Herbert Pagan

Herbert Pagan of Jonesboro died Monday, August 5, 2013 at his home. He was a lifelong resident of Jonesboro. He was preceded in death by his parents, Odell and Rhea Pagan; one loving sister, Jane Pagan Chapman, and one infant brother, James Pagan.

Survivors include Beverly Womack Pagan, his wife of 50 years; sons, Don Pagan (Diane) of Wynne; Steve Pagan (Kathy); Jeff Pagan (Sammye) all of Jonesboro; Kevin Pagan (Carmen) of McAllen, Texas; daughter, Lisa Davis (Tommy) of Mountain Home; grandchildren, Josh Pagan (April) of Wynne; Chris Pagan (Ashley) of Jonesboro; Brian Pagan (Mallory) of Pompano Beach, Florida; Chase Pagan (Dawneen) of Rogers, Arkansas; Kristal Flores (Victor) of McAllen, Texas; Michael Davis (Roxanne) of Jonesboro; Kyle Lemiere (Maleena) of Seattle, Washington; Matt Pagan of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Drew Davis of Conway; Jonathan Pagan of Fayetteville; Alec Pagan; Katie Pagan both of McAllen, Texas; and 7 great grandchildren, and his constant companion, his dog Coco.

Born, raised, and residing his entire life in Jonesboro, Pagan graduated from State High where he participated in athletics, including basketball and track. He attended Arkansas State College. He apprenticed as a watch and clock maker under his father, Odell Pagan, who founded Pagan's Jewelry Store in 1935. Herbert bought the store from Odell in 1978 and owned and operated the store until his retirement. Trained as a gemologist, Herbert was a gifted jewelry designer and was the first jeweler in the area to create custom made, locally cast jewelry. He was a member of Jonesboro's first "Downtown Improvement District." All five of his children worked in the store at various times and the store was passed to the the next generation of Pagans when Steve Pagan bought the store in 2002. Steve owns and operates the store today.

Herbert Pagan was active in church throughout his life, assisting in the founding, and serving as a charter member of, two churches in Jonesboro, including Life Church, where he was an active member until his death. He was a member of the men's choir "Fishermen" at First United Methodist in the 1970's. He regularly taught Sunday School in the children's department and volunteered in the nursery, where he was "Pop" to hundreds of children. He went on many mission trips to Mexico, where he actively supported an orphanage, children's school, prison ministry and several churches. He also supported the "Iron Riders for Christ" motorcycle ministry.

Herbert was a strong supporter of JHS athletics. He served as a President of the JHS Booster Club where he was instrumental in expanding and updating the football facilities. He helped bring about recognition and improvements to girls' sports by including those sports, including cheerleading, in the booster club in the 1970's. He also supported the track and field teams at JHS and ASU. Herbert also supported the music and drama programs at both the high school and middle school levels in Jonesboro.

Pagan also served his country and community by serving twelve years in the Arkansas National Guard where he obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a long time member, including past President, of the Jonesboro Exchange Club where he was awarded member "emeritus" status. Through the club he lead many community improvement activities and headed up fund raisers benefiting local youth. Herbert was also active in the local and regional chapters of the American Red Cross, where he served for many years as chairman of the "water safety" committee. He was not only a trained lifeguard, but trained other lifeguards and also served as an "instructor trainer." He was given numerous awards by the Red Cross, including recognition for forming the first "search and recovery" team in Craighead County. An annual award is given by the Red Cross in his name.

A memorial service will be 6:00 PM Friday, August 9, 2013 at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Steve Farmer officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM on Friday until service time.

Burial will be private with grandchildren to serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Herbert's brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and personal friends: Kenny Womack, Larry McElroy, Joe Chapman, Pam Downs, Bobbie McElroy, Cindy Young, Paula Coston, Angela Walter, Dawn Merrell, Brooke Abbott, Kevin Downs, Will Harrison, Bill Cox, Dr. Don Berry, Dewaine Beisner, Steve Farmer, Bill Booher, Aubrey Scott, Worth Gibson, Matt Knight, Tom Morrell, Scott Harrison, Mike Walker, Bob Seale, Ricky Rogers, John Hays, Bart Cook, Dr. Matt Garner, Dr. Michael Berry, Dr. Jay Lee, Jim Osment, Scott Wilhite, Buddy Cox, Mike Smith, Dr. Ben Owens, Jr., Paula Gibson Brown, Lisa Trevathan, Gary Henderson, John Johnson, Mavrick Cook, Sergio De La Rosa, Melinda Knight, Men's Bible Study of Life Church, members of the Exchange Club of Jonesboro, and countless other friends too numerous to mention.

A special thank you to Drs. Scott and Sandra Stubblefield, Jane Cureton (and staff), Dr. Michael Mackey, Deb Whited, Dr. Roger Hill, Dr. Dick Stevenson, Dr. Allen Nixon, Dr. Braden and Health South Rehabilitation Hospital and Extended Family Home Health Agency, especially Stephanie, Lori, Lisa, Paul, and nurses and caregivers Whitney, Sarah, and Thelma. Also to the Magnolia Fellowship.

For those sending a memorial, the family asks consideration be given to Life Church of Jonesboro, 200 W. Huntington, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401; Iron Riders of Christ, 4928 Winged Foot, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401; or, a "No Kill" animal shelter of your choice.