of Conway, AR
October 16, 1932 - August 13, 2021
Denver Lee Prince (age 88), retired professor and Chairman of the Physics Department at the University of Central Arkansas, died of cancer on August 13, 2021, at Conway Regional Hospital. He was born October 16, 1932, to Olis Murphy and Kathleen (Wheeler) Prince (both now deceased) in Beaton, Arkansas (Hot Spring County). Survivors are his wife of 70 years, Freda (Stuckey) Prince; two sons, Mickey Prince (Cheryl) and Randy Prince, both of Conway; and daughter, Melissa Billman (George), Herndon, VA; as well as grandchildren Amanda Hoelzeman (Shawn), Jennifer Prince (Russell), Kyle Kersey (Kaitlin), and Alex Billman (Isabela), and great grandchildren, Jordyn, Morgan, and Emmett Hoelzeman, Braeden, Kieren, and Camden Kersey, and Lucas Billman.
After graduating from Magnet Cove High School in 1950, Denver earned his Bachelor of Science degree at Henderson State University and began teaching science at the high school level. He was awarded a National Science Foundation scholarship to the University of Utah where he earned the M.S.E degree and later received his Ed.D from Oklahoma State University. After 35 years, he retired from the University of Central Arkansas Physics Department, where he instituted the college's first astronomy program.
Denver was a longtime member of Conway's First Baptist Church where he served as deacon. After his retirement, he became involved in mission work in Romania and returned there every summer for many years. He and Freda enjoyed many years of travel after retirement, their favorite destination being the Holy Land. A longtime member of the Conway Kiwanis Club, he had served in almost every officer position. Denver was an avid UCA Bears fan (any sport), rarely missing a football or basketball game. A devoted runner himself, he was the volunteer coach for UCA's cross country team for several years. He was a member of ''The Professors'' bluegrass group made up of UCA science professors which played venues for decades.
Funeral services will be Wednesday August 18 at Conway's First Baptist Church (masks required) with Dr. Dale Wicker and Kyle Cochran officiating. Pre-service viewing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., service at 10:00 a.m. with reception following, and interment at 12:30 p.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery, Conway, Arkansas.
Pallbearers will be Kyle Kersey, Alex Billman, Shawn Hoelzeman, Russell Bryant, Chris Carroll, Wes Whitley, Mark Mallett and Scott Fannin.
Honorary pallbearers are the Fellowship Sunday School Class and the Conway Kiwanians.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the University of Central Arkansas Foundation or Conway's First Baptist Church Missions.
Dr. Prince was chairman of the Physics Department when I was at UCA getting my B.S. in Math and Physics and I have many fond memories of my time with him then. Prayers and condolences to the family.
Dr. Prince was a friendly and helpful person to me when I was a timid, insecure college freshman. He was helpful to me in guiding me from time to time during my academic career. I do appreciate his Christian mission work. Blessings to his family, whom I'm sure will miss him greatly.
I have so many fond memories and much respect for Dr. Prince. He was a man who lived his convictions. My deepest sympathy for your loss
RIP to a stouthearted UCA fan. I will miss him not being at SugarBear volleyball games this season. Appreciate all the contributions he made to UCA.
Dear Freda and family We were so sorry to hear of The loss of Denver. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by all who knew him. We will miss visiting at the UCA football games. May God bless and comfort the family
Deepest condolences from everyone at the Stan Miller Law Group. Denver was one of a kind and will be missed.
Please accept my sympathy at the passing of your loved on and our friend Denver Prince. We will always remember the many joint efforts as we served in Romania. Denver has left a wonderful example and legacy to encourage others to serve faithfully in kingdom work. May you be blessed with the grace that God promises in your hour of need. Be assured of our prayer on your behalf during these days. God bless you.
Jeffery P. Andler
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Prince was a wonderful man. I work in the Service Department at ConwayCorp and would periodicity call Mr. Prince with a question about one of his properties. He would always answer the phone with a hearty "Good morning, what do you have for me today" To hear of his involvement with church and mission work is no surprise to me. You can always seem to tell when you are speaking with a Brother in Christ. To the entire Prince family, you are all in my prayers. This world is not our home, we are just passing through.
