John Owen Washam

John Owen Washam, 89, of Jonesboro, passed away on Monday, August 20, 2018 at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro.  He was born in Swifton, Arkansas and had lived in Jonesboro since 1982, moving here from Pocahontas.  He was a member of Central Baptist Church and Ron Fielder’s Sunday School Class.  John served as Postmaster for the U. S. Postal Service for many years, and worked for the Post Office for 33 years, having missed only three days during his working career.  As a member of the Crowley’s Ridge Cruisers, he loved antique cars and car shows. Other hobbies include traveling, riding bicycles, golf, and music.  He was a member of the Lion’s Club and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE).  His main love in life was his family.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Emma Washam, and one brother, Willard.

Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Patsy Washam, of the home; sons, John Douglas Washam (Mikki) of Flippin, Arkansas; Jim Washam (Jana) of Jonesboro; daughters, Judy Wolf of St. Louis; Kathy Helton (Ken) of Dardanelle, Arkansas; sister, Barbara Anderson of Madison, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Jennifer Helton Lawson (Shane), Rebecca Helton Harrison (Tyke), Keith Helton (Jodi), John Barry Helton (Allison) , Eric Wolf, Adam Washam (Sami), Alex Washam, Rachel Washam, 22 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren his sister in law, Betty Thompson (Leroy) and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 2:00 Thursday, August 23, 2018 at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Mike Martin officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.  Burial will follow at Masonic Cemetery in Pocahontas with Jim Washam, Shane Lawson, Adam Washam, Alex Washam, John Barry Helton and Keith Helton serving as pallbearers.  Visitation will be from 12:30 until service time.  To sign an online guestbook, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.