a lifelong lover of motorcycle riding and an avid deer hunter. Vacation time was often spent on a cruise, or a trip to Las Vegas. Above all, John loved having his family around him.

John is predeceased by his parents; his first wife and mother of his children, Carolyn Prince; son Ron Prince; daughter Cathy Norman; and grandson David Prince. His survivors include his wife, Kay Prince of Benton; son Michael Prince (Amanda) of Tampa, Florida; daughters Susan Menefee (John) of Little Rock and Lisa Parker of Maumelle; stepdaughter Lisa Thomas (Jeff) of York, South Carolina; stepson Donald Hudson (Michelle) of Cabot; nine grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren; and sisters Sheila Trujillo of Mabelvale and Debbie Grable of Little Rock. He was loved by all and will be missed by all.

Visitation, followed by Rosary, will take place from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 26 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home,13801 Chenal Parkway in Little Rock. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 am on Friday, February 27 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4000 N Rodney Parham Road in Little Rock, followed by interment at 12:00 pm at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, 1501 W Maryland Avenue in North Little Rock.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of John to either St. Jude Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation www.t2t.org.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com