Psalm 116:15 "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints."
A good man. I always enjoyed running into him, usually at a Kiwanis lunch on Wednesdays or a Subway lunch on Farris across from his beloved UCA on occasional other days. He will be missed.
Dear Freda and Family,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers as you take it one day at a time. Denver was truly a special person and will be greatly missed. As you take Gods hand get your strength from him only he can provide.
Sincerely Connie Briggler
We were so sorry to hear about Denver. He was a special person who was smart, friendly, interesting, and caring. His marriage to Frieda was a perfect example of a covenant marriage. They both set an example for all of us. Prayers and hugs for the Prince family.
I am so very sorry to hear about Denver's passing. He was such a remarkable man and I feel blessed to have known him and was able to serve with him on mission trips in Romania. He had more energy than some on those trips that were 20 to 30 years younger than him !! I thought the world of him and I am sure when he met our Lord he heard "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Dr. Prince was a kind and wonderful man who meant a great deal to many people. He will be missed. To the Prince family - you are in my prayers.
My heartfelt condolences.
I’ll pray for the repose of his soul.
Freda and Family,
We love you so much and we will never forget and always remember Denver's Christ-like heart and walk in this life.
His legacy will be honored in all of the lives he has touched and invested in.
We miss him so much.
Freda,
We are praying for comfort and peace for you and your family. We always looked forward to sitting next to you and Denver on our pew. Denver was a wonderful man whose life greatly blessed so many.
We know that he is now rejoicing with his Heavenly Father.
I know there was great rejoicing in heaven as Dr Prince made his entrance. Now playing in a more perfect band. What a legacy he leaves behind
Dr. and Mrs. Prince have touched so many lives. They are pillars in the community and so much a part of our growing up years. We send our love, thoughts, and prayers to Mrs. Prince, Mickey, Randy, and Melissa.
Prayers up for the family. I love you Dr. prince.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Freda and the entire Prince family. Denver was such a special person. We first got to know him when we moved to Conway in 1989. We needed a place to rent and to start our business. He was our landlord for six months. After we moved, he decided he would be a client of ours. He remained a loyal client until 2019, when we sold our business. (As well as recommending us to Mickey, Randy Jennifer and many others). Denver was always offering advice and became much more than a client. He and Mrs. Freda became our friends. He was a man of integrity and will be greatly missed by us and many others. May God give Mrs Freda and the entire family comfort and peace in the coming days. Rest assured, we will see Denver again one day. Thank God for that reassurance.
Freda and Family,
Sorry to hear of your loss of Denver. We have many good memories of him. He was always a friendly Christian man and loved by many. Always remember seeing Denver and Freda at athletic events at UCA. He will be missed.
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Denver. He was such a wonderful friend to us. We will keep you and your family in our prayers during this difficult time. One day we will see Denver again and oh what a glorious day that will be.
I am so sorry to hear of Denver's passing. I served with him on several mission trips to Romania. He had a true servant's heart and represented Jesus well. I have been blessed to have known him and serve alongside him and Freda. I know he is rejoicing in Heaven today.
Mrs. Freda and family,
Please I am grateful for the years I served alongside Denver and you loving the children of Conway and others around the world. Denver always went the extra mile to welcome seniors to Golden Circle and bless them with distinguished speakers. Heaven is more beautiful with his presence.
Deepest sympathy and love to you Freda during this journey as the Lord wraps His arms around you.
With a heavy heart, yet rejoicing in his celebration of being absent with the Father.
Love,
Mrs. Jennifer Anderson-Stone
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Dr Prince. I got to know him through his work as a Coach of the Cross Country Team with UCA when I was a student at Hendrix. He also had a lot of input to the then State AAU running programme and was always out there encouraging everyone. I have fond memories of passing Denver going in the opposite direction as I ran around Lake Beaverfork and he was heading home. Always a cheery wave and greetings. RIP Sir.
