Kenneth Joe Doles

Kenneth Joe Doles,74, of Walnut Ridge, passed away at home on November 16, 2024. He was born January 3, 1950 in Stuttgart to Joe S. Doles and Jewell Holt Doles.

Ken graduated from Stuttgart High School in 1968 and attended ASU the following fall. When he heard the Army was needing pilots for the Vietnam War he enlisted. He was already an airplane pilot but was sent to helicopter/flight school and upon graduation, he was appointed to fly Medivac, also known as DUSTOFF (Distinguished Unselfish Service To Our Fighting Forces). During his year in country, he carried over 5,800 patients on his helicopter. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. It is the highest award for extraordinary aerial achievement. After returning from Vietnam, he attended and graduated from Henderson State University. Ken was also a crop duster for 30 years, a charter pilot, an A & P and IA mechanic and also taught aviation maintenance at BRTC for 8 years.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Carl Doles and Jimmy Doles; two daughters, Amie Doles and Yvonne Doles (deceased after birth).

He is survived by his wife, Gail Doles; a daughter, Maggie Easley; a son, Erich (Christy) Doles and four grandsons, K.C. Doles, Joseph Rogers, Bo Easley and David Easley as well as a host of nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

A visitation will be held Friday, November 22, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro.

A memorial service will immediately follow the visitation at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.