of Conway, AR
June 30, 1931 - November 10, 2019
Bernard "Buddy" O'Dwyer, 88, passed away on November 10, 2019. He was born in Texarkana, Arkansas, on June 30, 1931. The family lived in Hope, Arkansas, until he was going into the sixth grade at which time they moved to Texarkana, Arkansas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Frances (Bourne) O'Dwyer; sisters, Catherine Anne Thomas and Frances Susan Harder; brother-in-law and dear friend, Italo Forte, and niece, Mary Frances Forte.
Buddy is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carolyn Sue (Barnett) O'Dwyer; three sons, Timothy (Carla), Kevin (Tiffany), Christopher (Lenisa), and eleven grandchildren, Carsten, Campbell, Haley, Grayson, Jack, Ian, Cameron, Truman, Lauren Catherine, Jillian, and Christian. He is also survived by his sister Mary Ellen Forte; brothers-in-law, Pat Thomas and A.M. Harder, several nieces, nephews and many friends.
After serving four years in the Air Force during the Korean War, he graduated from the University of Arkansas and then the University of Central Arkansas, formerly, ASTC, with degrees in Industrial Education. He met his future wife at ASTC while working on his Master's Degree. After teaching in Blytheville, he accepted a position teaching Industrial Education at UCA in Conway. He retired after 25 years of teaching there.
He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, and a volunteer at the St. Joseph bazaar, former Chairman of the Bazaar, and St. Joseph Flea Market volunteer. He was an avid golfer, serving as the school's golf coach while teaching in Blytheville. He was especially proud of achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. He loved spending time with his family and traveling, especially to Branson.
The family would like to give thanks to his doctors, the caregivers who came to the home, and the awesome staff at Heritage Living Center.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2019, at 11:00AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Conway, AR. Visitation will be on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church with a rosary beginning at 6:00PM. Burial will be in St. Joseph Mausoleum.
Pallbearers are his nephews, Robert, Richard and Mark Forte, Charles Joseph Harder, David and Michael Thomas.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Joseph School Endowment, 1315 College Ave., Conway, AR 72034
Sign Guestbook
8 Condolence(s)
Cynthia Hukill
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Sue and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. O'Dwyer's passing, but I know that these things happen in God's perfect time. I have such lovely memories of him as such a kind gentleman, and know that my father treasured him as an excellent teacher, superb colleague, and, most of all, a friend. I am confident that he has positively impacted generations of students with his fine teaching. What a legacy to leave the world!
In deepest sympathy,
Cynthia Hukill
Brian Clendenin
Thursday, November 14, 2019
To the O'Dwyer family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dean Sparkman
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
I am sorry for your loss of a husband, dad and grandfather. He goes into a far better place while leaving us with good memories. Know this, there are only 3 mortal men that I looked up to and really wanted to be like. My dad, brother-in-law and your husband, dad & grandfather Mr. O'Dwyer. When I needed someone to speak into my life at UCA and give me direction and purpose he was there for me. He knew I could do more and encouraged me to use the talents that God had gifted me to use in the future. He always saw the good in his students even when we didn't make the wisest decisions. He was my advisor at UCA and I am glad God put him in my path. W. Dean Sparkman B. S. Industrial Technology
Karen Mckee
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Buddy always had a positive outlook and never complained about anything. He was a happy man and a pleasure to have worked for. He has touched my life and will be missed.
Tiffany O’Dwyer
Monday, November 11, 2019
Jacqueline Kordsmeier
Monday, November 11, 2019
What a wonderful man he was! Gentle, smiling, love able. Buddy will be greatly missed by all of us., but I have no doubt he is in his heavenly home now, whole again.
Love,
Jacqueline Kordsmeier and family
D. D. Henderson Matthews
Monday, November 11, 2019
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ll be keep all of you in my prayers. Remember the good times.
Kevin and Tonya Moix
Monday, November 11, 2019
Sue, Tim, Carla, Kevin and Chris and family,
All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kevin Moix family