I am sorry for the loss of Denver to each of you and George joins me in sending our thoughts and prayers as you go through this sad time. It was a pleasure to get to meet Denver and Freda at HUMC when they last visited and to see a bit of his generous and joyful spirit. I know he has blessed many throughout his long and useful life. Please know that you are all in our prayers for God's loving comfort and peace.
I've known Denver for over 25 years. He has been just like a father to me and he will be highly missed by me. For all the years I've known him he has always been a humble and kind man to everyone he met. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Prince family.
May you feel God's presence and love with you during this mournful time. I enjoyed ready about his life. What a blessing he was to so many. Sending love and prayers to the whole family.
Melissa and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. He was such a wonderful man. We pray for comfort and peace in the days and weeks ahead.
So sorry for your loss. I wish I could have known him. I'm his second cousin on the Weaver side.
Sending prayers of comfort to our friend, Melissa, and Mrs. Prince and the entire family.
Ray always enjoyed playing with "The Professors", and I enjoyed our visits with Denver and Freda. You have my deepest sympathy.
Randy, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. I am praying for the Lord to grant comfort as only He can.
Blessings!
Jim Atkinson
A wonderful educator. A special person to all of us in the UCA science community
Freda, we remember you and Denver as such a kind and giving couple. We know he will be greatly missed and his faith has been made sight. It was such a blessing to have been in a group with him that traveled to Israel. And such fun to trade quips with him when we worked the information desk at CFBC.
We are praying the Lord will bring comfort to you and your family.
Such a wonderful man. All who knew him were blessed.
My heart goes out to the Prince family. Denver was awesome to say the least.
Just a good man. Wonderful mentor. The two of them did so much for others
To Mrs. Freda and family we send our heartfelt condolences.
Melissa, So sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. He was indeed a fine man and a positive influence on so many lives. We were both blessed to have great men as our fathers. Thinking of you all, Melissa, Mickey Randy and of course your mom.
Denver was on of the best men I knew. I was impressed with his dedication to Christ!
So sorry for your loss. Such a nice man. Remember him from my days in the UCA science department and attending FBC.
I was a member of “The Students†bluegrass band and have great memories of both “The Students†and “The Professorsâ€â€¦
Prayers for the family.
My heart and my prayers go out to the Prince family. Such a fine man. I am so pleased that I recently got to visit with him while we were both waiting on a PET scan. He will be remembered fondly.
You will be missed. My prayers for peace, comfort and strength will continue for the family. In time, may it bring you tremendous peace knowing that Denver is walking streets of gold and being serenaded by Angels.
We are praying for comfort, peace, and wisdom for each member of the Prince family in the home going of Denver. Denver was always a friendly person and well liked.
Our love and prayers to the Prince family. We have great memories of our years knowing Denver and the family. May the Lord's peace and comfort be with you all in the days to come.
Amanda and family,so very sorry the of your beloved grandfather,my prayers for you and your family.love Tammy Shipp
Physics was not my forte and the only physics class I had to take while at UCA Dr. Prince was the instructor. He was a great teacher and I thoroughly enjoyed his class. And I heard the Professors perform on more than one occasion! UCA was fortunate, indeed, to have him on their faculty. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
What a privilege to have known this amazing man, precious Freda, and his wonderful family. My heartfelt sympathy to all. Janis Banister
My prayers and heartfelt sympathy for Mickey,Randy Mrs. Prince and the rest of the family.
We are blessed to have known Denver and to call him friend. He was a wonderful Christian man and a great witness for our Lord. It was a blessing to travel with him to Romania and Israel. He will be greatly missed at home and abroad.
Mrs. Prince and family- I’m sorry for your loss! Dr. Prince always met me with a smile. We sure had fun growing up at First Baptist with the Prince family! â¤ï¸ðŸ™ðŸ»
SORRY TO HEAR OF MR DENVER PRINCE PASSING WHEN I HEAR OF HIS NAME BROUGHT UP IN THE PAST I THINK OF A DEICATED MAN IN ALL HIS ENDEAVORS MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE ENTIRE PRINCE FAMILY
What a wonderful man your dad was. I remember him running to work and I was way pass impressed. Know all your 1972 classmates are thinking about you and wish you peace.
Allison
We were so sorry to hear about the death of Dr. Prince. He taught my Physical Science class when I was a student at SCA (UCA). Although it was a freshman class, I waited to take it until I was a senior because I had heard others talk about how hard the class was. Dr. Prince was an awesome teacher! He illustrated every concept with hands on activities. If you showed up for class, you learned everything you needed to know to pass.
After graduation, I was fortunate enough to teach with Mrs. Prince at Sallie Cone. I cannot think of a couple who was more dedicated to their profession and to each other than this couple. They were an example of true commitment and faith.
Rusty went to school with their sons.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time.
Prayers and condolences to Mrs. Prince - my third grade teacher - and the Prince family. Mr. Prince was a wonderful landlord to my mom and later to me in college. What a great example they both have been in my life and countless others.
Mrs. Freda & family,
I was so saddened to hear of Dr. Prince’s passing. He was a fine man who was held in high esteem in the Ayers household. We owe him a debt of gratitude for the opportunity he gave Daddy in the Physics Department at UCA; those were some of the most meaningful years of his life. You and yours will be in my prayers.
Mala Ayers Rogers
A favorite UCA professor and a good friend later in life. RIP, Denver
Your family is in our prayers.
Praying for you all. Dr. Prince was a wonderful person.
I am so sad to hear this. FCRT will
miss him so much. The pictures he
made are priceless.
My condolences to the family. Denver was a very nice man. It was a pleasure to know him.
I am blessed to have gotten to know Denver through Conway Kiwanis. I looked forward to seeing him at all meetings and events. He was always supportive, smart and fun to be around. He leaves a strong legacy within our club and in our community. Thank you Denver and congratulations on a well lived life that impacted so many. You remain in our hearts and you will be missed. Condolences to the whole Prince family.
Our deepest sympathy to Jennifer, Russell and the whole family. It is difficult to lose a loved one. We are thinking of you.
Condolences to the family on the loss of such a good man. Denver served on the board of Faulkner County Day School several years back, where I got to know him. He leaves a wonderful legacy all across our community.
Both Michael and I show our respect towards the family
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Chasta and Karl Irvin
He will always be my pal..
My condolences to the family. I remember many good memories of Denver when I was member of the Conway Kiwanis Club many years ago. He had a wonderful sense of humor. He always made me laugh.
Dr Prince was Chair of the Physics during my time there. He was dedicated to the department and the students, always encouraging them. I have such fond memories of him and my time there. I ended up with a career at NASA for 42 years doing amazing things. UCA and Dr Prince and other professors prepared me for that.
My condolences to the Prince family for your loss. What an absolutely incredible, caring and wonderful person. I know of no other person who worked any harder to live life according to Christ’s example. I feel so privileged to have known Dr. Prince.
So sorry to hear of Dr. Prince's passing. I took physics classes under him at UCA, formerly SCA. He was a wonderful person and a good teacher. Lots of fond memories of Dr. Prince both in class and playing music with "The Professors."
This world lost a great man but Heaven gained a Beautiful Angel.
Our thoughts and prayers for Freda and family.
We have all lost a dear friend, mentor and servant.
Our sincere condolences and love to Freda and family. Thoughts of Denver will always bring fond memories and smiles. His love for the Lord and sharing the gospel exemplified his life. Our lives were blessed and enriched for knowing him. Thank you, Denver, now rest in the sweet presence of Jesus.
Dear Freda,
Howard & I are so very sorry that we have to say goodbye to Denver for now. We will all be sitting on the same pew again one day. Until that glorious day, please call on us anytime. Praying for comfort during this time for you and your family.
Sorry to hear of his home coming. He will certainly be missed, but will see him again. Sympathy and love to his dear family.
You are all loved